This Photo Booth Party Trend Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Kate Thorn
Sep 19, 2016

Balloon backdrops are *v* hot right now, and for good reason: They’re colorful, inexpensive and totally customizable. No matter what kind of event you’re planning, nothing says “party” like piles of balloons in all shapes and sizes. Whether you tackle a curvy arch, spell out a cheeky message or cover an entire wall, these 17 balloon DIYs will show you how to create a playful photo backdrop that’ll earn you mega “likes” on Insta. Round up your favorite colors, grab an air pump and voila! You have a backdrop that you’ll want to keep up even after the party is over.

1. Balloon Waterfall: If you’re looking for a statement piece, look no further than an elegant balloon arch. This gorgeous swoop of cascading balloons are just the decorations you need to dazzle your party guests. Mount it right over the dessert table or bar cart, or leave as-is for a lovely photo booth. (via Sugar & Cloth)

2. Spell It Out: Get festive with a gold balloon letter garland. It’ll only take a few minutes to put together, but you’ll have everyone saying “Cheers” once they get a look at your sparkly backdrop. (via A Beautiful Mess)

3. DIY Cursive Word Balloon Backdrop: You can spell anything out with balloons, even in cursive! It looks seriously stylish, but it’s actually really easy to put together. You could put someone’s name on a wall for their birthday, spell out a cheeky greeting or just write a giant number. (via Oh Happy Day)

4. DIY Clock Balloons: These clock balloons would be perfect for an NYE photo booth and the countdown to midnight. You can get the look by attaching vinyl number stickers onto foil balloons and cutting clock hands out of gold card stock.(via Studio DIY)

5. DIY Floral Balloon Backdrop: Go big or go home. For a super affordable backdrop, cover an entire wall with balloons. The best part is that you don’t even have to mess with helium: Just blow them up and stick them straight to the wall. (via Sarah Johnson)

6. DIY Pumpkin Balloon Backdrop: If you’re having a themed party, a bunch of balloons add a nice punch of color to the scene. Attach different sized balloons to wire, then bend the whole thing into a pumpkin-shaped circle. Ta-da, instant photo frame for you and your BFFs. (via The House That Lars Built)

7. DIY Balloon Wall: This balloon wall is simple, but brings SO much visual interest to the party. Emphasize the different shapes and sizes and add a few quirky balloon animals for extra dimension. (via Oh Happy Day)

8. DIY Thanksgiving Balloons: The only thing better than a table full of good food is a photo booth full of punny typography and turkey balloons. Use a white paint marker to write out witty and hilarious sayings for every holiday party you’re throwing this season. (via Studio DIY)

9. DIY Tropical Balloon Centerpiece: Greenery is always a nice way to spruce up a simple balloon bouquet. Embrace the tropical vibes and pair yellow balloons with monstera leaves and palm fronds for a chic, minimal DIY project. (via Bird’s Party)

10. DIY Balloon Arch: Wow. So. Many. Balloons. Amp up the drama a few notches with a giant, colorful balloon arch. This beautiful backdrop is very customizable: You can choose the sizes of the balloons, the color scheme and whether you want to add extras like flowers or tassels. (via The House That Lars Built)

11. Cacti Balloon Forest: This isn’t a DIY, but it would be easy enough to put together: Blow up skinny green balloons and stick them right to the floor. You could even add pink flowers and draw “spikes” with Sharpies to complete the look. (via Sarah Illenberger)

12. DIY Sprinkle Balloon Backdrop: Close your eyes and picture this: sprinkles everywhere. Sounds too good to be true? Whether you’re throwing a unicorn party or a dessert-themed get-together, this simple sprinkle balloon backdrop will make your shindig extra tasty. (via Oh Happy Day)

13. DIY Valentine’s Day Balloon Heart: Remember that pumpkin-shaped balloon wreath? This is the same technique, but in the shape of a heart instead. The addition of flowers makes these hot pink balloons look especially sophisticated. (via The House That Lars Built)

14. DIY Rainbow Balloon Backdrop: It’s downright impossible not to break into song while putting up this magical rainbow backdrop. Layer white and clear balloons at the base of the rainbow to get a fluffy cloud effect and then keep your eyes out for a pot of gold. (via Oh Happy Day)

15. DIY Present Balloons: Who can say no to a massive pile of shiny presents? Tie ribbons around your balloons and stick on a bow to make them look like giant gifts. It’s a sure fit for a birthday or holiday-themed celebration. (via Studio DIY)

16. DIY Painted Letter Balloons: Alphabet balloons might just be the perfect addition to your next engagement party, baby announcement or birthday. Since letter balloons come in limited colors, amp up the festivity and personalize the color palette with a coat of spray paint. (via Oh Happy Day)

17. DIY Easy Balloon Wall: No helium? No problem. Just blow up a bunch of balloons, string them together using fishing line and hang them up in rows on your wall using painter’s tape. The hardest part will be picking out the perfect color palette… (via Brit + Co)

Are you ready to add a balloon backdrop to your next party? Follow us on Pinterest for more party ideas and inspo!

Cher's All In For 'Mamma Mia 3' — & She Wants Meryl Streep Back With Her

Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.

In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.

"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."

"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!

Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?

Universal Pictures

Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."

Universal Pictures

A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.

"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"

When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?

Universal Pictures

We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."

Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?

Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios

While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."

But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."

Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"

I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!

What is the first Mamma Mia about?

Universal Pictures

The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).

Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?

Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal

Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.

TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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Paul Mescal Just Accidentally Proved He Always Has Daisy Edgar-Jones Top Of Mind

There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.

Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:

"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!

Enda Bowe/Hulu

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"

Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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44 Beauty Buys That Help You Nail Winter's Hottest Makeup Trends

Winter is all about showing off frosty finishes and cozy shades while adding a touch of glamour to your everyday look. From cinnamon roll makeup to frosted finishes and pink hues, this list of 44 beauty finds will provide you with everything you need to achieve the hottest looks of the season. Colorful eyeshadow palettes, matte primers, and luxe setting sprays are all waiting down below, providing you with the flawless finish you deserve this winter. Ensure your makeup is on point for every festive event and fireside gathering this season with these Amazon gems that create the most stunning looks.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

This Makeup Palette With Waterproof Shades

Amazon

The winter pink trend is circulating around the internet, and this makeup palette is a must-have for achieving the look. With nine different shades to choose from, this palette offers intense pigmentation and a smudge-resistant formula that you will swear by.

See it on Amazon

This Lipstick That Stays Put All Day

Amazon

You can always count on this lipstick to keep your look in place through all your summer fun. The high-impact color works to stay put through any activity.

See it on Amazon

Peel Off This Lip Liner Stain for Long-Lasting Color

Amazon

This long-lasting lip liner stain will keep your pout perfectly defined all day and night. It uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to nourish your lips. You put the liner on and leave it on for 20 minutes, then remove it for a smudge-proof color.

See it on Amazon

This Bronzer Brings a Natural Glow

Amazon

This bronzer is the secret to looking like a Bridgerton duchess. The buildable liquid formula brings a natural finish, while the creamy formula melts into your skin. Whether you plan on spending your summer in the garden or by the lake, this gem is guaranteed to make a statement.

See it on Amazon

This Face Primer Made With Hyaluronic Acid

Amazon

This face primer has been a TikTok favorite for years. With each use, it provides your skin with a luminous glow and dewy finish. This must-have beauty gem is infused with hyaluronic acid and agave extract, allowing it to double as a skincare find.

See it on Amazon

This Lipstick With a Velvety Touch

Amazon

Follow the matte trend with this lipstick that has a velvety finish and lightweight design. This product can stay in place for up to 12 hours, providing you with a highly augmented look that effortlessly glides across your pout.

See it on Amazon

This Brow Gel Infused With Peptides

Amazon

Not only does this brow gel assist in sculpting your brows, but it also doubles as a brow-enhancing serum that will promote hair growth. The tinted formula fills in your brows, creating a voluminous, full look that will also hold your winter brows in place.

See it on Amazon

This Finishing Powder Made With Anti-Aging Ingredients

Amazon

That flawless winter finish is easy to achieve with this finishing powder, which blurs pores and creates a matte complexion without drying out the skin. This product includes skin-loving ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, perfect for all skin types.

See it on Amazon

Add a Touch of Radiance With This Glowy Illuminator

Amazon

Meet this glowy illuminator, a versatile luminizer that gives you a dewy, glass skin look. Wear it alone, mix it with foundation or tinted SPF, or apply it over makeup for a radiant glow. Infused with Plant-Derived Glycerin, Vitamin C, and Rose Hip Seed Oil, it effortlessly hydrates, brightens, and moisturizes your skin.

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This Face Mask With an Irresistible Scent

Amazon

This iconic face mask is a viral pick amongst beauty enthusiasts. The hydrating formula is made with rose petals and restorative oils, working to exfoliate the skin while keeping it hydrated and plump. It's a must-have for achieving the viral dewy look that everyone loves in the winter.

See it on Amazon

This Concealer With Skincare Ingredients

Amazon

This concealer can brighten your skin, even after a long winter night. The lightweight, hydrating formula feels invisible on the skin, while the hyaluronic acid adds moisture to your face. It's known to blur fine lines and create a natural, well-rested look each morning.

See it on Amazon

This Foundation Is Smudge-Proof

Amazon

Indulge in the viral vampy look with this foundation, which has a matte finish and transfer-proof formula. It can stay in place for up to 24 hours and offers a smooth, even finish that feels invisible on your skin.

See it on Amazon

These Eye Masks for Winter Self-Care

Amazon

Revitalize your under-eyes with these eye masks that are packed with a potent niacinamide serum. Whether you're struggling with dark circles or puffiness, these masks can deliver intense hydration that also leaves the skin looking plump and bright.

See it on Amazon

This Eyeliner Pencil for a Smokey Eye

Amazon

The viral smokey eye is a timeless look, and thiseyeliner pencil makes it easy to achieve. The creamy formula seamlessly glides across the skin, creating a bold look that can last up to 24 hours. Plus, it's infused with vitamin E and jojoba oil for hydrating results.

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This Water Cream Creates a Radiant Complexion

Amazon

Dewy skin is the name of the game, and this water cream is your answer. This water-based skincare gem is made with squalane and other nourishing ingredients, offering a silky finish that your skin will fall in love with.

See it on Amazon

This Mascara for Fluttery Lashes

Amazon

Whether you're looking to create the viral frosted look or you just want to step out of your comfort zone, this mascara is a staple this season. Its waterproof design makes it practical, while the white, fast-drying formula offers an eye-catching look that will garner a ton of compliments.

See it on Amazon

This Luminizer Blends in Seamlessly

Amazon

Add a frosty shimmer to your cheeks, brow bones, and inner eye corners with this luminizer. The creamy, bendable formula makes it easy to add to your makeup routine, adding a subtle glow that will last all day and night.

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This Cleansing Oil Melts Off Your Makeup

Amazon

Makeup wipes are so last season. Winter is all about using this cleansing oil that can melt away your makeup in seconds. It's formulated with nourishing ingredients, leaving your skin refreshed and radiant with each use.

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This Eyebrow Pencil for Precise Application

Amazon

The best part about this eyebrow pencil is that it has a dual-sided design that includes a spoolie brush for blending. This waterproof pencil allows for precise application, making it easy to customize the fullness of your brows each day.

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This Waterproof Eyeliner Comes in Vibrant Shades

Amazon

Follow the colorful winter trend with this waterproof eyeliner that comes in a vibrant blue shade. This pencil offers up to 36 hours of wear, creating a pop of color that is perfect for this season's colorful eyeliner trend. It creates a dramatic look that will complement your makeup this season.

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This Eyeshadow Palette With Shimmers and Mattes

Amazon

Influencers are raving about this eyeshadow palette, which is a must-have for creating the viral frosted makeup look. With nine shades ranging from silver to midnight blues, this waterproof palette offers highly pigmented options that will stay fresh from day to night.

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This Eyeshadow With a Touch of Shimmer

Amazon

A sultry smokey eye is one step away with this eyeshadow by Urban Decay. The highly pigmented formula and intense color offer a one-of-a-kind look that you can always count on. With various shades to choose from, it's easy to find your favorite match.

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This Primer Potion for Crease-Free Eyeshadow

Amazon

That frosty look is easy to create, thanks to this primer potion that serves as an eyeshadow primer for the winter. This product can enhance your favorite eye looks, ensuring crease-free wear that is essential for all of your frosted looks.

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This Setting Powder Creates a Soft-Focus Look

Amazon

Lock in your favorite winter looks with this setting powder, essential for blurring out your pores and imperfections. This powder is known for its soft-focus finish, perfect for adding a touch of winter magic to your favorite makeup looks.

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These Bronzing Drops Infused With Vitamins

Amazon

Show off that bronzy look in the wintertime with these bronzing drops, essential for following the cinnamon roll makeup trend. The drops are infused with vitamin E, offering a sun-kissed finish that will bring warmth to all of your favorite makeup looks.

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This Face Primer for That Coveted Dewy Look

Amazon

Believe it or not, this face primer will boost your skin's radiance like never before. The lightweight formula serves as the perfect base for the rest of your products, offering a gentle glow that is a must-have for the dry months of the year.

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This Lipstick With a Satin Finish

Amazon

There's nothing as timeless as a red lip, and this lipstick is a long-lasting option you won't want to scroll past. The satin-matte finish has a subtle shine, allowing you to show off your pout while making a statement all day and night.

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This Lipstick With a Bold Statement

Amazon

TikTokers have been raving about the vampy makeup trend, and this lipstick is a must-have for following the look. This creamy, richly pigmented lipstick offers a bold color that lasts, with a luxurious feel that won’t dry out your lips.

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This Setting Spray With Raving Reviewers

Amazon

Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, this setting spray remains at the top of must-have beauty products on Amazon. The lightweight design adds a ton of dewiness to your face, while the hydrating ingredients work their magic all day long.

See it on Amazon

This Eyeshadow Doubles as a Highlighter

Amazon

Add an icy touch to your everyday makeup routine, starting with this eyeshadow that doubles as a highlighter. The moisturizing formula is a must-have for the dry weather, while the shimmering shade creates an ethereal look that is striking and stunning.

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This Mascara With a Pop of Pink

Amazon

Perfect the pink trend with this mascara, which has the most stunning rose finish. This mascara will not only define your lashes but curl and lengthen them with each use. It's smudge-proof and long-lasting, perfect for any winter look.

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This Lip Liner Seamlessly Glides On

Amazon

With this lip liner from Anastasia Beverly Hill, the perfect matte lip is one step away. The thin design allows for precise application, while the long-wearing formula makes it a staple for a busy day around town.

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This Eyeshadow With a Liquid Formula

Amazon

Chrome is back and this eyeshadow is a must-have for creating the most iconic winter monochrome looks. With a long-lasting, glittery finish, this liquid eyeshadow creates a futuristic finish that blends in with all of your favorite products.

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This Concealer Is Waterproof

Amazon

If you struggle with tired eyes, this concealer is the answer to your winter struggles. Not only does it provide you with a full-coverage finish, but it also hides dark circles, fine lines, and redness. It's a must-have for anyone who struggles with dull skin.

See it on Amazon

This Toner With a Milky Formula

Amazon

Soothe your skin with this toner that has a milky formula and lightweight design. This product can lock in moisture, calm redness, and strengthen the skin, serving as the perfect solution for sensitive skin in the wintertime.

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This Highlighter Enhances Your High Points

Amazon

Glow from morning to night with this highlighter with a soft matte finish and subtle shimmer. The bendable formula is perfect for applying on top of other products, reflecting the light perfectly to enhance the high points of your face.

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This Eyeshadow Stick Makes a Statement

Amazon

There's nothing more icy than this eyeshadow stick that is creamy and long-lasting. The highly pigmented color creates a bold statement, while the creamy design makes it easy to blend and combine with your other favorite products.

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This Eyeliner Pencil for a Defined Look

Amazon

Achieve a warm, cinnamon-inspired eye with this eyeliner pencil, which is infused with caffeine for a smooth application. This eyeliner is bendable and rich in color, bringing warmth and depth to all of your favorite looks.

See it on Amazon

This Face Powder Comes With a Puff

Amazon

The best part about this face powder is that it has an extra-fluffy puff accessory that makes it easy to apply and blend into the skin. This product is a must-have for setting the makeup in place and evening out the skin tone with each use.

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This Lipstick for the Matte Lip Trend

Amazon

When in doubt, you can always count on this lipstick to create a luxurious look that your lips will love. The silky matte finish is creamy and nourishing, while the hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid work to prevent dryness.

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This Bronzer Powder Lights Up Your Look

Amazon

Bronze your skin like never before with this bronzer powder that adds the perfect touch of warmth. The lightweight powder adds a sunlit finish to your skin, perfect for bringing life to your winter makeup.

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This Blush Tint With a Buildable Formula

Amazon

Dark blush is trending all season, and this blush tint is the perfect place to start. This weightless beauty gem has a watercolor finish that is sheer and buildable, allowing you to customize your look each day. Plus, it has a ton of dark hues to choose from.

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This Eyeshadow Palette With 12 Shades

Amazon

With 12 different mattes and shimmers to choose from, this eyeshadow palette is a must-have for the viral smokey eye look. Whether you use these highly pigmented shades to create soft day looks or intense evening looks, they will gain compliments everywhere you go.

See it on Amazon

Try a Vegan Beauty Item With This Saie Dew Blush

Amazon

This Saie dew blush gives cheeks a natural flush with a lightweight formula that can be built up for a deeper wash of color. The cream blush is easily blendable for streak-free application.

See it on Amazon