12 Can’t-Miss Zoella Hair and Makeup Tutorials

Whether she’s sharing fun hairstyles with her more than six million YouTube followers or shattering records as the now bestselling author of Girl Online, beauty guru Zoe Sugg is one of the coolest vloggers ever. In fact, we love her so much, we’re sharing 12 of our all-time favorite Zoella beauty tutorials, featuring tips, tricks and inspiration that longtime fans and newbies alike will adore. Check them out, and get ready to kick off 2015 in fabulous, Zoe-approved style.

1. Quick + Easy Hairstyles: Perfect for busy mornings, these simple styles, including the fishtail braid, messy ponytail and half-updo, are so pretty, no one will ever guess you were running late.

2. More Quick + Easy Hairstyles: Need even more quick hair fixes? This tutorial shows you how to create a braid within a braid, style a high ponytail and more.

3. Messy Bun: Who doesn’t love a messy bun? This how-to makes perfecting your own an absolute cinch.

4. Katniss Everdeen-Inspired Braid: It’s no secret we’re obsessed with braids, especially when they help us channel one of our favorite badass heroines. This Katniss-inspired style will have you looking arena-ready, no actual Hunger Games required.

5. Halo Braid: Ideal for everything from causal date nights to Sunday brunch with friends, Zoe’s versatile halo braid is easy to style in just five quick minutes.

6. Milkmaid Braid: Digging the halo braid? Go for a more dramatic look with this milkmaid-inspired updo that’s totally boho chic.

7. Everyday Makeup Routine: It never hurts to switch up your makeup routine, especially if it saves time or helps freshen your look. Here, Zoe walks you through her everyday beauty tricks, from dabbing on concealer to adding that final touch of lipstick.

8. Spring Makeup: It may be cold and icy now, but spring will be back again before we know it. Keep this tutorial at the ready to give yourself a fresh new look as soon as the first flowers bloom.

9. Get Ready With Me: Festival Edition: Already daydreaming about the 2015 festival season? Tiny braids and eyes that pop, plus a free-flowing dress and woven hat, will have you looking and feeling cool.

10. Spring or Summer Hair + Makeup: Got 10 minutes? Beachy waves and shimmering eyes effortlessly take you from spring to summer.

11. Fall Makeup: Gold eyes and berry lips make for a party-perfect look, especially during the holidays.

12. Skincare Chat + Natural Makeup Look: We all know that good skin means great things beauty-wise. In this video, Zoe shares smart skincare tips, plus an awesome, natural makeup look.

What do you think of these tutorials? Are there any others you especially love? Tell us below!

Deciding who to marry is arguably the biggest decision of your life (no pressure). But even after you've chosen the person, the decisions just keep coming: the place, the cake, the dress, and, of course, your hairstyle. With seemingly endless options out there, we're here to assist you with the best look for your big day. Are you leaning towards soft, romantic waves? Or perhaps a classic updo? Or maybe you're all about standout accessories? Whatever the case may be, below you'll find 37 wedding hair ideasto help you decide on a 'do to say “I do" in.

1. A Braid Crown (via Brit + Co)

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2. Pony Perfection

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3. Voluminous Twist Updo

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4. Khaleesi-Approved Side Braid

5. Twists and Vines (via Angelo Pantazis/Unsplash)

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6. Half-Up Twist

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7. Classic Wrapped Pony

8. Pearl Pony (via With Love Caila)

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9. Messy Center Part

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10. Feather Headband

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11. Braided Pony

12. Nourished Natural Curls (via Brit + Co)

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13. Loose Top Knot

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14. Sleek Swoop

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15. Pancaked Pull-Through Braids

16. Wispy Face-Framing Curls (via 小谢/Unsplash)

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17. Shimmering Chignon

18. Statement Accessory (via With Love Caila)

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19. Daisy Side Braid

20. Touch of Feathers (via Brit + Co)

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21. Boho Crown Braids

22. Edgy Bubble Braid (via Kimson Doan/Unsplash)

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23. Sleek Side Pony

24. Sophisticated Low Pony (via VellaSyah/Unsplash)

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25. Piecey Braid

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26. Floral Hair Accessory

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27. Vintage Headpiece

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28. Twisted Rainbow Updo

29. Bubbled Half-Up Look (via Lindsay McGrath/Unsplash)

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30. Shiny Low Bun

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31. Piecey Updo

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32. Rapunzel-Esque Mane

33. Half-Up Half-Down Braid (via Maria Nila)

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34. Flirty Fishtail Waves

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35. Lace Details

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36. Flower Clip

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37. Beachy Curls


What wedding hairstyle do you love? Tell us @BritandCo!

This piece has been updated.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

If you’re like us, then you fondly remember sneaking into your mom’s makeup bag and swiping on the brightest blush or lipstick in order to look older. Now that we are older, though, we’re trying anything and everything to make ourselves look younger — pretty ironic, huh? While skincare can work wonders for evening tone and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, there’s nothing like a few makeup hacks to really knock it out of the park. Keep scrolling for five tips to avoid common makeup mistakes that can age you.

DEFINE YOUR BROWS

Although it may feel odd to start with something other than foundation, Alexa Chung’s go-to makeup artist Tamah Krinsky recommends beginning your makeup routine with your brows. By defining your arches first, you’re less likely to cake on products (since you’ll have to work around them), which is usually the cause of an older-looking complexion. “The shape of your brows are the frame to your face, so you want to make sure they are flattering for your [bone structure],” she explains. Once you have the shape down, it’s all about definition. “Giving brows a little structure will add lift to the eye area, ” explains Marc Reagan, the director of artistry and education for Hourglass Cosmetics, noting how that can help turn back that clock on your appearance. (Photo via I love Images/Getty)

PREP WITH MOISTURE

While we already know that drinking water is important for healthy skin, a hydrating skincare routine is vital for a complexion that screams eternal youth. “In my opinion, the key [to younger looking skin] is exfoliation and hydration. A regimen of hyaluronic acid, a hydrating oil, moisturizer, and SPF are my go-tos for locking in moisture for the daytime,” explains Krinsky. Starting with a moisturized canvas prevents your concealer and foundation from clinging onto dry patches — a common culprit for an older-looking appearance. (Photo via Svetikd/Getty)

FOCUS ON THE BASE

Knowing your undertones and finding a shade match is a solid start to perfecting a radiant, even-toned complexion, but there is much more to consider. Chanel Temple, an Hourglass global makeup artist, explains that it’s all about the finish. “The number one mistake I see people make is choosing the wrong foundation for their skin [goal],” she says. “If you feel like your makeup is aging you, try a foundation with a dewy or luminous finish.” (Photo via Svetikd/Getty)

LESS IS MORE

Celebrity makeup artist Julie Cuomo, who works with Danielle Fishel, explains that being too heavy-handed with your makeup application can lead to older-looking skin. Instead, she recommends opting for the less is more approach. “Start by dampening a beautyblender ($20) with water. Use it when you’re applying foundation, either all-over the face or spot correcting,” she advises. “When [following up with] powder, only tap it into the areas you really need it, like where you get shiny.” By doing so, you’ll avoid caking product onto your skin and prevents the makeup from settling in fine lines and wrinkles (ultimately bringing more attention to them) as your makeup wears throughout the day. (Photo via PeopleImages/Getty)

RELATED: How to Master Eye Makeup When You Have Hooded Lids

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

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

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

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.