This Is The Only Product That Can Tame My Wild Eyebrows

anastasia brow gel review

As a former ‘fill in my eyebrows as dark as possible’ apologist, finally making the decision to embrace my natural brows was so empowering. Caterpillar brows, who?! Even though I no longer opt for pigmented brow pencils or pomades to style my brows, they still require a bit of maintenance. Luckily, I’ve found the one product that lays them down perfectly in a single swipe. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel has become my absolute go-to for locking my brow hairs in place – however I want to style them. I’ve put so many people in my life onto this iconic brow gel. Here’s why I love it!

Meredith Holser

My favorite aspect of this clear brow gel is it supplies some good hold to my hairs without leaving them feeling stiff. I’ve tried other brow gels that give too much hold, ultimately coating my brows in product that dries down to be super hard and flaky. Some people might prefer that super strong hold based on how they style their eyebrows, but it’s just not for me. After applying the Anastasia brow gel, my eyebrow hairs are nicely shaped, but not necessarily stuck in place forever. They’re still soft and fluffy to the touch, and the lightweight formula doesn't really budge throughout the day.

Meredith Holser

The applicator wand on this brow gel is also very satisfying to me. It has a wide oval shape, and is bigger than most other brow gels I’ve tried throughout the years. Because of its size, it brushes through my brows easily, and I can get them styled within a few small swipes, or one big swipe if I'm in a rush to get ready. It’s also easy to maneuver around my face since the brow gel tube itself is sturdy. I can grip the tube without any issues, so application is pretty straightforward and quick.

Meredith Holser

The one thing I will note about this brow gel is that it doesn’t smell all that great. It has a very alcohol-y scent, which isn’t pleasant – but you only really catch a whiff of it if you’re intentionally sniffing close to the tube. During regular application, I can rarely smell the product.

Amazon

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel costs $22 for 0.26 fluid ounces, which I think is a suitable price for the amount of product deposited per use. The applicator wand only picks up a little bit of product at a time, so it’s easily buildable if you desire more hold. I think a single dip and swipe sets my brows so right!

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From the ever-popular Bump-It to tasty Lip Smackers, these “wacky” products defined 2000s beauty trends. And while some were total game-changers, others were downright disasters. Despite this, all 10 of these “wacky” beauty products definitely shaped who we are today and inspired our love for all things makeup, hair, skincare, and nails!

Scroll on to see the top 10 beauty products of the 2000s that we loved – and some we can't believe we ever used!

Amazon

1. Hair Bedazzlers

The ultimate way to bling out your look, hair bedazzlers let you snap tiny, sparkly rhinestones into your locks for a very princess-meets-pop-star vibe. Whether you were channeling your inner Britney or just wanted some extra glitz for a girls’ sleepover, this wacky gadget made every strand shimmer.

Amazon

2. Bump-Its

Now this is a classic. Remember those commercials? Nothing screamed "2000s hair" quite like Bump-Its. They were plastic inserts that promised to give your hair (especially your bangs) that effortless poof without endless teasing. We look back at them now and cringe.

Reddit

3. Crackle Nail Polish

We wish this one still existed, TBH. Crackle nail polish was the edgy, rebellious older sister of your regular ol’ nail polish. It created a cool, shattered effect as it dried. Our favorite thing to do was to pick out a silver crackle nail polish to layer over neon pinks or oranges. It’s giving Avril Lavigne energy!

@violentlips

4. Lip Tattoos

Lip gloss, who?! Lip tattoos let you rock everything from pink zebra stripes to a glittery cheetah print on your lips. Why this existed, we don’t know, but they were definitely a fun novelty at the time.

Walmart

5. Makeup “Phones”

Claire’s took so much of our money in the 2000s for these little makeup-packed phones. Beauty met tech (kind of…) with these makeup compacts disguised as flip phones – because what’s more 2000s than touching up your lip gloss while pretending to take a call?

Amazon

6. Bouncy Blush

Not quite a cream, but not quite a powder, bouncy blush was a weirdly satisfying cheek color with a wacky, squishy texture. It made applying blush feel like playing with putty, which made our teenage hearts sing. Half the fun was just poking it in the pan between uses.

Amazon

7. Hair Crimpers

Somehow, hair crimpers snuck their way into 2000s beauty trends, all the way from the ‘80s. They were the go-to styling tool! With just a few squeezes of those zig-zag plates, your hair totally transformed – but if we tried one now, it’d totally make us look like Weird Barbie.

Amazon

8. Lip Smackers

Every 2000s kid had at least five Lip Smackers floating around in their backpack! We were loyal to the classic Dr Pepper, but the brand dropped many more wacky flavors like Coca Cola, Skittles, and Fanta. They truly weren’t just lip balms – they were status symbols at every sleepover and middle school lunch table. Bonus points if you had the jumbo ones.

Amazon

9. Hair Chalk

For those who wanted to be rebels (but didn’t want to totally upset their strict parents), hair chalk was the #1 way to bring bold, colorful streaks to your locks without major consequences. While it did give a cool effect, it really didn’t stay on your strands for very long.

Amazon

10. Sun-In

You were so cool if you brought a bottle of Sun-In to the pool party. This lemon-infused lightening spray was the ultimate DIY highlight hack, but looking back now, all it did was damage our strands. We’ll never forget that smell, either!

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Nicole Kidman is, as the kids say, mothering. She's giving fans plenty of movies and TV shows to pick from while we wait for the next seasons of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect StrangersA Family Affair, Expats, The Perfect Couple (and the AMC intro, of course). Her steamy drama Babygirl, which hit theaters on Christmas Day 2024, is mixing work and pleasure. Pour yourself a glass of wine for this one, folks.

Scroll down to learn more about Nicole Kidman's Babygirl — including when you can stream it on Max.

Where can you stream Babygirl?

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Babygirl will be streaming on Max starting April 25, 2025. That means you can watch THAT milk scene as many times as you want.

What is the plot of Babygirl?

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Babygirl Plot

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman plays powerful CEO Romy, who's struggling to hold her perfect persona together. Her marriage to Jacob has never provided with much pleasure, despite the fact he's caring and artistic. But when Romy immediately feels drawn to a young intern named Samuel, the two begin a torrid affair.

Filming scenes with Harris Dickinson got so intense, Kidman said she literally had to take breaks. “There were times when we were shooting where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm any more,'” she told the Sun. “Don’t come near me. I hate doing this. I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

But the fact the movie was made by women empowered Kidman — and gave her a sense of freedom. "Doing this subject matter in the hands of the woman that wrote the script, that's directing it and is a really great actress herself — we became one in a weird way, which I'd never had with a director before," Kidman says in a statement. "When you're working with a woman on this subject matter, you can share everything with each other.”

"I really decided in the beginning, I want to make a sexual film, just as sexual as all these films that I've always admired so much," adds writer-director-producer Halina Reijn, "but now I'm going to do it completely through female eyes. What does that mean and what does that look like?”

A24

In our Brit + Co exclusive, Nicole Kidman revealed she "spent a lot of time in bed" with Harris while filming. (TBH, a job that requires you to hang out in bed sounds like a pretty good job to me).

"As soon as he walked in, I was like, 'Oh good, here's somebody who's gonna play with me," she says. "We spent a lot of time in bed. Hours would go by, and it was like you would step out of there and you would say, 'What just happened?'"

"From the moment [Samuel] sees her, he's attracted to her. He realizes there's someone at the height of their power," Harris adds. "There was an element of mystique that needed to be there for the exploration of the relationship."

When is the Babygirl release date?

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Babygirl Release Date

Babygirl made its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and then opened in theaters on December 25, 2024.

Who's in the Babygirl cast?

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Babygirl Cast

The cast of Babygirl includes Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Sophie Wilde, and Antonio Banderas.

What has Nicole Kidman said about making Babygirl?

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole Kidman revealed Babygirl is the most "exposing" film she's done because she's “made some films that are pretty exposing, but not like this.”

“It left me ragged," she says. "At some point I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time I was compelled to do it...This is something you do and hide in your home videos. It is not a thing that normally is going to be seen by the world.”

“I felt very exposed as an actor, as a woman, as a human being,” she continues. “I had to go in and go out like, I need to put my protection back on. What have I just done? Where did I go? What did I do?”

What does babygirl energy mean?

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"Babygirl" is a term of endearment that's usually applied to a man (you've probably heard it describe Pedro Pascal or Paul Mescal). When someone is giving babygirl energy, they're kind, cute, and disarming. And considering Babygirl plays with power dynamics, we might just find ourselves guessing who the "babygirl" in question is up until the very end.

Watch The 'Babygirl' Trailer Here!

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There were SO many moments in the Babygirl trailer that made our jaws drop here:

  • The thumb in the mouth
  • The pink skirt moment
  • NICOLE CRAWLING ON ALL FOURS?!
Yeah, this is one you won't wanna watch with your parents, friends. 🥵 And even Nicole agrees! At the December 2 Gotham Awards, when People asked who moviegoers should bring to the theater with them, "Whoever you want to, but you can also watch it alone." Tea.

Are you looking forward to seeing Nicole Kidman onscreen again? We might have to wait until December to see Babygirl, but there are plenty of incredible Fall Movies coming our way.

This post has been updated.

When it comes to makeup, everyone has their personal preferences. But just like how our appearances change as we age, so should our application techniques.

Let's be clear about one thing: getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, more and more women nowadays are fighting against societal norms and embracing signs of aging (hello, Pamela Anderson!), which is amazing.

Nonetheless, if you're going through the trouble of putting on makeup for work every day or getting dolled up for a date night, the last thing you probably want to do is age yourself unintentionally.

If you've had the exact same makeup routine since you were a teenager or twenty-something, it may be time for an update. Here are some common makeup mistakes to avoid that may be adding years to your appearance.

Scroll to see the makeup mistakes that are totally making you look older.

1. Not Using Primer

Kaboompics.com

A good primer helps create a smooth base for makeup application, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and allowing your products to glide on effortlessly.

So, if you skip this critical makeup step, your products may just settle into any fine lines (think on your forehead, near your mouth, or at the edges of your eyes).

There are plenty of primers available on the market that offer various effects, such as a matte finish or a dewy glow. We recommend opting for a formula that's specifically designed for mature skin to fill in and blur fine lines.

2. The Finger Application Method

Ron Lach

Beauty blenders and other modern makeup tools obviously weren't around decades ago. Even so, the classic finger application method may be aging your skin.

While using your fingers can be a quick and convenient way to put on products like foundation or blush, it can transfer bacteria to your face. Moreover, tugging and pulling at your skin with your fingers on a daily basis might contribute to skin sagging over time.

The best way to blend your makeup is with a damp sponge. By keeping your sponge moist, you'll get a smoother application and prevent the tool from soaking up too much product.

3. Overdoing Your Brows

Tima Miroshnichenko

It's true that eyebrows can thin as women age, and defining your brows may help brighten your face and make your eyes seem bigger.

At the same token, though, you should avoid overdoing it. In 2016, heavily outlined and filled-in eyebrows were extremely "in." Contrary to this trend, mature faces benefit the most from a more natural look.

You can definitely still use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas. Just avoid making your brows look too bold or heavy. Lighter, feathered strokes are the way to go, as you can always build up the pigment gradually.

Then, once you're satisfied with the shape, lock your brows in place with a clear brow gel.

4. Going Heavy With Eyeliner

Anna Shvets

If you want your eyes to appear more open and awake, light eyeliner should be your go-to.

Heavy, black eyeliner, especially on your lower lash line, may cause your lids to look tired or droopy. So, to maintain a fresher appearance, say goodbye to eyeliner under your eyes. Then, for your upper lash line, swap out your black liner for a softer shade of brown.

You can even use a smudge brush to blend it out as opposed to going heavy-handed with a thick line from the start. This will leave you with a more subtle and lifted effect.

5. Using The Wrong Under-Eye Concealer Shade

RDNE Stock project

If you regularly wear makeup, then concealer is probably a staple in your routine. However, many women make the mistake of using a concealer shade that's too light and think it'll erase any under-eye darkness.

Unfortunately, the opposite tends to happen. Instead of brightening up your under-eye region, the area will look chalky, and your fine lines and dark circles may become exaggerated.

As a rule of thumb, you should select a concealer that's only one shade lighter than your skin tone to achieve a natural brightening effect. Warming up the product on the back of your hand can help you blend it more smoothly as well.

6. Applying Plenty Of Powder

ANTONI SHKRABA production

After you apply your liquid products, it may seem logical to lock your makeup in with a setting powder. However, a little goes a long way, and using too much can quickly make you look older by giving your skin a drier appearance and accentuating any fine lines.

Our advice? Skip compact powders and use loose powder instead. Also, use a big powder brush to apply it rather than flat fabric puffs to avoid caking the product onto your skin.

7. Being Heavy-Handed With Blush

Bruno Miranda Photography

It's natural for our faces to slim out as we age. In response, many women rush to apply more blush in hopes that their cheeks will appear fuller and more youthful.

Yet, when applied too heavily after the rest of your makeup is finished, blush can have the opposite effect. The bright pigment may draw even more attention to mature cheeks and cause you to appear older.

The key is to apply a cream blush earlier in your routine, specifically before you put on any foundation. This will make your skin look rosy and glowy without the flush becoming too overwhelming.

8. Using Dark Contour Shades

Alena Darmel

Finally, there's nothing worse than trying to contour your face and realizing you've been left with a ton of dark, unblended streaks. Improper application techniques are sometimes the culprit. But, more often than not, the issue is that you're using a contour shade that's simply too dark for your skin tone.

Instead of sculpting your face, the darker hue can appear harsh and sunken, making you look more mature. So, if you want to contour, make sure you select a product that's only two shades darker than your true skin tone, with a formula that's lightweight.

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Andrew Garfield's relationship status is always a swoon-worthy topic. Whether he's gushing about how Emma Stone is like a shot of caffeine, he's getting flustered talking to Chicken Shop Date's Amelia Dimoldenberg, or he's kissing Demi Moore on the hand, this man is always making me blush. But it looks like he might not be single anymore if some recent outings with Monica Barbaro are any indication — including a post-Oscars party!

While neither Andrew nor Monica have spoken on the relationship rumors, a People source confirmed "they've been really lowkey and have been spending time together quietly"...and Monica shared a pretty funny moment with Amelia on the Oscars red carpet.

Here's what we know about those Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro relationship rumors.

March 16, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are seen grocery shopping.

This duo definitely fanned the flames of those couple rumors when they were spotted grocery shopping in Malibu. A very realistic, domestic, and relatable Sunday! I also went grocery shopping this day, so it looks like we were on the same page ;).

Andrew wore a white tee and jeans while Monica looks cozy in a white tank and green cardigan. Both wore baseball caps. "I like that they are humble and buy the same TP as me," one Instagram user commented. Same.

March 2, 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro attend an Oscar afterparty together.

After the Oscars on March 2, Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield left the Vanity Fair after party together...and showed up to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's after party. No big deal! Monica wore a strapless gown with gorgeous teardrop jewel detail while Andrew looks dapper in a deep gray suit.

They also happened to arrive at the Oscars red carpet at the same time...and Monica was sitting in Andrew's eye line the whole night. What a coincidence!

February 2025 — Monica Barbaro & Andrew Garfield attend Jonathan Bailey's play.

The two went viral on February 20 when they showed up to Jonathan Bailey's Richard II at the Bridge Theatre, and I'm obsessed with how locked in he is on their conversation. This man is an attentive listener if I've ever seen one!

January 2025 — Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro are photographed together.

Andrew and Monica were first seen together at W magazine's Best Performances party, alongside Eddie Redmayne and W's editor-at-large Lynn Hirschberg, in LA. They were already getting cozy!

What do you think about Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro? I'm personally obsessed. Stay tuned for the latest news on this low-key couple! And check out Zoë Kravitz & Noah Centineo Fuel Dating Rumors After Leaving Another Party Together because Andrew & Monica weren't the only ones hanging this month 👀.

This post has been updated.

The blue zone diet is undeniably one of the best ways of eating for overall health and longevity. It draws culinary inspiration from the top blue zones around the world (Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Loma Linda, California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica), where people tend to live longer (over 100 years!), often free of any heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.

Originally outlined by National Geographic Explorer and Fellow Dan Buettner, the blue zone diet is 95% plant-based, with beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, yams, fruits, leafy greens, beets, nuts, and seeds being the #1 priority. High-quality olive oiland whole grains like brown rice and barley are also a huge part of the diet. Blue zone diet recipes widely limit eggs, dairy, meat, added sugar, and processed foods.

The blue zone diet can be a helpful tool to guide your eating habits toward healthier, more beneficial choices for a longer life. These 20 blue zone diet recipes highlight whole foods, veggies, and fruits to make each meal work for you!

Heyday Beans

Chickpea Curry

This flavorful curry recipe loads up on lots of chickpeas to better suit the blue zone diet. Swap the basmati for brown rice, and you'll be set! (via Heyday Beans for Brit + Co)

Midjourney

Niçoise Salad

This dish is packed with so much goodness. From the bed of greens to the heart veggie toppings like olives, tomatoes, green beans, onion, and more, each bite is different from the next, which makes mealtime (especially with the blue zone diet) fun! (via Brit + Co)

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

Hummus + Veggies

Hummus is super easy to make at home, and it'd guaranteed to be healthy when you know exactly what you're putting into it. This recipe features a nice amount of lemon juice for taste and freshness. Serve with lotsa veg, as per the blue zone diet. (via Brit + Co)

Two Spoons

Spring Mix Salad + Lemon Tofu

Salads make some of the best blue zone diet recipes (remember that 95% plant-based rule?), but just because they're salads doesn't mean they have to be boring. This one earns some good zest from baked tofu, homemade dressing, and crunchy veggies. (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Zucchini Fries

These veggie-laden fries actually taste like what you'd get in the drive-thru. So, if you're searching for blue zone diet recipes that'll fulfill your fast food cravings, this is it. Serve with a homemade sauce to amp up the vibes. (via Brit + Co)

The Real Food Dietitians

Greek Cucumber Salad

Greek and Mediterranean food often qualify for the diet since they're fresh and full of healthy goods. This Greek salad combines juicy cukes, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas for a refreshing blue zone bite. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Edgy Veg

Oyster Mushroom Shawarma

Since blue zone diet recipes tend to limit actual meat, it's crucial to find ones that emulate the meaty, smoky flavors of the chicken, beef, and fish you might be missing. In this dish, oyster mushrooms form a very complex forkful with the help of a homemade marinade. (via The Edgy Veg)

Give Recipe

Beetroot Dip

Beets are one of the top veggies to eat on the blue zone diet, and this dip is probably one of the coolest ways you can prepare them. This recipe earns extra points for including pine nuts and/or pistachios! (via Give Recipe)

Blue Zones

Cornmeal Waffles

Blue zone breakfasts can range from granolas to fruit salads, but these waffles look like the tastiest option out there. Wheat flour and cornmeal make up the thick batter for a filling morning meal. (via Blue Zones)

Crowded Kitchen

Couscous Salad

Grains are golden in this diet. Follow this recipe that creates a heavenly blend of couscous and veggies! This would be an excellent option to meal prep so you don't have to worry about cooking down the line. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Earthly Provisions

Three Bean Chili

Beans always win for the blue zone diet! This hearty bowl of chili leverages three different kinds to fill you up and fulfill all your comfort food cravings. (via Earthly Provisions)

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Dark, leafy greens are preferred over lighter ones for the diet because they usually hold more nutritional value. That's why this kale salad is a perfect blue zone diet recipe! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Blue Zones

Asian Stir Fry Noodles

This quick dinner doesn't skimp on flavor. You'll fall instantly in love with the blend of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for the sauce that drowns these rice noodles. (via Blue Zones)

A Virtual Vegan

Almond Hemp Granola

This nutty granola is the ultimate addition to breakfast time yogurt bowls. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Hello Little Home

Roasted Squash

Virtually any vegetable is roast-able and fitting for the blue zone diet, but delicata squash is great for when you just want something a lil' different. (via Hello Little Home)

Vanilla and Bean

Citrus Carrot Ginger Smoothie

Wether it's for breakfast or a mid-day snack, this hydrating smoothie will never leave you unsatisfied. (via Vanilla and Bean)

The First Mess

Herby Whipped White Beans with Smoky Mushrooms

This share-worthy recipe expertly disguises white beans in the form of an herby dip topped with grilled 'shrooms. To make it more filling, use toasted whole grain bread as your dipping vehicle! (via The First Mess)

Blue Zones

Sweet Potato + Black Bean Burgers

Sweet potatoes and beans are some of the most recommended ingredients for blue zone diet recipes. In this meal, they team up with some oats and other crucial elements to form some super healthy burger patties. (via Blue Zones)

Half Baked Harvest

Roasted Cauliflower Hummus

Again, dips shine! This hummus is packed with veg – though you wouldn't know it if you didn't make it. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Blue Zones

Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels sprouts are the star of this warm salad. Top things off with pickled onions and plenty of nuts for added deliciousness! (via Blue Zones)

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This post has been updated.