How to Pick Next-Level Fall Basics According to 3 Style Experts

CeraVe Eye Cream

This CeraVe eye cream is one of the best bangs you can get for your buck in the beauty world. It's under $15, dermatologist-approved, and really does work. It's honestly a go-to of mine because it's so affordable and easy to stock up on. Not to mention how the gentle and mild formula works wonders on my sensitive skin! I love this one for brightening and depuffing on the daily!

First Aid Beauty Brightening Eye Cream

What drew me to this eye cream — besides the fact that it was First Aid Beauty and I'm obsessed with them — was the Niacinimide in it. This is a hydrating ingredient that I'm always looking for in my skincare because of how nourishing it is. My skin truly drinks it up, so I knew it would work incredibly under my eyes. This cream has an almost iridescent glow to it that looks amazing when you first wake up and need a pick-me-up. It looks like a highlighter for your under-eyes!

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Mask

Hi, my name is Kayla and I have a serious addiction to Summer Fridays. I can't get enough, and I truly wish I could (or at least my bank account does). This eye mask is just as good as the face mask, and that's saying a lot. It's very nourishing, and super hydrating. This makes my under-eyes look awake, bright, and de-puffed as soon as I wake up!

Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment

Kiehl's has a lot of great products — and you truly can't go wrong with any of them — but this eye cream specifically is amazing. It's made with avocado and caffeine, so you'll be looking like you got 10 hours of sleep in no time (even if you didn't). If you have dry skin like me, then you'll really love its hyper-hydrating formula.

Farmacy Brightening Eye Treatment

Did you know honey is actually a great way to brighten up your under-eyes and help them look more awake? Well, this Farmacy eye cream is full of it, and caffeine, as well. It also features Vitamin C and Cranberry Peptides, which are great if you have older, or more mature skin. So tackle your wrinkles and your dark circles simultaneously — we love a multi-purpose product!

Biossance Squalane Eye Cream

This eye cream is a bit on the pricier side, but it's a product where you start to see results almost immediately. It really is that good. You'll definitely start to notice immediate brightness, but this also increases overall brightness over time as well with frequent use. Definitely a fave I keep going back to!

Mario Badescu Eye Cream

Another brand that's sensitive-skin approved! Mario Badescu has such great products for people that are sensitive to perfumes and certain ingredients. I love this eye cream, in particular, given the helpful caffeine in it! After using it for a while, I've noticed that the blueness and bags under my eyes aren't as visible, and that my undereyes are way more bright overall. I love to see those kind of results!

Beauty Deals

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

$13, with option to save 10% more with Subscribe + Save

This luscious curl cream works for a wide range of curly hair types. From enhancing subtle waves to making sure tight coils stay in place, it sure is effective for such a low price. In addition to helping curls hold, this product reduces frizz and creates "brilliant shine."

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

$13, was $25

This multi-hyphenate serum (4.6 out of 5-stars rating, Amazon best-seller, and viral fave) is beloved for a reason. It's super gentle on the skin, all while delivering unparalleled hydration and moisture when you really need it. Even if you're not looking for a skincare restock, someone on your holiday shopping list will love this as a stocking stuffer!

Hempz Smoothing Herbal Koa & Sweet Almond Body Moisturizer

$17, was $28

Hempz makes some of our all-time favorite body lotionssince they're super hydrating. Give your bod the TLC it's been craving as temperatures cool down with this sweet-smelling formula made with thick, nourishing shea butter! Shoppers love it for its ability to maintain "supple and irresistibly soft" skin.

Wavytalk Ionic Hair Dryer

$32, was $55, with option to use 5% off coupon

This salon-quality hair dryer is small, but mighty. It's powered by a 1875-watt motor, 3 temperature settings, and 2 airflow speeds to help you achieve the exact style you're looking for. It's earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from Amazon shoppers for being a great value, efficient at drying, and quiet during operation.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

$16, was $20

This derm-recommended water-based moisturizer is packed with 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for "immediate and long-lasting hydration." It's the perfect product to deliver the moisture your skin needs without feeling heavy or sticky on the face.

Oral-B iO Deep Clean + Whiten Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

$100, was $150

Prime Day is the perfect time to re-up your oral care game since a lot of electric toothbrushes tend to be on deals. This model's "advanced" tech allows you to remove 100% more plaque and (even 2.5 times more in between your teeth) for a very fresh feel. It can sense if you're brushing too lightly or too hard, plus it's equipped with a handy 2-minute timer for the ideal brushing experience. The coordinating case makes traveling with your expert-approved toothbrush super easy!

Shark HD430 FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

$235, was $300

This beloved hair tool from Shark dries and styles your hair simultaneously using low heat, but powerful airflow. This minimizes heat damage to your luscious locks, which is always welcome! You can easily customize your desired hairstyle using 4 heat and 3 airflow settings, plus 5 interchangeable attachments.

Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

$30, was $46

The same sentiment goes for all things oral care – these whitening strips are a whopping 50% off right now, offering the perfect opportunity to stock up. These American Dental Association-approved strips are specially formulated for sensitive teeth so you can use them safely.

Olay Super Serum

$30, was $35

This serum essentially acts as 5 serums in one single bottle! It's packed with niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptides, vitamin E, and AHAs to simultaneously hydrate, soothe, smooth, and gently exfoliate your skin – all with visible results. It goes on lightweight and absorbs quickly so you can easily layer on your typical moisturizer and SPF!

Stila Blush & Bronze Hydro-Blur Cheek Duo

$22, was $32

This luxe 2-in-1 bronzer and blush boasts a gel-based formula that not only bronzes and blushes, but leaves a "dewy, non-oily, glow-from-within" look on your skin. It's fairly sheer and buildable, so it works equally well across bare skin or foundation. This pick would also make an epic stocking stuffer for the makeup aficionado in your life!

Anua 10% Niacinamide+ 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum

$16, was $24

A combo of 10% niacinamide, 4% tranexamic acid, and 2% arbutin is put to work in this serum to effectively target dull skin and enlarged pores. It also soothes and hydrates the skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, ensuring you don't lose any precious moisture.

Filorga Time-Filler Eyes Daily Anti-Aging Eye Cream

$54, was $72

This cream claims to reduce dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines, lift sagging eyelids, and thicken eyelashes in just 7 days. It's packed with a powerful amount of hyaluronic acid and peptides in order to tackle this wide range of skincare concerns. Don't just take our word for it – 82% of users saw reduced eye wrinkles over a week-long period, plus this product boasts a 4.3 out of 5-star rating for being noticeably effective.

Keranique Hair Mask

$21, was $36

This fan-loved hair mask treats dry, distressed hair to transform it into healthy, bouncy, and thicker-looking locks. The GMO-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free formula is the perfect mix to incorporate into your har care routine one to two times a week for stronger hair!

Youth To The People Superberry Glow Dream Mask

$30, was $39

This face mask brightens and hydrates your complexion overnight using vitamin C, squalene, and hyaluronic acid. It has a lightweight feel on the face that won't steal the show from any other skincare goodies you layer up with!

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

$13, was $19

This beloved lip balm expertly hydrates with shea and murumuru seed butters, leaving your pout super soft and kissable. It's the ideal tube to keep with you during the cold winter season, plus makes an excellent stocking stuffer for the beauty guru in your life!

Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Hair Styling Sleek Stick

$17, was $23

Achieve the perfect slicked-back bun with this styling stick! It gives a "sleek, glossy finish" (not oily) while simultaneously nourishing your strands with B vitamins, yuzu extract, and plum oil.

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask

$8, was $18

This "intensive" overnight face mask delivers the deepest moisture with bacuri butter and apricot oil. The unique balm-to-cream formula is especially satisfying as it melts nicely on the skin to prevent water loss and protect the skin barrier. It's super effective for the slugging skincare technique, leaving you with a plump, hydrated complexion after a single use.

Bliss Pumpkin Enzyme Face Mask

$12, was $18

This "spa-quality" face mask leaves your skin with an unmissable luminous look. It hydrates with the help of essential fatty acids, brightens with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and even gently exfoliates with natural AHAs and pumpkin enzymes. The clean and cruelty-free formula will give life to dull skin in an instant!

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum

$50, was $84

This oil-free serum is perfect for targeting signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. It's also packed to the brim with hyaluronic acid and a vegan collagen alternative to firm up the skin for that wondrous youthful glow!

Selfmade True Grit Scalp & Body Scrub

$20, was $34

This scrub works just as well on your scalp as it does your body. It's formulated with lots of biodegradable grit beads that buff away dead skin cells and any product build-up that might be causing clogged pores and dry skin. In addition to the physical exfoliants, the formula also includes fruit-derived AHAs for targeting excess sebum.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

$27, was $39

This product is a dry skin favorite here at B+C. It contains 4.5% squalane and glacial glycoprotein (fancy!) to deliver unparalleled hydration that truly lasts all day long!

Fashion Deals

Anrabess Open Front Knit Lightweight Cardigan

$47, was $70

If your fall and winter 'fits are craving something a bit more (and some extra warmth), this on-sale longline cardigan is the perfect light layer to throw on. It comes in 24 stunning colors to match your personal style. The open collar and front pockets make it look super sophisticated – even though it's currently 51% off. 👀

Anrabess Striped Oversized Sweatshirt

$17, was $31

It's giving Free People, but for way less. This colorful striped sweatshirt is sure to make a statement wherever you go, and you have a ton of color options to shop, including this vibrant blue-pink-green colorway. It's designed for an oversized fit, which is ideal for fall and winter layering.

Shupua Pointed Toe Ballet Flats

$21, was $31

These adorable red flats are a perfectly chic addition to any outfit, thanks to the pointed toes and lil' bows on top. The shoes themselves are soft and flexible, and boast padded heel cushions for an extra-comfy wear. The upper parts of the flats are made of a breathable mesh material, so your feet won't feel overly restricted, even after wearing them all day!

Amazon Essentials Teddy Bear Fleece Oversized-Fit Lapel Jacket

$45, was $62

This roomy jacket is just the thing you need to throw on a layer of warmth over your fall and winter looks. The teddy fleece sherpa fabric will keep you extremely snug, all while looking stylish. The large collar adds a nice touch of sophistication so you can easily rock it on the way to the office!

Anrabess Oversized Long Sleeve Quarter Zip

$40, was $50, with option to use 20% off coupon

Look luxe for a fraction of the price with this super-soft quarter-zip pullover. Whether you wear it for WFH days or grocery store trips, it'll keep you warm and cozy with a plush ribbed knit material. The longline hem and raised collar will give you extra coverage on those especially-cold days.

Cicy Bell Barrel Jeans

$30, was $43

Barrel jeans are *the* style to have right now. They're extra-wide across the thighs and knees, then tapered down around the ankles for a unique shape that wears well with flats and boots alike. This pair in particular has some slight distressing, shown in the frayed bottom hems and tiny rips around the hips. The comfy, baggy fit will become your BFF for days you have to dress up a bit, but don't really feel like gong all-out!

Amazon Essentials Crop Puffer Jacket

$63, was $69

Prepare for the extra-cold temps coming our way by snagging a dependable puffer jacket on sale for Prime Day now. This extra-puffy cropped jacket mixes practicality with style – the thick filling, stand collar, and elastic bands around the waist and wrists will keep you warm, while the cropped length, concealed front zipper, and side pockets have you looking stylish AF, even in the snow.

Anrabess Double-Lined Long Sleeve Crop Top

$12, was $20

This "comfortable and stretchy" long sleeve top comes in so many colors to suit only your best layered outfits for fall and winter. It's made of a soft 92% rayon and 8% elastane material which is doubled over to give your look more coverage. The square neckline is ultimately super flattering for any body type, and the slightly-cropped length pairs just as well with high-rise pants as it does low-rise styles!

Athlefit Chelsea Boots

$38, was $66

If there's anything we truly love, it's a boot. These black ankle boots boast timeless details that allow you to wear them with a multitude of 'fits! The chunky heel and sole gives these shoes a bit of edge while also supplying a hefty amount of traction for comfortably walking far distances. They're super easy to slip into, thanks to the elastic panels on the sides.

Bostanten Small Sling Bag

$18, was $36

This throw-on-and-go sling bag is made of a durable faux leather that ensures it'll last you for years. With 5 pockets and 5 card slots, there's no shortage of places to stow away your stuff. The adjustable strap makes it easy to carry since you can fit it to your body perfectly!

Liillusory Cardigan 2 Piece Set

$37, was $46

This soft set will become your BFF for cozy WFH days and quick errands in the fall and winter. It's so cute, plus you can wear the two pieces separately when needed.

Allbirds Tree Flyer 2

$112, was $160

These lightweight sneakers are ideal for any kind of movement: think running, training, fitness classes, home workouts, jogging, and walking. The step is ultra-responsive, thanks to the firm foam soles. The breathable knit upper is easy to wear with a convenient slip-on design – no pesky laces!

Levi's 94 Baggy Jeans

$34, was $80

In the market for a good everyday pair of jeans? These Levi's are the perfect casual pant because of their baggy silhouette. They boast a medium rise, which is a nice modern take on these undeniably vintage-inspired jeans. They come in so many washes and colors, plus you can shop 'em in plus sizes.

Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat

$59, was $115

Hello, metallics! We're going wild for these adorable Mary Janes, especially since they're on such a good deal. They come in so many colors, but this silver pick is the perfect addition to make any outfit pop.

Coach Soho Bag

$277, was $395

Denim is hot right now, so dressing up your dark- or medium-wash get-ups with this jean purse (or, shall we say "jurse") is just the thing to take your looks to the next level.

Kitchen Deals

Nutribullet Pro+ Personal Blender

$76, was $130

This Pro+ personal blender from Nutribullet delivers "more extraction power, more convenience, and more functionality" than their original model, saving you effort and time in the kitchen where it's needed the most. The best part is it doesn't take up nearly as much real estate on your counters like a traditional blender would (small space-friendly)! Save 23% now, ahead of October's Prime Day event.

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

$500, was $1,000

Splurge, anyone? This insanely luxe at-home espresso machine crafts the perfect cup with 6 pre-set beverage options, an efficient milk frother, and an adjustable bean grinder to achieve the ideal brew. It sounds intricate, but is actually super easy to use with high-visibility buttons and dishwasher-safe components for easy cleanup. Upgrade your current coffee routine right now.

Carote Pots And Pans 11-Piece Set

$55, was $120

These gorgeous pots and pans are such an easy kitchen upgrade, especially since they're half-off. They're uniquely designed with detachable lids and handles to seamlessly fit inside your cabinets, saving ample space. The non-stick cookware surface delivers "rapid and even" heat to any dish you please! This set would also make a stunning gift to someone who's just moved to a new spot.

Ninja Woodfire Pro Outdoor Grill & Smoker

$300, was $400

If you've got a griller at home, they'll adore this grill, smoker, and air fryer all in one! It delivers the same char and searing that a large propane-powered grill would, taking up way less space. It's conveniently powered by electricity, but is compatible with Ninja's real burning wood pellets for added smoky flavor. It includes an attached thermometer that allows you to check the temps of whatever you're cooking with ease.

KitchenAid Ribbed Soft Silicone Oven Mitt Set

$15, was $35

The deal on these mitts is insane! They're made of a heat resistant silicone (up to 500 degrees F) that's also super grippy so you won't risk annoying slips and spills. The material is conveniently easy to clean with an easy rinse and wipe, too. If you're looking for an affordable upgrade for your worn-out oven mitts, this Prime Day deal is your sign.

Cosori 9-in-1 Air Fryer

$85, was $120

Having a multi-function kitchen appliance like this one is life-changing. This 9-in-1 air fryer can cook up everything from crispy tots to baked chicken in literal minutes!

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle

$156, was $195

This aesthetically-pleasing electric kettle is also functionally beautiful. It offers a range of pre-set temperatures so you can brew the perfect cup of tea or pour-over coffee like the pros would! What's even better is that it's capable of holding the kettle contents at a certain temp up to a full hour, so you can execute refills easily. The water you put in will also heat up super quickly (to a daily timer, too, if you please), which is so nice for busy mornings.

Ninja CREAMi

$160, was $200

This powerhouse kitchen appliance lets you enjoy ice cream, gelato, sorbet, milkshakes, and smoothie bowls right at home. Your frozen creations are entirely up to you, so you can make your desserts low-sugar, high-protein, or even vegan! It's complete with 7 different spin settings to help you achieve the exact texture you're craving.

Caraway Stock Pot

$166, was $185

When it comes to Amazon cookware, Caraway is one of our fave brands. They specialize in 100% non-toxic, non-stick, ceramic cookware that looks beautiful while still getting any cooking job done. This 12-quart pot ready for all soups and stews comes in 6 chic shades, sure to complement any home!

Home Deals

Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock

$144, was $170

This science-backed sunrise alarm clock is a total game-changer in supporting your natural circadian rhythm. It can send you to bed with a variety of white noise settings and nature sounds, then will wake you up calmly with a gentle light that mimics the rising sun. Tons of Amazon shoppers attest to its transformative properties – and the fact that it looks gorgeous on a nightstand.

Urevo Under Desk Treadmill

$180, was $330

With 5 layers of anti-slip belt, 8 silicone shock absorbers, and 2 soft rubber pads, this under-desk treadmill provides a comfortable experience for getting your daily step goal in. The "powerful motor" is surprisingly quiet, so you won't have to worry about noisy distractions. The included remote control makes adjusting the speed easy, up to 4 miles per hour.

Blueair Large Room Air Purifier

$190, was $350

This top-rated air purifier cleans up to 3,048 square feet in 60 minutes, removing "at least 99.97%" of tiny airborne particles like smoke, dust, and dander to keep the air in your home feeling (and smelling) fresh. The coordinating mobile app makes it super easy to monitor the device's performance, and will even notify you when it's time for a filter change! Its compact size allows you to place it out of the way of traffic for a seamless experience.

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum

$300, was $470

This Dyson deal is too good. Known for its high power and ability to clean every nook and cranny, this cordless vacuum is such a powerhouse. It comes with 3 attachments to target your desired space, and can operate up to 40 minutes on a full charge.

FelixKing Ergonomic Office Chair

$150, was $170, with option to use 5% off coupon

Ditch your current creaky desk chair for a fancy new upgrade. This ergonomic design provides 5 supporting points across your head, shoulders, back, hips, and hands with proper lumbar support to prevent those pesky workday aches and pains. You'll enjoy the breathability of the mesh backing and the ability to adjust the chair's height to your liking. It comes in 9 stylish colors in addition to this all-black pick!

TushGuard Memory Foam Seat Cushion

$17, was $27

We're no stranger to work-induced back pain. This memory foam seat cushion can be used at your desk, at the kitchen table, in the car, or even on stadium bleachers to support a healthy sitting position! The material on top is soft and breathable, while the bottom boasts a rubber coating to prevent annoying slips. The u-shaped design fits your hips to "effectively support" the coccyx, relieving any pain from sitting in the same place for extended amounts of time.

HiLife Clothes Steamer

$36, was $60

If you reside in too small a space to whip out an iron and ironing board frequently, this compact clothes steamer is gonna be a lifesaver. It uses high-temperature steam and a metal panel to smooth out wrinkles for a range of fabrics. It's also equipped with an efficiently-designed 300-milliliter water tank that's capable of steaming up to 6 garments on a single fill.

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner

$82, was $124

This conveniently compact carpet cleaner can tackle tough pet spots and stains on carpet, upholstery, and car interiors. It's lightweight, easy to use with interchangeable attachments, and capable of tackling lots of mileage on a single fill from the 48-ounce water or cleaning product tank.

Tech Deals

Ring Spotlight Cam Plus

$110, was $170

This easy-install security camera offers wide-angle, 1080p HD video with color night vision at all times of day so you can check in on your front porch, living room, or backyard when you need to. Its motion-sensing technology will set off two powerful LED lights when movement is indicated in its view. It also features two-way talk so you can communicate with guests from the comfort of your home. Invest in extra peace of mind with this $60-off deal!

Oura Ring Gen 3

$299, was $349

This sleek health-tracking ring helps you monitor your sleep activity, workouts, stress levels, heart rate and more. Its small, but mighty sensors can detect over 20 different biometrics to give you a well-rounded glimpse into your wellbeing. The Oura Ring is definitely more discreet than a watch would be, plus it's very stylish. The titanium it's made of is lightweight and built to last, and it can easily fit into your everyday jewelry stack since it's available in silver, gold, black, rose gold, and more. You can currently snag it in ring sizes 6-13, use it with iOS or Android devices and apps, and even save more on your purchase since it's eligible for reimbursement with FSA / HSA funds!

Apple AirPods Max

$395, was $549

The AirPods Max bring "high-fidelity audio" and "breakthrough listening experiences" to every user. In addition to the high-quality sound, these luxe headphones also boast active noise cancellation to block out the world around you, plus a transparency mode that allows to you listen to both your headphone audio and the outside world simultaneously. The mesh band and memory foam ear cushions provide an "exceptional" over-ear fit, also sealing in sound when you need some focus time studying or working out. You can get up to 20 hours of listening time on a single battery charge, which is ideal for those constantly on-the-go.

Amazon Fire TV 40" 2-Series HD Smart TV

$160, was $200

This Prime member-exclusive deal is too good to pass up. Watch your favorite TV shows and movies in HD with this Amazon Fire screen – it gives you "quick access" to all your go-to's, including games and music, too. Its remote is equipped with Alexa, so you can easily navigate to your desired watch via voice control.

Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera

$398, was $500

This small, but mighty camera (capable of capturing 1080p and 4K resolutions) is a must-buy for the photographer, family documentarian, or just the person who loves to capture daily memories. It's fitted with a 20mm wide-angle lens – ideal for vlogging – to capture everything in close range clearly. It even comes with a discreet microphone and wind screen to eliminate extra background noise.

Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle

$135, was $205

This Kindle's screen reads like real paper in any environment to supply the ideal reading experience, no matter where you are. This bundle makes the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life – they can enjoy over 2 million book titles along with thousands of audiobooks using a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

$170, was $249

You can practically do everything with an Apple Watch these days. This sleek model lets you call, text, use Siri, listen to music and podcasts, and track your daily movement with ease! It'll work seamlessly with the rest of your Apple devices, too.

TheraGun Prime Quiet Deep Tissue Therapy Massage Gun

$209, was $299

We love this deep tissue massage gun because it offers a professional-level experience that you can employ right at home for everything from back pain to sore muscles. It comes with 4 different attachments to target different concerns, and 5 speed settings to tackle them at varying intensities. You can even pair it to the coordinating mobile app for tips and personalized routines to feel your absolute best!

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

​The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

​The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

​The Villains Are Actually Scary

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

​The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. Turns out, that's exactly where we're going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're once again in over their heads.

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

Now the Pogues have to find Elizabeth's amulet to break the curse. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants Rafe to be her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

​Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

But now that I've seen him with Sofia, the romantic in me is kicking her feet and giggling.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but for better or worse, Sofia brings out the best in him. And in the aftermath of Ward's death, and his ultimate wish that Sarah and Rafe would make up, feeling sympathy for the Pogues might be Rafe's way of staying loyal to his dad.

I just want to know how Rafe is going to respond when he finds out Sofia overheard his comments about never dating a Pogue...and then tricked him into signing Hollis' contract. Messy, messy.

​Luke Is Back

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

This Kook identity is something he's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're cousins. Fingers crossed JJ doesn't get a deadly visit from Elizabeth's ghost in part 2...