18 Things You Need If You’re Going Backpacking

Britt Feder
Feb 25, 2015

Adventure is calling. Are you down? The world is a big ol’ place just waiting for you to explore it over and over. And nothing quite says adventure like a backpacking/globetrotting trip. Be it by plane, train or automobile, an adventure this epic has to be planned at least a little bit prior to takeoff. First things first: What should you pack for your carrying-everything-on-your-back travels? Check out these 18 picks to make your trip a success. Now all you need to decide is where you’re going… Happy travels! (We’re totally jealous btw. Take us with you.)

1. Travel Scarf With Hidden Pocket ($52): Why didn’t we think of this? This scarf holds all your important belongings, like your passport and money, in a secretly hidden pouch. Brilliant and oh-so trendy.

2. Go Travel Pillow Duo ($20): Comfort is key, since you may find yourself sleeping on the go. This pillow caters (and molds) to your needs. Sleeping on the plane? Crashing on the floor? It instantly transforms from u-shaped to a rectangle just like that.

3. Cantaloupe Ear Buddies ($16): Screaming baby behind you? Loud stag party to your right? Ear buddies are your BFF during those long train or bus rides.

4. SteriPEN Portable Handheld Purifier ($50): Hydration, hydration, hydration. This portable pen makes sure you’re drinking clean water anywhere in the world.

5. 4-in-1 Adapter ($25): A color-coded adapter makes it easy to plug in all your goods. With four different plugs, this handy gadget makes sure you’re good to go in over 150 different countries.

6. CS Lewis Notebook ($12): Write down all your amazing adventures in this notebook. The cover quote is pretty spot on.

7. Toms Red Canvas Women’s Classic ($48): If we had to pick the most comfy shoe ever, it would definitely be a pair of Toms. Did we mention we know a way to waterproof them? You’re welcome.

8. REI MultiTowel Lite ($23): With backpacking comes staying in hostels that may not always have towels for you to use. This super soft, super absorbent, super light towel will leave you feeling like a million bucks after a long day of traveling.

9. The North Face Women’s Venture Jacket ($99): Being prepared for any and every type of weather is probably the number one rule of traveling. We think this minty jacket should help you follow that rule quite nicely.

10. Back Me Up Mobile Charger ($30): It’s happened to all of us: Our phone dies at a super inconvenient time. And when you’re traveling, any time without a phone is inconvenient. That’s why you should totes carry around this cute mobile charger.

11. Scrubba Wash Bag ($55): Doing laundry is never that fun, especially when you’re trying to budget money while traveling. This washing wonder cleans your clothes in minutes (for free).

12. Wide-Eyed Owls Sleep Eye Mask ($12): We LOVE sleep. Who doesn’t? And having it dark while doing so is super important. Enter the world of sleeping masks for the shuteye you need — even when sun is shining through that train window.

13. Tortuga Travel Backpack ($199): This is your home away from home, so make it count. The Tortuga is a front-loading bag that’s great for travelers because you don’t have to “unpack it” every time you want to get something out. Plus, you will be saving $25-$50 each plane ride on bag fees, leaving more money to spend on adventures. Score.

14. Kindle Fire HDX ($179): Traveling brings a lot of downtime between destinations. So, why not read? Watch movies? Surf the web? This newest Kindle has it all, providing you with hours and hours of entertainment.

15. Galileo App-Controlled Motion ($150): Step aside, selfie stick! This stand is controlled by an app that helps you create steady, 360-degree videos of the unbelievable landscapes and cities around you. Nothin’ like making friends jealous of your awesome life, right?

16. The Undress ($75): This Kickstarter campaign is life changing. Literally. Get dressed wherever and whenever without giving strangers a show. We have to admit, the actual dress is super cute as well and it comes in a bunch of other colors and patterns.

17. Hearos Ear Plugs ($4): We already told you how much we love sleep. You got the darkness you need thanks to a sleep mask, now make sure it’s quiet. Zzzzzzz….

18. Bheard Sound Pod ($50): Has anyone ever let you in on the secret of using a cup as a makeshift speaker for your smartphone? Well, this version takes it to the next level by amplifying the high, medium and low sound waves for your listening pleasure. The best part: no batteries or cords necessary.

So, who’s ready to quit their job, pack their bags and go on an adventure? What would you bring and where would you go? Tell us in the comments below.

Foodies: Bookmark These Most-Photographed Restaurants For Your Next Meal

Yelp just dropped their list of the top 25 most-photographed restaurants of 2024, and it has us drooling for a fancy, pic-worthy meal. If you’re always the first one to whip out your phone for a quick picture once any kind of food arrives at your table, you’re definitely gonna want to try out these places. Therestaurants span over a wide range of cuisines, from Chinese to Mexican and Thaito barbecue(all vetted by actual Yelp diners), so you’re sure to find a foodie-friendly spot that’s perfect for your next night out. Check out the full list below!

Nep Cafe by Kei Concepts

1. Nep Cafe by Kei Concepts

Vietnamese

Located in Irvine, California, Nep Cafe by Kei Concepts serves up some seriously satisfying Vietnamese dishes. From filet mignon to garlic noodles, each of their specialties is presented to perfection. The inside of the restaurant is just as stunning as the food, though you may have a wait – this spot is one of Orange County's busiest restaurants!

Juqi

2. Juqi

Chinese

Juqi brings a true Beijing influence to their first-ever US location in Flushing, New York with a wide range of Chinese dishes. Their Peking duck is hailed as one of the most-photographed meals, since it's carved tableside. They have even more traditional bites to indulge in, like kung pao chicken and mapo tofu.

Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

3. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

American

Vegas is the place to be if you're a foodie, and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen is not one to miss. Of course, the celebrity factor is a huge draw to this Las Vegas-based restaurant, but signature dishes like the succulent beef wellington and tasty lobster risotto will really steal the show. The interior of the restaurant is modern, lively, and vibey.

X-FISH Izakaya

4. X-FISH Izakaya

Sushi

Landing the #4 spot is X-FISH Izakaya, located in Buena Park, California. You really can't ever go wrong with sushi, as it's always stunning on the plate. This spot's $55 all-you-can-eat omakase is an absolute staple on their menu, offering a delicious array of sushi, sashimi, and 14 pieces of high-quality nigiri. The inside of the restaurant is clean and minimalistic, mirroring the flawless presentation of the food.

Bacchanal Buffet

5. Bacchanal Buffet

Buffet-style

This decadent buffet located in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada is insane. They've got all kinds of crab: crab legs (pictured above), king crab, snow crab, and steamed crab. Surf and turf is the name of the game here, as they also serve lobster, pork belly, Korean fried chicken, and lamb chops among other things. Every buffet selection is thoughtfully presented to enhance the whole dining experience. Plus, you'll be surrounded by the classic hustle-and-bustle of Las Vegas since it's located right in the casino-hotel!

La Grande Boucherie

6. La Grande Boucherie

French

Every aspect of La Grande Boucherie in Chicago, Illinois is picturesque. The stained glass art, mosaic floors, and stacked center bar will steal your attention – that is, until you scan the menu. This restaurant serves up a mean steak tartare, Wagyu burger, Macaroni au Gratin, and even more fancy foods that arrive on elegant plates. Don't even get us started on the cocktails!

Chubby Cattle BBQ Rowland Heights

7. Chubby Cattle BBQ Rowland Heights

Korean BBQ

Korean barbecue is naturally photogenic, as you prepare each bite yourself atop a personal grill. The ritual is super fun in itself, and the cozy interior of Chubby Cattle BBQ in Rowland Heights, California only enhances it. This location is furnished with intimate seating, cozy low light, and even a free gaming arcade to enjoy post-meal. Korean BBQ is something we think everyone should experience at least once!

Mama’s Fish House

8. Mama’s Fish House

Hawaiian

If you ever find yourself in Paia, Hawaii, Mama's Fish House is a must. Their fish dishes are caught fresh daily by local fishermen, so you know you're getting the good stuff. Fans of the restaurant have fallen in love with the Tristan Island Lobster Tails for dinner, and the Polynesian Black Pearl (pictured above) for dessert. Yum. The main selling point of this island dining experience is that it sits right along the shore, offering some really serene ocean views.

Konban

9. Konban

Izakaya

This Japanese-Korean fusion joint in New York, New York dishes up some super high-quality and authentic bites, from katsu to udon noodles. The interior of the restaurant is designed with warmth and simplicity in mind, amping up the comfort food to a tee. Devoted diners love the corn ice cream (pictured above), which is cleverly shaped like a corn on the cob and made with oven-roasted corn and white chocolate.

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

10. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Japanese Hot Pot

You can choose from three tiers of all-you-can-eat hot pot at this chic spot in Santa Clara, California. Like Korean barbecue, hot pot is really ritualistic and interactive, as you cook your own meats in a simmering pot of flavorful broth right at your table. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House offers a wide array of Wagyu meats to indulge in, among other decadent dishes like beef tartare, shrimp sashimi, and scallops.

Zippy’s Las Vegas

11. Zippy’s Las Vegas

Hawaiian

Zippy's Hawaiian cuisine touched down in the mainland in Las Vegas, Nevada last year, and it's been loved ever since. The fast-casual spot serves up classic Hawaiian dishes with a Korean twist, such as Korean fried chicken, chili rice, and their signature Zip Pac that includes a little bit of everything: golden fried chicken, a breaded white flaky hoki fish filet, a tender slice of teriyaki marinated beef, and a slice of Spam over rice.

Marugame Udon

12. Marugame Udon

Japanese

This noodle joint in Honolulu, Hawaii allows you to watch as your hearty udon bowl is made. The separate tempura station is totally picture-worthy, too. The Curry Nikutama Udon is Marugame Udon's best-selling dish, which is served with sweet beef and a soft-boiled egg.

Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant

13. Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant

Mexican

This Mexican spot in Las Vegas, Nevada serves up dishes inspired by the Mexican coast. It's a real surf and turf show, with offerings that range from lobster enchiladas to birria tacos. The inside is colorful and energetic – you'll find a skeleton mariachi man, neon light art pieces, and intricate chandeliers as you dine.

Prince Dumpling

14. Prince Dumpling

Dim Sum

Prince Dumpling, located in Rosemead, California, is filled with picture-perfect dishes like these pan-fried pork buns, soup dumplings, and dan dan noodles. Though you wouldn't expect it from the outside, the inside is super roomy and boasts a clean, minimalistic design. You'll have tons of fun here, especially because the bustling dumpling kitchen is visible through glass.

Olio e Più

15. Olio e Più

Italian

Your next elegant date night is calling! Italian joint Olio e Più is seated in Chicago, Illinos, and offers up some truly unforgettable meals. The interior is rustic yet polished, plus the lighting is romantically dim. You can order from a large list of different pastas, like this Chitarra Alla Carbonara topped with an egg yolk, Gnocchi Pesto E Pistacchio, and Ravioli Di Carciofi, just to name a few.

Honolulu Seafood Restaurant

16. Honolulu Seafood Restaurant

Dim Sum

This Chinese seafood spot in Honolulu, Hawaii is all about large portions and high-quality food. The dim dum selection is vast and oh-so tasty, but you can also order heartier classics like chow mein noodles, Peking duck, and plenty of plump stuffed buns. The interior is uniquely decorated, plus the seating layout encourages communal eating – bring your friends!

Summer House on the Lake

17. Summer House on the Lake

Pizza

You'll find a little bit of everything at Summer House on the Lake, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. They've got pizza, sandwiches, pasta, tacos, and more for the main event, then plenty of sweet treats to pick from once dessert o' clock rolls around. This restaurant's Californian influence is undoubtedly seen through not only their dishes, but the inside of the dining room as well. The space is breezy and light, dotted with palm trees, greenery, woven chairs and light fixtures, and striped walls. They even have a whole cookie bar!

Straits Honolulu

18. Straits Honolulu

Asian Fusion

Straits in Honolulu, Hawaii specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, from katsu platters to noodle dishes. Diners especially love the Crab Garlic Noodles, which are served with a whole crab on a bed of flavorful wok-fried egg noodles. Their unique cocktails are not to be missed, either.

VIDA Cocina & Tequila

19. VIDA Cocina & Tequila

Mexican

This vibey cocina in Altamonte Springs, Florida has tons of delicious Mexican dishes to choose from, like birria tacos and chimichangas. They also have some playful riffs on other cuisines, demonstrated through their fresh Culichi Sushi! The interior of this restaurant is colorful and bold, playing up the greatness of their food. When it's time for a treat, VIDA has quite the selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails, as well as desserts like churros and tres leches cake.

Terry Black’s Barbecue

20. Terry Black’s Barbecue

Barbecue

Terry Black's Barbecue has been a staple in the Austin, Texas area for years, and with over 10,000 photos and 7,000 reviews on Yelp, it's clear to see why. This is true Southern comfort food. Each cut of expertly-cooked pork, beef, and sausage can be paired with a platter of creamy mac and cheese, greens, cream corn, and coleslaw. The interior is fairly no-frills, which only speaks to the sheer greatness of their meats.

Coqodaq

21. Coqodaq

Korean Chicken

Caviar fiends are gonna love this restaurant located in New York, New York. Their signature dish is none other than the Golden Nugget – a breaded chicken nugget topped with a generous serving of caviar. Coqodaq's entire menu is influenced by the art of Korean fried chicken, so you'll be able to find offerings like fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and soy garlic chicken amongst fresh salads and noodle dishes.

Cafe Du Monde

22. Cafe Du Monde

French Cafe

Cafe Du Monde might have a limited menu (it's literally just beignets and coffee), but the New Orleans, Louisiana stop is so worth it. The restaurant's open-air seating arrangement in the French Quarter offers an amazing atmosphere while you chow down on the famous fried pastries (with plenty of powdered sugar, of course).

Southeast Impression

23. Southeast Impression

Thai

This Thai food joint in Fairfax, Virginia serves up a multitude of hearty noodles, soups, and salads. The vibe of the restaurant's interior is nothing short of classy and cool, which only heightens the experience. Diners love the Drunken Noodles, Pineapple Fried Rice, and Hainanese Chicken.

Anchovies & Salt

24. Anchovies & Salt

Vietnamese

This Renton, Washington restaurant has it goin' on. Anchovies & Salt delivers Vietnamese dishes that go way beyond your typical bowl of pho. Banh Mi, crab rolls, and doughy beef-stuffed pillows await you inside a cozy interior.

Nami Kaze

25. Nami Kaze

Japanese

Asian fusion is the name of the game at Nami Kaze in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many of their dishes are brunch-worthy, like the Honey Walnut Shrimp Waffles, Shrimp Eggs Benedict, and Custard French Toast, offering a really unique take on classic brunch fare.

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7 Winter Hair Colors That’ll Have You Saying “OMG, I Need This”

John Snow was really on to something when he said, "Winter is coming" — especially when it comes to winter hair colors! I can talk about cute haircuts and hairstyles all day, but what I'm even more interested in are hair colors right now. This time last year, I started playing around with caramel and chocolate balayage to see how I liked it, but I didn't expect to fall in love with those shades! They seemed to add a cozy warm glow to my face that coincided with the season, and I've yet to look back!

Still, I haven't decided if I'm ready to take the plunge to dye my natural hair because I'm not sure if I want to cut it or not. Since that's another story, I decided to do what I do best when I have burning hair questions — talk to celebrity hairstylists!

As luck would have it, I talked to three experts who have a stellar clientele and knowledge about receiving a color service:

Similar to fall, Edson Ibarra says winter is about "embracing warmth and depth." He feels like "chestnut brown, caramel balayage, and copper hues" are going to "play beautifully" with the winter sun. "Subtle reds like auburn and soft cinnamon are also making a strong comeback, adding a little spice to classic looks," he adds.

The Best Trending Winter Hair Colors For 2024-2025

1. Chestnut Brown

Filipa Matos

This rich brown color is always going to be a staple no matter which season we're in. Kim Kimble feels like this is the time where colors like this will "complement the season's cozy feel." She personally feels the shade "Bold & Bright 40 Brown Sugar [by Clairol]" is "a soft, natural brown that will "bring incredible warmth to any look."

Whether you're getting a silk press or new hair color, a consultation is often recommended by stylists. Keith Shore says the reason is that "the consultation is a vital part of the color service." This gives him the chance to "assess the current condition of the hair" instead of diving straight into the process. Kimble also says, "The stylist will ask what you are looking for and if you have any color in your hair already or if it's virgin, etc. They may also do a patch or strand test to check how the hair will react to color being applied.

Once it's determined that your hair is healthy enough for the service, an appointment is usually scheduled for the big day! There are things you need to avoid doing, however. Kimble says the worst things clients can do is "irritate their scalp, scratch it aggressively, or apply really hard manipulation to it" before their color service. Keep this in mind if you're interested in trying one of the popular winter hair colors!

2. Teddy Bear Brown

Instagram/MarkMena

Kimble also swears by Clairol's Teddy Bear Brown for a a softer shade if you're afraid of going too dark. Once your color service appointment is complete, it's important to maintain your new style.

Maintaining your hair's health after receiving a color service is crucial because of the process it often goes through. Shore says, "My essential maintenance tip is hydration, which is crucial after a color treatment. I love It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner; it sprays in easily, prepares the hair for styling, and is perfect for clients short on time. I also recommend K18 for blondes wanting to maintain their brightness."

Kimble and Ibarra both recommend that you use sulfate-free shampoos. "You want to reach for very light, mild hydrating shampoos and conditioners. Those are important to maintain the hair color. Also, a great conditioning mask as well," says Kimble." She doesn't want you to use alcohol-based products though.

Ibarra personally recommends that you use "leave-in conditioners with UV protection to guard against sun damage, which can dull the color." He doesn't want you to skip deep-conditioning "once a week" because it "keeps the hair hydrated and shiny." And if you have a "cool-toned" color in your hair? Ibarra says, "I suggest a purple shampoo to maintain brightness and neutralize brassiness."

P.S. Kimble suggests scheduling an appointment every 2-3 months to help maintain your hair's health and color!

3. Caramel Balayage

Jasmine Williams

If you're thinking about getting a color service but are afraid to take the leap, Shore and Ibarra have the best words of encouragement for you! One thing they all agree on is taking baby steps. Shore says, "The best advice I can offer is to start small — consider adding pops of color with balayage or lowlights. This is a great way to test the waters without making a drastic change to your look."

Caramel balayage is always my go-to shade when I want a little change during this time because it's captures the essence of fall and winter beautifully. It also seems to add an extra glow because of how the the balayage is layered.

"I often suggest a gloss treatment or subtle highlights as a way to ease into change — it adds dimension without being too drastic. You can also try Overtones Color Depositing Treatment Masks or clip-in extensions to experiment with different shades," suggests Ibarra. Mainly, he doesn't want you to overthink it. "The most important thing is to have fun with it! Hair color isn’t permanent, and it’s such a great way to express yourself and explore new sides of your style."

4. Cashmere Blonde

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

What about blonde you ask? It's not impossible! "Interestingly enough, there are some blonde tones that work well on brown skin as well but it depends on which tone of blonde. I recommend tones that are warmer and not too brassy. Think neutral tones," Kimble expounds.

You can also try the blonde hair color Gigi wore during Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Shore, "This time we went with a cashmere blonde for Gigi Hadid, which combines lowlights and glosses with strategically placed pops of color to enhance and highlight her natural tones," he says.

Based on his experience, he's noticed a trend among the other VS models. He says, "Alongside cashmere blonde, I’m noticing a shift towards more natural, tone-on-tone colors across all shades. Many of the Victoria’s Secret models are opting for less contrasting, more muted yet dimensional colors."

5. Gorgeous Copper

Kaylee Blackman

Celebrity hairstylist David Stanwell has managed to capture copper hair in all of its glory. Like Ibarra said earlier, this is one of those winter hair colors that the sun will love bouncing off of.

Both Ibarra and Kimble like to take a collaborative approach when servicing clients which makes appointments more enjoyable IMO. "It’s really a co-creation process. I start by understanding the client’s lifestyle, personality, and desired maintenance level — because hair color should enhance their life, not complicate it," says Ibarra.

Kimble says something similar in that she feels "choosing the right shade is all about enhancing natural beauty." She takes into consideration a client's skin tone and eye color to help figure out the perfect color that will "bring out those unique features." Without hesitating, she gave the perfect illustration. "For example, a subtle honey blonde like Nice 'n' Easy 8G Medium Golden Blonde can really brighten up warmer skin tones!"

Ibarra has a similar process in that he likes to look at clients' "skin undertones and natural hair color to identify shades that complement them." He also says, "I always encourage clients to bring inspiration photos, which helps us align on a vision. My goal is to help them leave feeling confident and like the best version of themselves."

6. Black

Dominique Goncalves

Like red lipstick or an acne-friendly foundation, winter hair colors aren't going to look the same on everyone. This is especially true if you have brown skin. Kimble says, "Black, chocolate browns, wine tone colors in the burgundy family and auburn all look great on brown skin."

IMO, you can never go wrong with this color because it looks amazing on everyone. Look at how well it complements Keke Palmer's gorgeous brown skin!

7. Silver Tones

Haley Sprankle

Kimble says that you can always try silver if you're not afraid and even offered shed light on the different dye processes that can used to achieve it. "Non-permanent is temporary because you wash it and it fades quicker. However, semi-permanent has a little bit of peroxide in it so delivers a deeper color deposit," she says. But, there's something you should know about semi-permanent. Kimble says "You can only deposit color" with it, but "you cannot lift."

If you want something that has an even lower chance of fading, you'll want to consider a permanent color. Kimble says, "...the color stays — reds and blondes fade, but they won't come off — and you can lift with them."

Subscribe to our newsletter for more winter beauty inspo!

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Create Dreamy Travel Photos With Brit’s Go-To Hack

Adobe Lightroom
Photo editing

There’s nothing better for the soul than a few days offline with my home team. My boys, baby girl Lumi, husband Dave and I recently jetted off to Hanalei, Hawaii for a much-needed escape from work, school, and all the day-to-day things. And it was WORTH it. We spent our days at the beach, evenings lounging and playing at our vacation stay, and really connecting in ways that I truly treasure.

Before and After: Removed sign in background with Adobe Lightroom’s Generative Remove

Dave and I are both passionate about photography, but with three kids in tow, capturing the perfect travel photos takes a little creative work. You either get the shot and edit later, or miss the moment. Moments like this dreamy rainbow shot with Lumi are not to be missed!

My go-to hack for creating the perfect photo? Adobe Lightroom. It’s literally in my back pocket to make sure I can capture all those fun, adorable moments with the kids while on the go. With the Lightroom app, I can live in the moment knowing I have everything I need to edit photos of my favorite memories quickly and easily later on. For this rainbow shot, I was able to remove the sign in the background so the focus is on Lumi and her rainbow.

Adobe Lightroom is like a professional photo editor right on my phone with everything from remove tools cropping features, one-tap presets or filters for pictures, videos, and reels.

Before and After: Removed background people and beach gear with Adobe Lightroom’s Generative Remove

Powered by Adobe Firefly AI technology, Lightroom recently introduced a brand-new feature, Generative Remove, which makes it so easy to remove a photo bomber in the background, beach debris from my travel photos, stains on the kids' clothing, and the inevitable toy clutter in the background. Thanks to AI, it’s smart enough to replicate the background when you remove people, toys, and even busy patterns – no smudges, distortions, or dark spots! And it’s as quick and simple as cropping a photo or adding a preset.

Before and After: Removed my son in the water with Adobe Lightroom’s Generative Remove

Here’s a great example: Using Lightroom’s new Generative Remove feature I was able to remove my son, who wasn’t planning to be in the shot, from the background and then brighten the photo in Adobe Lightroom in literally minutes. It’s now one of my favorite photos – a framer for sure!

Before and After: Removed people in background and debris in foreground with Generative Remove

I used the Generative Remove feature to remove my fellow tourists in the background and the debris in the foreground here too. Now it's the perfect shot!

Adobe Lightroom’s Lens Blur tool has all these new presets to add a blur effect in a single click for things like portrait backgrounds, food photography, city lights, street photography, and more. I used it here in the background.

Before and After: Removed leg and foot with Adobe Lightroom’s Generative Remove

And for those everyday moments, make your little one the center of attention by removing distractions. For example, my leg got caught in the shot when we finally saw that big smile, so I removed it later using Lightroom.

After a fun day with the kids, I love to revisit those memories and search for the highlights recorded in my phone, clean them up with my magic wand – the Adobe Lightroom app – and share them with friends and family. It’s my time to be creative and a perfect ending to my wild adventures with my mini squad.

Learn more about the new Generative Remove and Lens Blur features at Adobe Lightroom.

Photos by Dave and Brit Morin.
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7 Easy Christmas Makeup Looks That Will Have You “Camera-Ready” For Family Photos

Give a girl 7 Christmas makeup ideas to choose from and she can change the world — or at least slay her holiday pictures. So what if you only plan to be in your living room this year? There's no harm in getting dolled up to celebrate one of the best days of the year. After all, you've basically survived everything 2024 has thrown at you from dealing with toxic friends to wondering if it's too late to participate in the winter arc trend (it's not!). So let's get into these lovely Christmas makeup looks!

7 Christmas makeup ideas to recreate at home

1. Red-Tinted Lipgloss 

Jasmine Williams

"I love the simplicity of this look because it takes less than 10 minutes to complete. I prepped my skin with e.l.f. Cosmetics' Power Grip Primer before applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation and Sephora's Best Skin Ever Concealer, a touch of One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, and Ami Colé's Hydrating Lip Oil Treatment in the shade Romance (cranberry color)! IMO, the subtle pop of lip color is great for someone who doesn't want to overdo it on Christmas." — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer.

2. Icy Blue Eye Makeup  

Chloe Williams

"When I want to try something different than my classic gold lid, I love breaking out an ice blue or periwinkle shadow. ColourPop is my favorite brand to get eyeshadows from just because of how pigmented they are, and I went crazy with this LAV_ISH palette. More is more in this case, y'all! I layered Mood Boost, Escapism, Serenity, and Virtual Love all together until it was just right. I've also found that skipping eyeliner for this look helps it feel a little more carefree instead of polished, which is always fun." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

3.Sunset Eyeshadow 

Kenilev Terku

While it's easy for bronze looks to sway into the skin-like neutral territory, this cute Christmas makeup idea is more festive. The difference has everything to do with adding brown, gold, or even pink shimmer towards the inner corner and middle of your eyelids.

Our recommendations: Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette or Urban Decay Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette

4. Glittery Purple Eyeshadow

Chloe Williams

Go big or go home with a Christmas makeup look that's as bold as your holiday decor. It doesn't hold anything back with its glittery purple eyeshadow and crimson lipstick! It's going to show up in all your pictures without an issue. As an added bonus, let your nails match your eyeshadow! We have plenty of Christmas naildesigns that'll help you narrow down the right polish or press-on nails to go with this.

Our recommendation: Revolution Beauty Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

5. Pink Shimmery Eyeshadow 

Chloe Williams

"I love the femininity of the sugar plum fairy, which makes this all-pink look one of my favorites! I've been loving the glowy look of the L'oreal true match nude serum foundation along with peachy blush. For the eye, I use the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette I got in high school along with the Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick in Well-being. And to finish off the look, I don't go anywhere without my L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Sugar Plum (fitting!). This is my third tube and it's literally like my lips but better." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

6. White Gold Shimmery Eyeshadow + Nude Lip Combo

Jasmine Williams

"This is probably my favorite Christmas makeup look I've worn because I decided to be adventurous with my eyes by adding white gold glitter to them. I didn't want to go overboard so I kept it light by using the shade * from Too Faced's * palette. For my lips, I used Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Lipstick in the shade Seductress and their Lifter Lipgloss in Stone on my lips. It's a great look for anyone who plans to wear statement outfits on Christmas!" — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer

7. Sugar Plum Ice Princess 

Kayla Walden

As much as we love intricate designs and makeup looks, we know the best ones don't involve a lot of things. Kayla Walden, one of Brit + Co's Staff Writers and in-house Content Creator, knows how to create stunning looks that only involve a few products. All she did was add a sparkly white eyeshadow all over her eyelids while lining her bottom waterline with a white eyeliner.

Watch Kayla's Christmas Makeup Tutorial Here!

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- YouTube

And just like that, you'll have the perfect makeup this holiday season!

Which Christmas makeup idea will you be wearing in your holiday pictures? Let us know and subscribe to our newsletter for more last-minute ideas!

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

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17 TV Shows For 'Yellowstone' Fans

Yellowstone might be coming to an end, but good news! There are plenty of TV shows you can binge watch before the new Yellowstone spinoff, and they all have the drama and relationship dynamics you love about the OG show. Here are the best series to press play on after you finish the Yellowstone finale! (Although fair warning: they don't have Bella Hadid ;)).

Here are 17 shows to watch if you're a Yellowstone fan.

1. 1883 — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

You didn't think I could start this list without the Yellowstone prequels did you? This gripping and emotional TV show follows the Duttons in the year 1883 as they move from Texas to Montana.

Stream 1883 on Paramount+. The show stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hébert.

2. 1923 — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

The second Yellowstone prequel finds the next generation of Duttons scattered around the world — and 1923 season 2 (coming February 23, 2025) will see Spencer and Alex fighting to get back home.

1923 is on Paramount+ and stars Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Darren Mann, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.

3. Godless — Stream on Netflix

Ursula Coyote/Netflix

Godless is a super cool show because it takes the cowboy narrative so many of us grew up on and flips it on its head. When a gang of outlaws tracks a supposed traitor named Roy to La Belle, they realize the town is governed mainly by women...and they're notorious.

Godless is on Netflix and stars Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

4. Landman — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

This TV show takes us down south, to West Texas. Tommy Norris, a crisis exec, tries to secure his company's spot in the oil business during a fuel boom in this addicting show.

Landman is on Paramount+ and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Andy Garcia, and Michael Peña.

5. Succession — Stream on Max

Claudette Barius/HBO

If you can't get enough of the family drama, then you'll definitely want to start Succession. This Emmy-winning series follows Logan Roy as he (and his four kids) tries to figure out what the heck to do with the future of his company. Trust me, you'll want to binge watch this one.

Succession is on Max. The show stars Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Brain Cox, Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Mcfadyen, Alan Ruck, and J. Smith-Cameron.

6. Lawmen: Bass Reeves — Stream on Paramount+

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

Another Paramount pick! Lawmen: Bass Reeves follows the titular Bass, who was one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals on the west side of the Mississippi.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is Paramount+ and stars David Oyelowo, Barry Pepper, Demi Singleton, Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Forrest Goodluck, and Lauren E. Banks.

7. Billy The Kid — Stream on MGM+

Chris Large/EPIX Entertainment LLC.

Billy The Kid is definitely for the Yellowstone fans who love the Western vibes of it all. This show follows a younger Billy as he falls in love, experiences different kinds of heartbreak, and becomes the outlaw we know all too well.

Stream Billy The Kid on MGM+ and see Tom Blyth, Eileen O'Higgins, Daniel Webber, and Alex Roe.

8. Hatfields & McCoys — On Amazon Prime

Chris Large/History Channel

This series is also a great option for any history buff, and revolves around the true feud between the Hatfield family and the McCoys in Kentucky and West Virginia, respectively. To think it (almost) all started because of a stolen pig...

Hatfields & McCoys is on Amazon Prime and stars Kevin Costner. Bill Paxton, Tom Berenger, Mare Winningham, Jena Malone, Boyd Holbrook, and Powers Boothe.

9. The English — Stream on Prime Video

Diego Lopez Calvin/Prime Video

Need even more girl power? Turn on The English, which sees Emily Blunt's character out for revenge on the man she blames for her son's death.

The English is on Prime Video and stars Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Stephen Rea.

10. Ozark — Stream on Netflix

Netflix

This family drama follows the Byrdes, who hightail it to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong sends a Mexican drug lord after them.

Ozark is on Netflix and stars Jason Bateman, Julia Garner, Laura Linney, Skylar Gaertner, and Charlie Tahan.

11. Longmire — Stream on Netflix

Lewis Jacobs/Netflix

Longmire is another modern Western like Yellowstone, and follows Walt Longmire, a widowed sheriff trying to put his life back together and protect Absaroka County at the same time.

Longmire is on Netflix. The show stars Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, and Adam Bartley.

12. Peaky Blinders — Stream on Netflix

Robert Viglasky/Caryn Mandabach Productions

If you love the Yellowstone drama more than the aesthetic, swap the West for Ireland with Peaky Blinders, which follows Tommy Shelby as he leads a 20th Century gangster family.

13. Outer Range — Stream on Prime Video

Prime Video

Outer Range combines Western storytelling with sci-fi elements so while this is technically a Western, it's definitely something you've never seen before. The story follows the Abbotts, who are trying to deal with their daughter-in-law's disappearance and protecting their ranch...then a black void appears.

Outer Range is on Prime Video and stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Noah Reid, and Imogen Poots.

14. Sons of Anarchy — Stream on Hulu

FX

Tensions run high in this TV show for Yellowstone fans, which follows a biker who can't reconcile his new role as a father with his place in an outlaw motorcycle club.

Sons of Anarchy is on Hulu and stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, and Tommy Flanagan.

15. The Ranch — Stream on Netflix

Greg Gayne/Netflix

If you need a laugh, turn on The Ranch, which offers a different (read: fun!) perspective on ranch life. Listen, I get it — sometimes dramas can get you down!

The Ranch is on Netflix and stars Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott, and Debra Winger.

16. Bloodline — Stream on Netflix

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Family secrets are everywhere in this show, which deals with the fallout of the family's "black sheep" finally returning home.

Bloodline is on Netflix and stars Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Sissy Spacek, Norbert Leo Butz, and Jacinda Barrett.

17. Deadwood — Stream on Max

HBO

Want to keep up the drama after the Yellowstone finale? Tune into Deadwood, which takes place at the end of the 1800s and examines all the lawless corruption going on in Deadwood, South Dakota. (Spoiler: there's a lot).

Deadwood is on Max and stars Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, and Brad Dourif.

Which TV show like Yellowstone is your fave? Let us know on Facebook!

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