6 Unexpected People You Should Add to Your Holiday Shopping List

Liner Revival

The lip liner trend for spring 2025 embraces bold definition with a fresh, modern twist. This season, it's about pairing rosy nudes with soft, lighter lip colors and rich, warm tones with deep browns and cherry reds for a sculpted, high-impact look. City Lips Defining Liner is our favorite new lip liner. It prevents color fading, smudging, and feathering, so you can keep your look intact all day or night! It’s available in two pretty shades: Blush, a soft, rosy nude that pairs beautifully with pink hues and lighter lip colors, and Willow, a rich, warm-toned nude that complements brown tones and deeper shades.

Multitasking Makeup

The trend toward skincare-infused makeup is making your beauty routine work harder with nourishing ingredients. City Lips Defining Liner features vitamin E, helping to keep the lip line smooth while subtly enhancing its shape for a fuller, more defined look. For the ultimate plump and polish, pair the pigmented liner with City Lips Plumping Gloss — a duo that gives you a naturally voluminous pout, plus extra hydration.

Pastel Pop

From butter yellow to sage green, this season’s nail trends are embracing soft, yet statement-making hues that bring a fresh pop of color. Alongside these chic shades, almond-shaped nails are offering a sleek, elegant look that flatters your mani aesthetic.

'90s Nostalgia

A softer, smudged take on the classic cat-eye is making waves, with eyeliner staging a bold comeback in full, effortless sweeps. Blue eyeshadow is also back and better. Expect a nod to cool-toned, ’90s grunge eyes, a trend that lends itself to easy, minimalist lines, like a single, clean swipe of liner, proving that less can truly be more.

Lobs, Bobs & Natural Manes

Haircut season is in full swing, and lighter, fuss-free bobs at all above-shoulder lengths, plus natural curls, are making their way in and out of salons for spring. We couldn't be happier for the low-maintenance 'dos!

Satin Skin

This understated look highlights healthy, natural skin with a soft-matte finish — radiant, yet never flat or overly glossy.

Glossy lips, instead, shine this season. Upgrade your lip routine this spring with City Beauty’s new City Lips Defining Liner and lip glosses for a refreshed look.

In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

What's a recent small win for you and your business?

Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

Thanks Paige!

Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

1. Refine Your Strategy
   • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
   • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
   • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
   • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
   • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
3. Invest in Learning
   • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
   • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
   • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
4. Improve Your Processes
   • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
   • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
5. Self-Care and Rest
   • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

Honorable Mention From Sephora's Sale

DedCool Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum

If you love subtle gourmand scents, you won't be able to stop wearing DedCool's Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum! it's a gratifying blend of marshmallow, vanilla bean and sweet rice milk that'll make you feel like you've wrapped yourself in a dream cloud.

The Best Skincare Buys From Sephora's Sale

Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum

If you've been dealing with hormonal acne that's left you with inflamed skin or dark spots, we know how frustrating that can be. But you don't have to suffer in silence with skincare like Dieux's Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum exists. Not only does it treat the aforementioned concerns, but it's also good for minimizing pores and treating uneven skin tone!

KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask

I like my skincare like I love my coffee alternatives — full of mushrooms! Even if you have oily or combination skin, hydration's still a good area to focus on. We love recommend KORA Organics' Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask because it targets dry areas while providing a healthy dose of Vitamin C!

Tower 28 Beauty S.O.S Daily Rescue Facial Spray

We love Tower 28 Beauty's S.O.S. Daily Rescue Facial Spray so much that we wrote about it in 2023! It feels like a toner and serum in a bottle because it immediately soothes any allergic reactions we may having. Itchy skin due to pesky breakouts? You'll want to use this. Red or splotchy skin that's triggered by an allergic reaction? This spray won't let you down.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Juicy lips are always in, but we know it's hard to narrow down what to invest in. We prefer Summer Friday's Lip Butter Balm because you're able to choose from various shades and your lips will be protected from painful cracks that may pop up throughout the day.

The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream

Eye creams are our life savers even if we haven't had a rough night! It's unfair, but everyone starts losing the collagen underneath their eyes at a point which makes dark circles rear their head. To combat that, use The INKEY List's Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle formula!

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

If you want extra pillow-soft & kissable lips, we suggest using LANEIGE's Lip Sleeping Mask. Formulated without parabens, your pout will remain hydrated and protected with every use of this. It's so good that it's been ranked as a "community favorite" on Sephora!

innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

We're sharing innisfree's Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask with our combination skin girlies in mind. Though all skin types can use it, we know having dry & oily areas on your face can be tough to conquer. But this mask contains ingredients like AHA that help stabilize your skin's oil production and it also acts as a natural exfoliant.

Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Did you really think we were rushing past your under eye care? We're serious about it and want you to feel your best, so we're sharing Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks. They may be cute to look at, but they also have plumping and hydrating properties that will make you look well-rested.

The Best Makeup Buys From Sephora's Sale

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

We love e.l.f.'s Power Grip Primer, but we know everyone isn't a fan of it's "sticky" feel. To get the same makeup base that it provides, try applying Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder before you put on your foundation or skin tint! It feels like a face balm, but dries down to a hydrating, matte finish that makes your makeup stay in place.

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer

Don't let the "lack" of shade options scare you away because Ami Colé's Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer is spot-on with its shade-matching. The colors are spot-on and they offer a natural finish that's skin-like.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Matte SPF 30

If you want to keep the matte party going, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer has an oil-free and matte version that oily skin will appreciate. It has SPF in it and won't clog your pores like some foundations do.

P.S. It's light coverage, so you may want to follow up with concealer or a loose powder that matches your complexion.

Benefit Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

Lip and cheek blush stains aren't new, but Benefit's version makes us feel like it is. It's long-wearing formula stays in place all day and won't dry your lips out. Did we mention it's also smudge and transfer-proof?

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Setting Powder

Our favorite loose setting powder has to be Huda Beauty's Easy Bake Blurring product. It's non-Comedogenic (goodbye pore-clogging ingredients) and light-weight, so you don't need a lot.

Pro Tip: After pressing your beauty sponge into it, blow off some of the excess product for a flawless look. You can also tap some of the product on the back of your hand to help avoid unnecessary creasing under your eyes.

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray

We haven't tested if ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr's On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is waterproof yet, but we do swear by how long-lasting it is. We're also fond of it being vegan and cruelty-free because that matters too!

MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Stain

Are we being biased about lip and cheek stains? You can say that, but we'll share why. In a world where it's easy to be heavy-handed with a powder, liquid or cream blush, we're all about using products that make our makeup routine easier.

The Best Haircare Buys From Sephora's Sale

T3 SinglePass Curl X 1.25" Ceramic Barrel Curl

In the market for a new curling iron that you don't have to fight tooth and nail with? You'll love T3's Single Pass design! Created with all hair types in mind, it's sleek and has an extra-long barrel that'll fit around your hair without burning it.

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Every time we see honey in a product, we know it's going to give us the hydration we need! In this case, Gisou's Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask contains properties that strengthen your hair while adding shine to it.

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

Oils shouldn't weigh your hair down and Olaplex knows this. Their bonding formula gives you the healthiest shine while combatting frizz and heat damage which probably explains why it's so popular!

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment

Sometimes your hair needs extra attention and we know just the product you need: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment! It helps undo the effects of heat damage, chemical and color styles while helping to restore your hair to it's former glory.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Speaking of color-treated hair, you often need specialized shampoo to maintain your new style and the health of your hair. That's where K18's Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo steps into the picture. It may remove product buildup and an excess of oil production (sebum), but it doesn't strip your hair!

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Foam: Curl Defining Mousse

Those with curly hair can use mousse and that's something BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY is aware of. Their foaming lotion is incredibly soft and helps to repair your hair each time you apply it.

The Best Nail Care Buys From Sephora's Sale

Glamnetic Press-On Nail Kit

You know how we feel about press-on nails, but we have to say Glamnetic holds a special place in our hearts. You could be a minimalist or maximalist girl, but there's sure to be designs that fit your personal aesthetic.

Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

Glamnetic also has a bruch-on nail glue that makes applying press-on nails super easy. You won't have to worry about applying to much glue because the brush picks up the perfect amount that will coat your nails so you apply whatever designs you have on-hand.

Soft Services Theraplush "Hold" Overnight Retinol Hand Cream

Don't skip taking care of your hands the way you do your face or hair! Soft Services' warm gourmands Retinol Hand Cream helps keep your appendages nice and supple while also making sure your cuticles look taken care of.

L'Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

If smelling warm & spicy scents that aren't food makes you quiver in disgust, try applying L'Occitane's Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil to your hands. It has shea, apricot, and sweet almond oil in it to help replenish any lost moisture which is possible if you use your hands a lot!