8 Beauty Lessons We Learned from Alexa Chung

Aug 24, 2014

Alexa Chung is known for being a trendsetter and she just can’t help it. No matter what she’s wearing, whether spotted in the girliest designer day dress or channeling her best tomboy in a Peter Pan-collared shirt, vintage blazer and jeans, everyone on the street is taking head-to-toe mental notes, rushing to their closets and stepping out in the same (and yes, we’re just as guilty).

But Alexa’s influence goes way beyond our wardrobe. We also consider her a full-fledged beauty muse. Her effortless looks are already tried-and-true faves of the lazy girl set (messy hair, fresh face, natural brows — we can work with that), but Alexa can also ace a polished look as well or better than the rest, especially when she whips out her secret weapon cat eye (swoon times 1000). Scroll down to get schooled on how you can get in with the It girl’s beauty routine.

1. Ombre Is THE Way:Purple hair is cool for your wild child gfs, but you’ve got your sights set on perfecting your ombre fade. Same with Alexa, who toys around with honey browns and caramels on her subtle and so chic gradient.

2. Don’t Ever Leave Home Without a Cat Eye: Thanks to Alexa’s picture-perfect flick, this mod makeup look is now a go-to for girls everywhere. It’s a foolproof way to refine any look — bring your cat eye game to Alexa’s level with this tutorial.

3. Switch Up Your Look With Long Fringe: Make those daydreams of you + fringe a reality by refreshing your hairdo with bangs. Starting with long fringe is the way to go so you can have the most control over where your hair falls. Play around with a classic middle part just like Alexa, make the romantic side-sweep part of your weekly look, then use these hair hacks to grow them out in style.

4. A Fresh Face Is Always on Trend: You just can’t even when it comes to contouring (though gals, it’s really not that bad!), so instead rock a base look that simply polishes your features and makes your skin glow. Make this minimalist routine yours every AM.

5. Your Everyday Lip Shade Doesn’t Have to be Red: You reserve a red lip for special occasions, but that doesn’t mean your pout has to go bare the rest of the time. Take a cue from Alexa and find a soft lip shade that works with your skin tone. Rose pink and light corals are ideal to wear week-in, week-out during the summer, while slightly deeper berries will pull together your winter-long look.

6. Cool Girls Woke Up Like Dis: Unlike Alexa, some of us *don’t* wake up with perfectly kinked hair (really, how DOES the girl do it?!). But there are still ways to make your mane look perfectly messy from the moment you get out of bed. Try these tricks to get your hair to Alexa-levels of amazing undone-ness… and all while you snooze!

7. Don’t Overdo Your Brows: Not too manicured, but not too bold, there’s a balance each girl has to find when it comes to working their natural brows. And the key isn’t to fill ’em in with powder. Instead develop a regular upkeep routine that includes brushing in castor oil to promote healthy growth. It’ll be just a pluck here and there from then on out.

8. You Can Always Count on the Lob: Mid-length hair is the cut of the season, and no one shows that off better than Alexa, who’s been rocking the lob-to-bob and back again for years now. It might be the chicest way to refresh your long layered ‘do, but if you’re still not quite ready to chop it all off, fake the look with a faux crop!

What beauty tips do you take away from Alexa Chung? Have you already mastered her flawless cat eye? Tell us about which other celebs’ beauty routines you obsess over in the comments below.

How To Recreate Selena Gomez's Edgy Black Nails With High-Quality Products Under $15

The magic of Selena Gomez's red carpet look for the 81st Golden Globes is in the details. From the slivers of skin seen through the bodice of her red satin Armani dress to the dramatic downturn of its long, asymmetrical skirt, the Only Murders in the Buildingnominee for Actress in a Musical or Comedy TV Series clearly came to stun.

Selena's glamorous red and black ensemble surely stood out with pops of stunning silver jewelry, but the one thing I couldn't keep my eyes off of were her shiny black nails! Her right-hand manicurist, Tom Bachik, dished on how exactly he crafted the painfully sultry paint job.

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“Selena’s custom dress is such an amazing red with black accents, and we felt the nails should play off that," Bachik said. "The black high-gloss shine found in the flowers on the front was the perfect inspiration.”

These edgy black nails are not only the perfect homage to the rest of Selena's look (a bold smokey eye, jet-black floral accents), but a fitting reminder of my awkward middle school days when all I wanted was to fit into the flourishing emo scene. Though Selena's Golden Globes looks is worlds from the ever-so sleazy 2010's, I love that her glossy black nails can be worn a variety of ways for the everyday!

The secret behind Selena's rebellious mani is iconic nail brand, essie. Here's how to get the exact look in just four steps.

Get The Look: Selena Gomez's Golden Globes Black Nails

1. Prep the nails.

For Selena's black nails, Bachik began with a "meticulous manicure" using the Tweezerman & Tom Bachik Nail Care Travel Set ($29). Think your standard trimming, filing, clipping, and cuticle care – this step will set your nail beds up for some generously glossy coats!

2. Paint on the black.

Bachik painted two solid coats of Essie 'Licorice' ($8) for the base of Selena's black nails. This shade has the most perfect payoff to ensure your dark-as-night mani looks sleek AF.

3. Top it all off.

Bachik swears by Essie Gel Setter Top Coat ($11) for a seamless finish to any mani.

4. Don't skip post-mani nail care.

The Essie On A Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil does a great job at rehydrating the nails and surrounding skin. Bachik finished off Selena's 'patent leather' manicure with the roll-on applicator.

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Lead photo by Amy Sussman / Getty.

12 "Outdated" Kitchen Trends You Should Ditch In 2025 (But You Probably Have)

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

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8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

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9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

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10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

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9 Beauty Hacks For 2022 We Learned from Selena Gomez

Turns out the new season of Only Murders In The Building isn’t the only reason behind Selena Gomez' everglow. Nope, our girl has some legit beauty tips that keep her looking on point at all times. Sit back and prepare to get schooled by one muse we can’t get enough of. These nine hair and skin lessons will take your summer to the next level.

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A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)

Selena Gomez Beauty Lessons For Your Hair

Beauty Lesson #1

Dirty hair holds style better than clean strands. That’s why the “Lose You To Love Me” singer told Allure in 2016 that she only cleanses her hair every four days, relying on dry shampoo and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($24) to touch up her roots in between washes.

Beauty Lesson #2

Apply your favorite hair oil overnight to kick dry ends to the curb. Vogue revealed that while on her second solo tour, the singer, actress, and entrepreneur routinely applies Pantene Gold Series Intense Hydrating Oil ($8) before pulling her hair into a bun for the night. Who knew?

Beauty Lesson #3

A signature hairstyle should embrace your natural texture. She relies on Pantene Airspray Hairspray ($5) to keep her texture light and soft, telling Vogue, “I love being able to let it flow and be wavy because that’s my go-to look.”

Selena Gomez Beauty Lessons For Your Face

Beauty Lesson #4

She believes in cleaning her face err’day. The beauty-lover revealed to Into the Glossthat her daily regimen begins with her Clarisonic Mia Facial Cleansing Brush ($167), “When I don’t get a chance to do the whole routine in the morning, it really bums me out.” Girl, we hear you!

Beauty Lesson #5

Treat problematic areas of your face preventatively. Perfect skin like the songstress’ takes work, which is why uses a humidifier and face-mask combo on-the-reg to keep her blemish-prone chin area clear. This Urban Outfitters Mini Mushroom Humidifier ($24) is cute, cheap, and convenient to boot.

Beauty Lesson #6

Gomez balances out her beauty. The icon-in-the-making notes that she prefers a balanced look, opting for bold eyes or bold lips, but never both at the same time. Allurerevealed that she keeps her foundation light to avoid cakiness, and her Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation ($29) is the perfect pick.

Selena Gomez Beauty Lessons For Your Body

Beauty Lesson #7

Stress shows. So the former Disney star is all about striking that perfect work-life balance. Trainer Amy Rosoff helped her remove scales, fast food, and crash-diets from her life entirely. And while there’s nothing else like the beauty-restoring powers of a good night’s rest, Gomez swore toByrdie that it’s First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM Gel Cream (Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream, $36, is a good alternative) that keeps her looking bright-eyed each morning — even after late nights spent afterparty-hopping post-awards shows.

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Beauty Lesson #8

Regular sweat-seshes keep skin soft and glowing. Of course working out helps your physique look svelte AF. But Gomez adores the Infrared Sweat Wraps from Shape House to burn calories and eliminate toxins, tellingElle, “It’s changed my skin, it’s kind of changed my body as well, so it feels really good. That’s kind of been something that works really well for me personally.”

Beauty Lesson #9

Stay hydrated. Scoring an enviable pout like the celeb’s comes down to hydration — and, well, genetics. She shared with Into the Gloss that her everyday lippie is none other than Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy ($36), an anti-aging lip treatment that moisturizes, smoothes, and contours your pucker.

Which of Selena Gomez' beauty secrets are you excited to try? Let us know on Twitter and follow us on Pinterestfor more beauty content!

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

Featured image via Craig Blankenhorn/Hulu.

This post has been updated.

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Oh No! Jessica Simpson & Eric Johnson Announce "Painful" Split After 15 Years Together.

Jessica Simpson and her husband Eric Johnson have decided to go their separate ways. After 10 years of marriage, Jessica revealed on January 13 that they've been "navigating" a "painful situation" that arose in their relationship, three months after sources told TMZ the singer reached out to a divorce attorney. But despite the shift in their relationship status, there's one thing Jessica and Eric are focusing on.

Here's what Jessica Simpson had to say about her split from Eric Johnson.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are "focusing" on their kids amid their split.

Jessica Simpson explained her decision to split from husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, with whom she shares three children: 12-year-old Maxwell Drew, 11-year-old Ace Knute, and 5-year-old Birdie Mae.

"Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage," Jessica told People. "Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The popstar celebrated her kids' return to school in September with a super sweet Instagram post. "Maxwell, Ace and Birdie y’all make your Mom beam with smiles and grace !" she says. "Keep on showin’ up for yourselves with each step of the way through this new school year! I’m so very proud of y’all for individually shining your light so that in return others feel the glow."

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson met in 2010 through a mutual friend, and ended up getting engaged six months after they started dating. They were married in July of 2014, where Maxwell and Ace were the flower girl and ring bearer.

The "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer celebrated their 10th anniversary with an Instagram post in May 2020, saying, "I fell head over slippers in love with this perfect man 10 YEARS ago today! By chance he knocked on my dreamy cottage door (sigh), I let him in and never let him leave. He is mine, I am his…forever."

And the couple's decision to announce their separation comes after Jessica posted about "putting up with everything I did not deserve" and about how "life is short."

"SMILE while you still have teeth," she jokes.

We're sending Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson lots of love. Check out Brit + Co's Weekend Newsletter for more celebrity updates.

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50 Ideas To Plan An Epic Galentine’s Day With Your Girlfriends

Valentine's Day is almost here, and whether you're single or happily taken, you can always have an amazing time celebrating the season with your best girlfriends. We're channeling our inner Leslie Knope this Galentine's Day with 50 ideas for spending it with your squad. From gathering your girlfriends for a Galentine's Day party or embarking on an epic road trip, now is the time to plan your February weekend with the best of your friends, near and far.

Scroll on for 50 Galentine's Day ideas to celebrate with your girls!

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Brit + Co

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

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Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Send your best friends home with adorable candy boxes that may or may not be used as trinket trays later on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

A Beautiful Mess

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Taylor Simpson

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

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Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

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Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Aww Sam

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Sasha • Stories

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Kelsey Chance

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Brit + Co

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

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Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Brit + Co

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Brit + Co

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

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Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Brit + Co

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

No Revisions

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Brit + Co

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Looking for more reasons to get together with your girls this Galentine's Day? Follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas!

This article has been updated from a previous post with additional reporting by Sarah Koller and Theresa Gonzalez.

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