7 Celeb-Approved Makeup Trends That Will Dominate 2017

When it comes to the year ahead, every category has a prediction of which trends will dominate 2017. Food experts are betting on cactus water and moringa, wedding pros are planning for acrylic invites and dessert bars, and wellness gurus are expecting to see turmeric in everything. The beauty world is no exception, and in its first month, 2017 has already presented us with some seriously stunning looks from our favorite stars. Scroll down and discover your new favorite makeup trend that is totally red carpet-approved.

Inner-Eye Highlight

Nicole Richie: The House of Harlow designer is one of the biggest beauty risk-takers of our generation. From lavender-hued hair to bold cat-eye liner, Nicole knows how to make an impact. We love the hit of gold highlight on the inner corners in the photo above, which makes her doe eyes look even brighter and bigger. (Photo via Jason LaVeris/Getty)

Get the Look:e.l.f. Baked Highlighter in Moonlight Pearl ($4): This cooler-toned champagne highlighter will brighten the whites of your eyes and give you that bright-eyed-bushy-tailed look. (You know, the one that says “No, I didn’t stay up until 2am watching Netflix last night.”)

Minimalist Foundation Coverage

Emily Weiss: This queen of minimalist makeup is leading the “wear less foundation” revolution, and we’re here for it. Her makeup line Glossier’s manifesto is “skin first, makeup second, smile always,” so it’s no surprise that she rocks the barely there beauty look like no one else. (Photo via Presley Ann/Getty)

Get the Look:Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint ($42): Just roll and blend this magical foundation on your skin for light coverage in all the right places. Like the brand’s breakout product, Sunshine Oil, it’s infused with a blend of avocado, mandarin, grape-seed and olive oils for long-lasting hydration.

Red-Orange Lips

Shay Mitchell: Want a bold lip color that turns heads? Play it like this PLL-star and rock a red with orange tones. It’s flattering on a wide range of skin tones and is a nice break from the cooler reds that ruled 2016. (Photo via Steve Granitz/Getty)

Get the Look:Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Countess ($21): These cult fave lippies are popular for a reason — rich color pay-off, flexible feel and a killer shade range.

Dusty Rose Blush

Hailey Baldwin: There’s something about a mauve blush that gives us major ’90s vibes. A deeper shade doubles as a bronzer to give you those coveted chiseled cheekbones in minimal swipes. (Photo via Axell/Bauer-Griffin/Getty)

Get the Look:Benefit Dallas Box o’ Powder ($29): Big ups to this longtime favorite for never going out of style. Sweep it over cheekbones and temples for a super subtle contour.

Dewy Skin

Jasmine Tookes: We’re 100 percent pro-dewy skin. Matte may have had its moment, but now it’s all about the youthful glow of well-hydrated and well-rested skin. Jasmine gets it, obvs — just look at her — she’s radiant. (Photo via Thos Robinson/Getty)

Get the Look:Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation ($13): For afternoons when you realize you haven’t had a sip of water all day, cushion foundations are a total lifesaver. This formula offers luminous coverage, for that fresh-faced look we’re all after RN.

Monochromatic makeup

Emily Ratajkowski: We love the ease of this matchy-matchy makeup look. No more wondering which hues pair best with others, because now you just have to worry about picking one super-flattering color. Look for eyeshadows and lip colors that play in the same family (cool or warm), like Emily’s terra-cotta. (Photo via Jeffrey Mayer/Getty)

Get the Look:Makeup Geek Eyeshadow Pan in Sidekick ($6): This cinnamon brown with a matte finish is SO gorgeous on both lighter and darker skin tones. Go for a highly pigmented formula like this one by Makeup Geek to add a beautifully sun-kissed look to the skin.

With:Makeup Geek Iconic Lipstick in Naive ($15): This satin-finish lippie is just a touch lighter than the shadow above, but when paired together they create a matching look that SLAYS. Plus, these orange-brown shades are a nice departure from the brick reds and rose gold tones that dominated this past year.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Eyeliner

Sophia Richie: You know how editors used to say that if you have no time at all to do your makeup, slap on some red lipstick and voila, you’ve got a look. That’s how we feel about this smokey, smudgy liner. It makes Sophia’s gorgeous hazel eyes pop and adds an effortless attitude to an entire outfit. (Photo via Gregg DeGuire/Getty)

Get the Look:Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Gel Eye Liner ($5): Let’s be honest — there are two things an eyeliner should be: cheap and easy. This gel pot happens to be both. For the cost of a latte, you’ll get a gel liner with undeniable glide and serious color payoff. Use the brush to trace and smudge the outer corners of your upper and lower lash line.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

One of the perks of being born in 1991 is getting to witness all of the gorgeous '90s makeup looks emerge and become popular again decades later. In my humblest opinion, some of them never went out of style because they're timeless and have a natural appeal that people keep gravitating towards. Don't believe me? Think about some of the makeup looks you've seen in Euphoria. They're so '90s-coded!

While it's hard to narrow down our favorites, but we think we've picked the best '90s makeup looks anyone can recreate for years to come. Here's what to try right now!

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

1. Sultry Makeup Look

If there's one thing Kaia Gerber's mom had on lock, it was the '90s sultry makeup look. Even today, Cindy Crawford continues to show why she was one of the OG '90s supermodels. You rarely saw her without intentionally tousled hair, a glossy and slightly metallic brown lip, and perfectly outlined eyes. Oh, and we can't forget her signature smile that she passed on to her amazing daughter!

Here's How To Get Cindy Crawford's Sultry Makeup Look

Sephora

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner Stick

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

2. '90s Lip

If there's one thing fans could count on singer Brandy Norwood to do, it was sing and play a convincing coming-of-age teenager on Moesha. But, her style was just as noticeable because she always wore the cutest braids and stunning '90s lip combo that's still popular today. Try as I might, I've yet to part ways with this makeup look because it looks good on everyone.

You'll need a dark lip liner, a nude matte lipstick or gloss to complete this look!

Here's How To Get Brandy's Signature '90s Lip

Amazon

Mented Cosmetics No. 5 Brown Lip Liner

Amazon

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

A little clear gloss goes a long way! The goal is to create a light sheen instead of lips that look dripped in gloss!

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

3. Brown Lipstick

There's a ton of iconic '90s makeup looks, but it seems like brown lip liner and lipstick had the girls in a frenzy! They couldn't get enough of it then and we're crazy about it now. Jennifer Anniston, America's sweetheart, was known for wearing a simple look that included brown lipstick that complemented her undertones.

All brown lipsticks aren't created equal, so we're sharing a couple of our favorite options!

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

3. Cherry Red Lipstick

We can talk about red lipstick all day, especially if it has something to do with Winona Ryder's cherry red version! Ever popular today, it's a bold way to liven up your makeup if you plan to keep the rest of your face simple. Plus, you can wear it year-round if you want!

What we've learned is that blue-red lipsticks tend to be more universal, so we're sharing the ones we think will bring your own cherry red look to life.

Here's How To Get Winona Ryder's Cherry Red Lipstick

Ulta Beauty

Juvia's Place The Reds Cherry Velvety Matte Lipstick

Brenda Chase/Online USA, Inc.

4. Doll Eye Makeup

We have nothing but the utmost respect for Pamela Anderson's decision to go makeup-free after decades of wearing it. Still, we'll always cherish the way her '90s makeup looks rivaled Barbie's. You'd always see Pamela wearing gorgeous eyeshadow that made you want to play in different palettes until you found the perfect combo to match whatever she wore on her eyes.

In honor of her doll eye makeup, here's a few makeup palettes that are guaranteed to give you a range of shades to choose from!

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

5. Sparkly Highlighter

Last but not least, we have to pay homage to the way Halle Berry looked like a perfect sparkly gem in the '90s. Her pixie haircut seemed to accentuate her cheekbones that had the perfect amount of glitter highlighter on it and we're obsessed with going back to the days where makeup literally glowed.

To achieve a similar look, you're going to need the highlighters we've chosen for you!

How To Get Halle Berry's Sparkly Highlighter Look

Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter (Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak)

Tell us which of these '90s makeup looks you plan to recreate this fall, and shop our Amazon Storefront for more of our beauty favorites!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

If there's one thing about Gilmore Girls fans you can count on, it's their passion. They love the quirky one liners, memorable moments, and are usually either Team Jess or Team Logan (sorry Dean...). Give any Gilmore Girls lover in your life the chance to transport themselves to Stars Hollow this holiday season — without having to make the trek to Washington, Connecticut or the Warner Bros. stage in Hollywood. These Gilmore Girls gift ideas are fun, thoughtful, and very cozy, which are also three hallmarks of the series itself! From a coffee mug that Luke Danes would approve of to the perfect gifts for Taylor Swift fans, this Gilmore Girlsgift guide will make you say "Oy with the poodles already!"

Keep reading for 24 Gilmore Girls-themed gift ideas for 2024.

Amazon

The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir

Get all the behind the scenes info you could ever dream of when you pick up Kelly Bishop's new memoir!

Hot Topic

Loungefly Gilmore Girls Icons Mini Backpack

I was absolutely gagged the first time I saw this backpack. Tiny pizza slices, both the Luke's Diner and Chilton logos, AND the gazebo? I need this, like, right now.

Sunday Best

Sunday Best Peggy Sweater

Consider this white cable knit sweaterthe Rory Gilmore sweater for the season. I cannot stop wearing mine. It's super soft and the perfect medium weight (meaning you won't be cold but you also won't feel weighed down). It's also not itchy at all. I love wearing it with jeans, or tucked into trousers or a skirt.

Amazon

Cotton Baseball Hat

For a more subtle nod to the fashion on the show, a blue baseball cap gives major Luke Danes vibes without having to walk around wearing Gilmore Girls merchandise. Wear it with a crewneck and oversized coat now (hello '90s "It" girl!) and a tee shirt come spring.

Book of the Month

Book of the Month

Channel your inner Rory with the Book of the Month subscription service. The cool part about someone else picking out the books is that you'll find titles — and authors — you didn't even know to look for.

Nordstrom

Espresso Martini Statement Earrings

It wouldn't be an episode of Gilmore Girls without a cup of coffee, or a martini at one of Richard and Emily's Friday night dinners. Combine the two iconic beverages with these statement earrings! They're bold, they're quirky, and they'll be the talk of all your holiday parties.

Etsy

Stars Hollow "Autumn Festival" Travel Poster

Nothing screams Stars Hollow like a festival, and this autumnal poster celebrates the best parts of small town life. Whether you choose to display it in a gallery wall or on a bookshelf, you'll feel like you're coming home every time you look at it.

Etsy

Luke's Diner Mug

With a Luke's Diner mug, you can pretend you really are in Stars Hollow. Bonus points if you're also having a big stack of pancakes!

Etsy

Gilmore Iced Coffee Glass Cup

If you're more of an iced coffee fan, even in the winter (I wonder what Luke would have to say about that?), grab a glass with a super cute design. Not only do I love that Rory and Lorelai are featured in the design, but the color palette is beautiful, too!

Maisonette

Gina White Poodle

Getting your little into the Gilmore Girls spirit? They definitely need a lovable stuffed dog. Again I say, "Oy with the poodles already!"

Handker Bandanas

Colorful Bandana

For another low-key nod to the ultimate BFF's, grab a bandana in your favorite color (like this one that uses untreated, non-GMO cotton!). In true Y2K fashion, Sookie and Lorelai wear bandanas throughout the show, so this is a super fun way to incorporate their style into your own closet this winter.

Etsy

Dragonfly Necklace

A delicate dragonfly necklace is a beautiful layering piece that will add summer cheer to the dreariest of winter days and remind you of Dragonfly Inn at the same time. The fact that dragonflies represent new beginnings is just the cherry on top.

Etsy

Gilmore Girl Eras Shirt

Have you been binging Gilmore Girls during the day and watching Eras Tour TikTok livestreams at night? This T-shirt has your name written all over it. My personal favorite detail is that Kirk is in the debut square.

Etsy

Stars Hollow Christmas Festival Sweatshirt

There's nothing like layering a turtleneck, a crewneck, and a bunch of jewelry for a trip to your corner coffee shop, so swap your go-to crewneck for this festive Stars Hollow one! The gazebo is instantly recognizable for Gilmore Girls fans and just looking at the design makes me want to say, "I smell snow."

Walmart

Gilmore Girls: Complete Series Collection

One of my favorite Christmas presents in recent years was the full Gilmore Girls DVD set. This 42-disc DVD set has every single episode and even more hours of unaired clips, behind the scenes features, and episode commentaries. I'm geeking out just thinking about it.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook

Gilmore Girls recipes are always delicious, and always pretty easy (after all, Lorelai and Rory basically only eat takeout and Luke's!). The official cookbook will let you put your own spin on the food you seen onscreen, and then you can have a truly meta experience by eating your meal while you watch the Gilmores eat theirs.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: Trivia Deck and Episode Guide

Tried-and-true Gilmore Girls fans will love diving into this trivia book. Because this game (which features 200 questions) has an 88-page episode guide and goes through every. Single. Episode. Worth it!

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: At Home in Stars Hollow

TBH, I think kids books are great for book lovers of any age. The art and simple storytelling really get my creative juices flowing. At Home In Stars Hollow will make you (or a family member or friend) love Gilmore Girls in a whole new way!

Cande Craft Company

Stars Hollow Scented Candle

This all-natural soy candle has every scent a Gilmore Girls fan will love: coffee, sweet cream, and vanilla. It's cozy and balances sweet and bitter in a really intoxicating way.

Amazon

Lorelai and Rory Gilmore Plush

Okay, I'll be honest. I want these plushes for myself! The design is a hilarious nod to the season one episode "The Lorelais' First Day At Chilton" and even features a tiny coffee mug and tiny book!

Rock Em Socks

Gilmore Girls Socks

Now that we're in knee-high boot season (which I FINALLY bought), I like to wear super fun, colorful, and chaotic socks. Grab a pack of Gilmore Girls socks to take some Stars Hollow magic with you no matter where you go.

Etsy

Gilmore Girls Themed Blind Date with a Book

For this bookish blind date, you'll receive a Rory-themed read, a tea bag, a bookmark, and stickers. You really can't go wrong.

Favorite Child

Stars Hollow Books Tote Bag

Carrying your favorite books in a tote bag with the Stars Hollow Books logo feels like it's meant to be.

Amazon

Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

Lauren Graham's collection of essays will give you a glimpse behind the curtain as she offers thoughtful stories about life, aging, and the industry.

Which gifts from this Gilmore Girls gift guide will you be buying for your friends (or yourself)? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

There are so many different makeup looks trending for fall, from espresso eyes to a classic French red lip. And while everyone's mostly moved on to their autumnal palettes, some trends — like dewy skin and rosy cheeks— carried over from the summer. So while you're working on your new seasonal everyday makeup, sultry date night looks, and everything in-between, how can you stay on trend?

I talked to makeup content creator Victoria Lyn, makeup artist Randall Intrabartola, Beauty and Content Specialist Sophie Vongkhamsaoto get their opinion on what looks are going to be the most popular this fall, so keep reading to hear their thoughts!

Burgundy Lips

Sephora

Sophie Vongkhamsao, Beauty and Content Specialist, let us know that burgundy is already becoming a fall fashion staple, but she also predicts the color will quickly become part of the everyday makeup look! Gone are the neutral shades of summer — this look exudes mystery and moodiness, which is just what we're going for! Vongkhamsao says, "Whether it’s a deep merlot or a plummy wine shade, this lipstick will offer some warmth to your skin — but make sure to pick a shade according to your skin tone. Concentrate on having a steady hand when applying your lipstick as darker shades can get messy."

To top it all off, Vongkhamsao says to add a deep lip liner to solidify the look and a little bit of lip oil to moisturize the lips. While I love a burgundy lip for day-to-day makeup, this color gets bonus points for fitting a vampy Halloween or cozy Christmas party look, so we expect it to only grow in popularity over the next few months!

Subdued Smokey Eye 

Blushington

A smokey eye is a classic and timeless staple — and the dramatic look was especially on-trend for Bratsummer. However, Vongkhamsao says a more subdued version of the look will continue to be trendy throughout the colder months!

This fall, more demure smokey eyes will replace the darker, full glam. In order to achieve this, you'll wanna opt for lighter palettes, leaving the cut crease behind and using lighter grey eyeliner and eyeshadow to highlight your eyes. Vongkhamsao recommends avoiding bright eyeshadows and dark eyeliner, and instead using clear mascara to effortlessly flatter your natural look and lashes!

Grungey Girl Fall Eyes

Victoria Lyn

If you're wanting to take more of a risk and opt for a grungey look, then try the espresso eyeshadow trend. Think tumblr-era-goth vibes, but in a more modern way — the la indie sleeze aesthetic really is back with a veangance. Beauty guru, Victoria Lyn, says that you can achieve this look using an eyeliner or liquid shadow to create an effortless smokey eye in black, brown, or even midnight blues.

This is the perfect makeup trend to end your Brat summer and transition into grungy girl fall. Victoria says that warm spices and jewel tones are the most flattering color palettes for the autumn season. Pumpkin tones, black cherry, and espresso shades are gorgeous not only on the lips but also eyes!

I will definitely be testing this look out myself!

Charcoal-Rimmed Eyes

Randall Intrabartola

We're seeing charcoal-rimmed eyes more and more of this fall! This look is such an easy way to flatter any eye color, but especially those with blue and brown eyes.

Wanna try the trend yourself? Simply, use a charcoal eye pencil to line the eyes on the top and bottom lid from your inner corner, and flick it out to elongate the shape. This will leave you looking wide-eyed and stunning all fall and winter long!

Dewy Skin

Randall Intrabartola

The dewey skin trend was extremely popular in the summer — we're looking at you, Nicola Coughlan — but guess what? It's not going anywhere according to makeup artist Randall Intrabartola. Fashion week after fashion week this year, it's clear this dewy look is sticking around and turning into a trend for fall and winter as well.

I could totally see this trend transforming into somewhat of a "winter-ice-princess" type of look for the colder months ahead! So hold onto your dewy foundations and liquid highlighters, because this is the look for 2024!

Rosy Cheeks

Ajaila Walker

This is yet another summer trend that has definitely trickled its way into fall thanks to Hailey Bieber! She's brought back the rosy cheeks aesthetic in a way we can't escape. And honestly, I'm not mad about it — when cold weather starts to hit, my cheeks get rosy anyway, so why not make it a look?

I think we'll especially start seeing this light pink, iridescent shade like shown above. It's the ideal shade to take you from summer into fall and winter, eventually pairing with darker lipsticks to give a sugar plum kind of look.

French Red Lip

Kayla Walden

Lastly, my favorite trend has to be the classic, and oh-so-timeless French red lip. This is bright red lip is perfect, because bright red happens to be a fall color that's trending this season in fashion! So, it's the perfect way to top off a cute, red look by wearing a matching lipstick as well.

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Angelina Jolie has always been mother — but she's also a literal mother to six kids whom she clearly cares about fiercely. Since she first adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax to giving birth to Vivienne and Knox, it's always been evident that her children are her entire world. While she rarely talks about her children (especially given her highly contested divorce at the moment), Angelina shared a little slice of her feelings on motherhood, insights on her children, and more with Good Morning America.

Here's what Angelina Jolie had to say about her kids — including which one of them is the most private!

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- YouTube

Angelina opened up about her feelings for her family while chatting about her new movie Maria with Good Morning Americaon November 21, 2024. Host Michael Strahan asked Angie about if there's anything she loves as much as her character loves singing, and she replied that it's her "motherhood."

"It’s my happiness. You can take everything else away from me," she said. "I could — nothing else matters."

When asked about her sons' involvement in Maria, Angelina explained that despite their involvement behind the scenes, they're very uninterested in a life in the spotlight. She said, "None of my children want to be in front of the camera. They're quite private."

Angelina elaborated, "Shiloh's extremely private. They weren't born with privacy, so I hope they can have that."

This interview comes after Angelina and Knox attended the Governor's Awards with her on November 18, 2024. His rare appearance shocked so many — including Brad. Daily Mail reported that Pitt found the timing "suspicious."

The source said, "'She is trying to get under his skin after his recent win and using Knox to do so is odd. Knox wants nothing to do with Hollywood and has no communication with Brad."

Despite the weirdness, the source also said, "He [Brad] believes that, in time, his children will come back into his life."

How many kids does Angelina Jolie have?

Angelina Jolie has six children. She adopted Zahara, Maddox, and Pax, and later gave birth to Vivienne and Shiloh. She shares her children with Brad Pitt, most of whom aren't on good terms with him at the moment.

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Just how expensive is it to have a baby in 2024? One woman sharing her experience on social media has sparked a much-needed conversation about financial transparency when it comes to starting (or growing) a family.

Josephine Anderson, who posted a video on her Instagram @fosterthevalley, outlined the costs of her uncomplicated vaginal birth, and TBH, it was shocking.

The financial breakdown of her experience (with Cigna for insurance):

  • Routine office visits (including 2 ultrasounds): $1,266
  • Labs: $3,440.81
  • NIPT genetic testing: $15,319.36
  • Anatomy scan: $1,270
  • RhoGam: $360
  • Hospital for mom: $23,722.10
  • Hospital for baby: $7,402.80
  • OBGYN for delivery: $5,000
  • Epidural: $5,720
  • Breastfeeding support: $2,589.78
  • Pediatrician: $209
That all racks up to a whopping total of $66,299.85. After insurance was factored in (her deductible was $3,000 while her max out-of-pocket for in-network expenses was $11,000), the total cost for her uncomplicated vaginal birth was $4,788.98. Forbes Advisor reports the average cost of having a baby in 2024 is $2,854.

Instagram

Josephine’s video warranted thousands of comments, most of which were appalled by the costs of her experience:

“This needs to be shared in SexEd classes,” one commenter wrote.

“The US medical system is BROKEN,” another said.

“And people are still confused why more women are choosing to remain child free… we literally can’t afford it,” another user commented.

Mart Production / PEXELS

Brit + Co spoke with Wendy Colson RN, IBCLC and CEO/Founder of BOOBIE Superfoods to gauge if Josephine’s costs were typical for the care she received. Colson has significant insight into how insurance works not only from an employer’s perspective, but from personal experience as a patient with breast cancer.

“The $4,788.98 net amount she mentions is realistic given that her deductible was $3,000. If she had chosen a plan with a $1,000 deductible – which is a common ceiling for good coverage – the same scenario would have cost her around $2,789,” Colson said. “The video highlights the importance of understanding what you're getting with an insurance plan, especially when you anticipate major life events like childbirth.”

Sarah Chai / PEXELS

Colson primarily attributes unanticipated costs for medical care (like in Josephine’s case) to patients that choose their insurance plans with, well, no real plan.

“Many [people] opt for the [plan] with the lowest paycheck deductions without fully evaluating the benefits,” Colson said.

There’s often a tradeoff between paying less per paycheck and receiving your desired benefits: for example, if you elect to contribute less money towards your insurance per paycheck, you may end up paying more out of pocket for things like doctor’s office visits and prescriptions.

“Making an informed choice is key to saving money in the long run,” Colson continued. “In short, it's crucial to consider both the immediate costs (like paycheck deductions) and the potential future costs (like deductibles and copays) when choosing an insurance plan.”

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Another major cost Josephine mentions in her video was 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, which cost her a total of $18,000 (in lost income).

Per the passing of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in 1993, moms have a legal right to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that the act was designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities, accommodate the legitimate interests of employers, and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.

Matilda Wormwood / PEXELS

It all sounds great until you realize the time off is indeed unpaid, which doesn't really aid in the amount of money parents end up owing after all is said and done in the pregnancy and childbirth processes.

Only 13 states plus the District of Columbia offer paid maternity leave. When you compare the United States’ laws to that of other industrialized nations, they don’t exactly measure up.

Colson says Sweden’s maternity leave policy is “one of the most generous,” offering 390 days of paid parental leave (shared between parents) and 80% of wages covered for a significant portion of the leave. In Germany, mothers are entitled to 14 weeks of maternity leave plus a tax-free, income-based allowance straight from their insurance provider.

Jonathan Borba / PEXELS

Though it’s likely that US laws will never be that generous in terms of paid maternity leave, there are a few things you can do to make the blow of medical costs hurt a little less, says Colson.

“My advice is to be your own advocate,” she says. “If you’re planning to have a baby, start by understanding what your state provides in terms of paid leave to avoid surprises after delivery.”

To keep the cost of having your baby (if you’re planning to have one) transparent and free of surprises, Colson recommends:

  • Asking your physician’s office for a detailed breakdown of insurance billing codes, including:
    • Office visits
    • Lab work
    • Epidural (and the anesthesiologist’s separate fee)
    • Hospital admissions
    • Specialist consultations during admission
    • Optional procedures like circumcision, if desired
  • Email the insurance billing codes to your insurance provider, who can help calculate your out-of-pocket costs and deductible

“Having a baby is priceless,” Colson says. “By planning ahead – understanding your insurance options, healthcare costs, and available benefits – you can ensure peace of mind and focus on what truly matters: your growing family.”

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