The Best Makeup for Your Zodiac Sign: Cancer Edition

We’re now stepping into the second half of our Zodiac Beauty series, as we discover more radiant beauty inspired by the stars. This month we move from the playful bold lip for Gemini to a bronze smokey eye and berry lip look brought to you by our very own celestial Cancer babe and Senior Visual Designer, Annie. What better way to switch up our makeup routine than to rely on advice that was written in the stars?

Cancer Beauty Profile If your sign is Cancer or you have a Cancer close to your heart, then you know first hand how unwavering these souls are in their loyalty. Always the great listener and nurturing to those around her, she knows how to care for loved ones without losing sight of herself. Which is why her flawless radiant skin needs to be topped off with a subtle and sexy bronzed smokey eye and bold berry lip that embody just enough of that self-loving confidence.

Get The Look For Cancer: Bronzed Smokey Eye, Radiant Skin + Berry Lip

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Follow this tutorial here to get your flawless foundation to build the rest of this glowing look. The key component is to get glowing skin with a really radiant highlighter like Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo ($30). Apply with a fan brush to your upper cheekbones, slightly over your blush, up onto your temples, down the bridge of your nose, on your brow bones and finally right above your cupid’s bow.

Step 1: Bronzed Smokey Eye:This is all about a one-sweep application of a reflective bronzed shadow like Tarte Tarteist Metallics Shadow in Hussy ($14). Use your finger or a flat makeup brush to swipe on a layer of this highly pigmented shimmering bronze shadow.

Step 2: Bold Berry Lip: This shade is the perfect balance of a deep brownish red and a berry hue, suggesting a sweet self confidence when paired with an otherwise simple look. Annie is wearing Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Deep Brown-Red ($26).

Finishing Touches: Mascara Up: Finally, add a coat or two of your favorite mascara to complete this look.

Couldn’t help but jump in for a little moment with this bombshell!

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Are you gonna check out any of these goodies? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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

(Photo via Wet n Wild)

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

Cats rule, dogs drool (or so says the internet, at least). It seems that we’re all secretly (or not-so-secretly) cat ladies, attending cat yoga classes, buying cat furniture, and Instagramming our kitties — it’d be a crime not to share those cute faces with the world. But there are some celeb-status felines who fetch major likes for their adorable mugs and silly antics. We all have our favorite internet cats, for sure, but you may be missing out on some serious gems. We paired each zodiac sign with a popular internet kitty just to give you options (you’re welcome in advance).

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

Maru: This intrepid feline knows exactly what he wants and how to get it — namely, boxes and being inside them. It’s this same type of resilience and bravery that makes us love you so much, Aries. Neither of you know how to take no for an answer and often find yourself in situations (or boxes) where the only way out is to fight through it. We admire your shared determined bravery (and Maru’s adorable facial expressions too).

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Shironeko: Lazy mornings, curled up in bed with a big cup of coffee, a good book, and a cute cat — sound like paradise to you, Taurus? You’re a confirmed homebody who prefers to be surrounded by beautiful things (who doesn’t?!) and enjoys spending time with loved ones. Shironeko is known for his happy-go-lucky, sweetly laid-back personality, seemingly always dosing in the sun or spooning with a friend. Sounds like the life to you!

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

Bonnie and Clyde: As an inquisitive, energetic soul, you totally get it. Sometimes, curiosity does kill the cat. And these two Himalayan siblings know a thing or two about getting into mischief — just check out the daily videos their owner posts on Instagram for proof of their mischief. This pair also represents your own natural duality, offering that yin and yang you need to stay grounded. These two poufs are also particularly affectionate with their family, and we know how much showing your love means to you. Go ahead; give ’em a follow.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

Lil Bub: Have you seen a sweeter, more disarming animal than Lil Bub? Born with several genetic mutations that are responsible for her short legs and toothlessness (thus that perma-tongue), she put some serious Cancerian tenacity to the test as a baby to survive, and just look at her now. She’s a loyal, playful cat who loves her family and loves to eat. We figured this one would pull on those trademark heartstrings of yours, sensitive Cancer.

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22)

Lola Emeline: You’ve got a big personality and a penchant for drama, and this internet kitty can definitely match you for both. Lola lives with four brothers and sisters and rules over them all with benevolent grace (and a perfected icy glare). She’s definitely got that Leo fire inside her, as neither of you like being told what to do and both prefer to be the center of attention.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22)

View this post on Instagram

The Queen is not pleased. Heads will roll.

A post shared by Smoothie the Cat (@smoothiethecat) on

Smoothie: The green eyes, those highlights, that poise — Smoothie cat is a physical embodiment of your perfectionist tendencies, Virgo. And from what we can tell from her owner’s Instagram, it seems this tiny fluff ball is quite the reserved, shy kitty, and you’ve got your own chilled-out vibe working for you.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22)

Snoopybabe: You’re a people-pleaser who feels happiest surrounded by your friends and family, forever the consummate hostess, Libra. Snoopybabe, with those big, sad eyes, cute little ears, and super fuzzy body is a people-pleaser too, in that literally, no one can resist his charms.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 21)

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I'm sorry, whose bed did you say this was? 😹

A post shared by Lazarus (@goprofrozenkitten) on

Lazarus: There’s no one more resourceful and brave than you, Scorpio — except, of course, for Lazarus the cat. This incredible feline was found lifeless, buried under freshly fallen snow, when he was literally brought back to life by his now-forever family. To show his appreciation, Lazarus is the most loyal, true companion anyone could ask for, even keeping watch over his owner’s side while he was laid up by a broken leg. Yep, we know it sounds familiar!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21)

Honey Bee: Nicknamed “the hiking cat,” Honey Bee is an adventurer just like you, Sag. Honey Bee enjoys the great outdoors no matter the weather, bravely forging her own path (literally) through the forests of Seattle with her two humans, never letting the fact that she can’t see stand in her way. She’s an inspiration to anyone, but especially to you, since travel and freedom are at the core of who you are.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19)

Grumpy Cat: We’re not saying you’re always grumpy, Cap, it’s just that Grumpy Cat does not suffer fools — and neither do you. Yes, you both exhibit incredible self-control, with Grumpy Cat doubling down on that trademark frown, and your incredible focus on succeeding on every front. Thing is, both you and Grumpy Cat are actually loyal, family-oriented beings with mushy centers full of love. We see you.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18)

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Yay! ❤️😍😀😀😀

A post shared by Nyan Cat (@_nyan.cat) on

Nyan Cat: Nyan cat is an internet kitty in a league of its own (what with being computerized and all), which makes him a perfect complement to your quirky personality, Aquarius. Nyan is a cat with a Pop-Tart body and a rainbow-colored trail, flying through space. That’s basically the best metaphor for how you live your life, with free-wheeling independence and an appreciation for all things original taking center stage in your life.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20)

Fukumaru: With one blue eye and one gold eye, this Japanese cat immediately gives off an other-worldly vibe. And once you learn that he just showed up out of nowhere on his now-owner’s farm and has stuck around as her loyal companion ever since, that meant-to-be feeling gets even stronger. As a spiritual empath yourself, it’s a feeling you know well, Pisces. We have a hunch you two would get along very well indeed.

Did we leave one of your favorite internet cats off the list? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know who you love.

(Featured photo via Luca Teuchmann/Getty)

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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