Christian Siriano Has a New Makeup Collab That You Can Actually Afford

If you were swooning over Christian Siriano’s latest showing at NYFW, get ready for a whole new way to fangirl out for the Project Runway alum.

The designer is teaming up with uber-affordable cosmetics company e.l.f. Cosmetics (the same brand that brought us those glorious hidden lip balm compartments) to make runway-ready makeup to fit your budget with a four-piece collaborative collection that’s all priced at $12 or less (!).

The line includes a seven-pan eyeshadow palette, a matte liquid lipstick, a tinted lip oil, and an adorable makeup bag to store it all in, all wrapped up in gorgeous springy hot pink and bright green packaging.

The products themselves are also transitional for spring, with the lip oil ($6) offering up a pretty translucent peony-pink hue that’s ideal for the growing season. “This is the perfect gloss for a fresh, polished look,” Siriano says on the brand’s website. Plus, the formula is spiked with jojoba oil and vitamin E to get your pucker into fighting shape for warmer weather.

The eyeshadow palette ($12) includes your essential smoky black hue and champagne shimmer shadow, plus a smattering of floral shades that are perfect for pairing with sundresses. According to Elle, the former reality star modeled the products after his Spring/Summer 2018 collection, which adhered to a “psychedelic greenhouse” theme.

View this post on Instagram

The e.l.f. X @csiriano collection based on his Greenhouse Psychedelic-inspired Spring 2018 fashions is finally here!! This capsule includes everything you need to be romantic & runway ready — Tinted Lip Oil in Polished Pink ($6), Liquid Matte Lipstick in Electric Fuchsia ($6), Eyeshadow Palette in Bold Bouquet ($12), and a Cosmetic Bag ($8)! Available now on elfcosmetics.com and in e.l.f. stores. AND, coming soon to Target! #elfheartschristian . . . . . #elfheartschristian #elf #elfcosmetics #nyfw #fashionchristiansiriano

A post shared by e.l.f. Cosmetics (@elfcosmetics) on

You can snag the whole collection now at e.l.f. Cosmetics and in e.l.f. stores. Or, if Target is more your jam, stay tuned until it hits the superstore’s shelves later this month!

Will you be snagging any of these products? Let us know @BritandCo!

(Photos via e.l.f Cosmetics)

When I moved into my home in the spring, the windows hadn’t been replaced in over 40 years! With a hot summer and rainy winter approaching, I was worried I’d be dealing with more than just a draft — so I swapped them out for double-pane, energy-efficient ones. Living in sunny California, solar panels were also a no-brainer. But making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to mean major investments. Here are a few simple, budget-friendly ways to cut down on energy use without spending a fortune. Bonus: You'll save money on your energy bill too!


Here are low-cost ways to make your home more energy efficient.


Photo by cottonbro studio

1. Seal Drafty Doors and Windows

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or even a good old-fashioned draft stopper to prevent warm or cool air from escaping. It’s one of the quickest, cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency

Quince

2. Hang Thermal Curtains

Affordable and easy to install, thermal or blackout curtains help keep heat in during winter and block out the sun in summer, easing the load on your HVAC and reducing your heating and cooling costs. Plus, they add cozy style to a room!

Shutterstock

3. Swap in LED Bulbs

LEDs use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last way longer. They’re a small investment that pays off quickly— especially if you swap them out room by room.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

4. Use Smart Power Strips

Even when turned off, devices like TVs and computers draw power. Smart power strips cut that “phantom energy” without you needing to remember to unplug anything.

Kaboompics.com

5. Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators

Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are inexpensive, easy to install, and reduce water and energy use (since you’re heating less water).

Shutterstock

6. Clean (or Replace) Air Filters Regularly

Dirty filters make your heating and cooling systems work harder, using more energy. Replace filters every 3-6 months for peak efficiency.

Shutterstock

7. Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Most detergents are designed to work just as well in cold water, and heating water accounts for a big chunk of your washer’s energy use. Bonus: it’s gentler on your clothes, too so they'll look like new longer!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more affordable home hacks!

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

Trader Joe’s knows our love for sweet treatsway too well and just dropped the spring dessert to rule all spring desserts. Packed with tart and tropical notes, this fancy find (ahem, it’s imported from France!) already has TJ’s shoppers going crazy. Fans say the limited-time item is “so good” and could even be the “best dessert there in a long time.” 👀

Scroll on to discover the new $5 Trader Joe’s dessert you can’t miss this month – it's sure to fly off shelves!

Trader Joe's

The new find is none other than the Passion Fruit Meringue Tartelettes, a new dessert in Trader Joe’s frozen aisle that’s only available for a limited time. The treat hails straight from France, where the crust is prepped by an expert baker to “crisp, crumbly” perfection before being filled with a refreshing passion fruit curd and topped with meringue. Equal parts sweet and tart, this bite is ideal for springtime refreshment.

@trader_joes_treasure_hunt

Trader Joe’s shoppers (including us!) are already geeking out about the passion fruit-powered tartelettes, even though they just hit shelves.

“These tarts are INCREDIBLE!!!! 🤤” one person commented on Reddit.

“I LOVE these!” another Redditor said. “Best dessert there in a long time.”

@traderjoesobsessed

This bougie box comes with two tartelettes for a mere $5. All you have to do to enjoy ‘em is thaw them in the fridge for a couple hours after stowing them away in the freezer for safe keeping! The fact that this treat comes in a 2-pack also makes it perfect for an at-home date night dessert to share with your boo – or just your BFF for a fun evening hang!

Reddit

Per Trader Joe’s the Passion Fruit Meringue Tartelettes are only available during the spring with a “decidedly limited” supply. Add this fun find to your list for your next TJ’s run – you won’t regret it.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest and greatest Trader Joe's products!

There have been many years when I really had to scrimp to pay my taxes, but I’ve found that casseroles, frozen veggies, and meatless meals are a great way to help make ends meet. Admittedly, you should be frugal about your grocery expenditures at any point during the year. But during tax season, it can be especially crucial to pinch pennies (at least until you get that tax refund, that is!).

Not long ago, I was that person who went to the grocery story list-free and haphazardly selected items for my cart as I passed by. Then I realized that as tax season was approaching I should consider a more frugal approach to feeding myself. Intrigued by the idea, but skeptical about my ability to execute on it, I dove in and decided to pare down my grocery bill. Originally, I was worried that scrimping on price would mean lowering my standards for quality, but it turns out that with a little careful planning, you can make some really delicious meals on a dime. Scroll on to see what I discovered.

Photo by Katya Wolf

Use a Grocery List

The number one tenet of saving on your grocery bill is to make a list and stick to it. This goes hand in hand with meal planning and makes everything from budgeting to cooking a more streamlined process. Although it seems like a lot of upfront effort, think about it like this: Even if it took you one hour a week to plan — which, according to Investopedia, could help you save about $640 or more a year on food waste and other costs — that would save you about $12 an hour. For those who make $12-$15 an hour, the savings are like taking a paid week off of work!

Photo by Pixabay

Buy In Bulk On Sale Items

So many things freeze beautifully. When items that you use regularly are on sale, from bread to butter to meat, snap them up in bulk. Although the savings seems minimal, when you add it up over a year’s worth of purchases, the amount of money you keep in your pocket will be significant. Plus, if you buy in bulk, you’re always guaranteed to have your favorite ingredients on hand.

Shutterstock

Stockpile In The Freezer Section

If you’re doing things right and stockpiling, then you’re going to make good use of your freezer. Although we want to eat our favorite fruits and vegetables year-round, buying things in season is significantly cheaper, which means that when these items are affordable and available you’re going to want to stock up. Even if you’re buying pre-frozen fruits and vegetables, you’re saving money, and the research shows that you’re not losing any nutrients by doing so.

Photo by Thomas Le on Unsplash

Shop In Season

While you can most likely find your favorite items at your grocery store year-round, prices (and not to mention taste) will fluctuate greatly based on the season. In particular, if you’re buying tomatoes, berries, grapes, peaches, or asparagus out of season, you could really be hurting your grocery budget. Instead, opt for their frozen counterparts or wait until they are *naturally* back in the store.

Photo by Megan Bucknall on Unsplash

Enjoy More Casseroles

Casseroles do not belong in the 1950s. In fact, they are every bit as valuable today as they were 70 years ago. Why? Because they’re a healthy and delicious way to stretch out pricier ingredients and feed more mouths. You could feed each person one chicken breast or you could use two in an entire casserole which will feed you both for dinner and leave you with leftovers for lunch the next day. If you’re not sure where to begin, find tons of Brit + Co casserole recipe inspiration.

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Use Herbs and Spices

Scenting your meals with a handful of herbs and spices is a good way to add a lot of flavor with little extra cost. Bonus points if you grow your own herbs. Also, you should definitely be buying spices in the international section of the store. I recently noticed that an ounce of cloves costs $3.79 in the spice aisle but 99 cents in the international section.

Photo by Nature Zen on Unsplash

Go Meatless Most Days

Meatless Mondays are all fine and dandy, but if you really want to save a few extra dollars, you need to make more than one day of the week meat-free. Not to mention, it’s better for your overall health to eat less meat. Studies show that people who eat less meat have a lower risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. So you’ll be doing something good for your wallet, and your well-being to boot.

Shutterstock

Get Cash Back On Groceries

Credit cards, like Credit One Visa and American Express offer cash back on groceries — a simple win for saving cash when grocery bills are higher than ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more money-saving tips!

Starbucks fans, the Starbucks summer menu for 2025 is coming way sooner than you think! Launching next month, the coffee chain gave us a cheeky lil’ sneak peek at their next seasonal lineup, and it looks stacked.

Scroll on to see everything coming to the Starbucks summer menu in May!

Meet The ​​Starbucks Summer Menu For 2025!

Starbucks

Here's the full lineup for this year's Starbucks summer menu:

  • NEW! Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
  • Summer-Berry Refreshers (Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher and Summer Skies Drink to return)
  • NEW! Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop
Below, we dive into each item so you can know what to expect once these menu items drop in May! We don't have an official launch date yet, but will keep you updated here the moment we know more details.

Starbucks

NEW! Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Yummm. Inspired by horchata, we anticipate this new shaken espresso flavor from Starbucks to have notes of cinnamon and coconut, both of which pair really well for a light and refreshing sip – much needed in the summer! Per some Starbucks employees on Reddit, it looks like it'll be crafted using an all-new horchata syrup, too. 👀

Starbucks

Summer-Berry Refreshers

That's right: Starbucks' boba drinks are officially coming back! Launching next month, the chain's blue-tinted Summer-Berry Refreshers come with a serving of raspberry-flavored popping boba to elicit summertime fun. The boba pearls were very divisive among baristas and customers when they hit menus in 2024.

Last year, this lineup of Refreshers came in three variations: the Summer-Berry Refresher, the Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher, and the Summer Skies Drink (mixed with coconut milk). The last two will definitely be returning to the summer menu for 2025! After a taste test from last year's launch, the Summer Skies ended up being our favorite.

Starbucks / Pixabay

NEW! Strawberries & Cream Cake Pop

Lastly, Starbucks is introducing a brand-new cake pop flavor for summertime: Strawberries & Cream! Some Starbucks employees on Reddit noted that it'll include a strawberry cake base with buttercream, which sounds so yummy. This new bite will join the existing cake pop trio of Birthday Cake, Chocolate, and Cookies & Cream.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updated on the Starbucks summer menu!

When I'm not searching for outfit ideas, I'm usually browsing the many beauty Substack newsletters I'm subscribed to. But nothing will ever beat all the goodies I typically find during Sephora's sale. It's one of the few times I'm able to score big on lip oils, niacinamide serums, and curly hair products without spending over $300. Plus, the perks of being an Insider, VIB or Rouge member are SO worth it.

Keep scrolling to find the best beauty skincare, makeup, hair and nail picks from Sephora's Sale!

Honorable Mention From Sephora's Sale

Amazon

DedCool Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum

If you love subtle gourmand scents, you won't be able to stop wearing DedCool's Mochi Milk Eau de Parfum! it's a gratifying blend of marshmallow, vanilla bean and sweet rice milk that'll make you feel like you've wrapped yourself in a dream cloud.

The Best Skincare Buys From Sephora's Sale

Sephora

Dieux Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum

If you've been dealing with hormonal acne that's left you with inflamed skin or dark spots, we know how frustrating that can be. But you don't have to suffer in silence with skincare like Dieux's Deliverance Antioxidant & Niacinamide Serum exists. Not only does it treat the aforementioned concerns, but it's also good for minimizing pores and treating uneven skin tone!

Sephora

KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask

I like my skincare like I love my coffee alternatives — full of mushrooms! Even if you have oily or combination skin, hydration's still a good area to focus on. We love recommend KORA Organics' Milky Mushroom Ultra-Hydrating Mask because it targets dry areas while providing a healthy dose of Vitamin C!

Sephora

Tower 28 Beauty S.O.S Daily Rescue Facial Spray

We love Tower 28 Beauty's S.O.S. Daily Rescue Facial Spray so much that we wrote about it in 2023! It feels like a toner and serum in a bottle because it immediately soothes any allergic reactions we may having. Itchy skin due to pesky breakouts? You'll want to use this. Red or splotchy skin that's triggered by an allergic reaction? This spray won't let you down.

Sephora

Birthday Cake

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Juicy lips are always in, but we know it's hard to narrow down what to invest in. We prefer Summer Friday's Lip Butter Balm because you're able to choose from various shades and your lips will be protected from painful cracks that may pop up throughout the day.

Sephora

The INKEY List Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream

Eye creams are our life savers even if we haven't had a rough night! It's unfair, but everyone starts losing the collagen underneath their eyes at a point which makes dark circles rear their head. To combat that, use The INKEY List's Caffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle formula!

Sephora

Berry

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

If you want extra pillow-soft & kissable lips, we suggest using LANEIGE's Lip Sleeping Mask. Formulated without parabens, your pout will remain hydrated and protected with every use of this. It's so good that it's been ranked as a "community favorite" on Sephora!

Sephora

innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

We're sharing innisfree's Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask with our combination skin girlies in mind. Though all skin types can use it, we know having dry & oily areas on your face can be tough to conquer. But this mask contains ingredients like AHA that help stabilize your skin's oil production and it also acts as a natural exfoliant.

Sephora

Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks

Did you really think we were rushing past your under eye care? We're serious about it and want you to feel your best, so we're sharing Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks. They may be cute to look at, but they also have plumping and hydrating properties that will make you look well-rested.

The Best Makeup Buys From Sephora's Sale

Sephora

Universal/Translucent

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

We love e.l.f.'s Power Grip Primer, but we know everyone isn't a fan of it's "sticky" feel. To get the same makeup base that it provides, try applying Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder before you put on your foundation or skin tint! It feels like a face balm, but dries down to a hydrating, matte finish that makes your makeup stay in place.

Sephora

Deep 1

Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer

Don't let the "lack" of shade options scare you away because Ami Colé's Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer is spot-on with its shade-matching. The colors are spot-on and they offer a natural finish that's skin-like.

Sephora

2N Maple

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Matte SPF 30

If you want to keep the matte party going, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer has an oil-free and matte version that oily skin will appreciate. It has SPF in it and won't clog your pores like some foundations do.

P.S. It's light coverage, so you may want to follow up with concealer or a loose powder that matches your complexion.

Sephora

Playtint

Benefit Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

Lip and cheek blush stains aren't new, but Benefit's version makes us feel like it is. It's long-wearing formula stays in place all day and won't dry your lips out. Did we mention it's also smudge and transfer-proof?

Sephora

Huda Beauty Easy Bake Blurring Loose Setting Powder

Our favorite loose setting powder has to be Huda Beauty's Easy Bake Blurring product. It's non-Comedogenic (goodbye pore-clogging ingredients) and light-weight, so you don't need a lot.

Pro Tip: After pressing your beauty sponge into it, blow off some of the excess product for a flawless look. You can also tap some of the product on the back of your hand to help avoid unnecessary creasing under your eyes.

Sephora

ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray

We haven't tested if ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr's On 'Til Dawn Setting Spray is waterproof yet, but we do swear by how long-lasting it is. We're also fond of it being vegan and cruelty-free because that matters too!

Sephora

Burst

MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Stain

Are we being biased about lip and cheek stains? You can say that, but we'll share why. In a world where it's easy to be heavy-handed with a powder, liquid or cream blush, we're all about using products that make our makeup routine easier.

The Best Haircare Buys From Sephora's Sale

Sephora

T3 SinglePass Curl X 1.25" Ceramic Barrel Curl

In the market for a new curling iron that you don't have to fight tooth and nail with? You'll love T3's Single Pass design! Created with all hair types in mind, it's sleek and has an extra-long barrel that'll fit around your hair without burning it.

Sephora

Gisou Honey Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask

Every time we see honey in a product, we know it's going to give us the hydration we need! In this case, Gisou's Gloss Ceramide Therapy Hair Mask contains properties that strengthen your hair while adding shine to it.

Sephora

Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil

Oils shouldn't weigh your hair down and Olaplex knows this. Their bonding formula gives you the healthiest shine while combatting frizz and heat damage which probably explains why it's so popular!

Sephora

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment

Sometimes your hair needs extra attention and we know just the product you need: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna's The Comeback Kid Repair Hair Treatment! It helps undo the effects of heat damage, chemical and color styles while helping to restore your hair to it's former glory.

Sephora

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo

Speaking of color-treated hair, you often need specialized shampoo to maintain your new style and the health of your hair. That's where K18's Biomimetic Hairscience Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo steps into the picture. It may remove product buildup and an excess of oil production (sebum), but it doesn't strip your hair!

Sephora

BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY Hair Foam: Curl Defining Mousse

Those with curly hair can use mousse and that's something BREAD BEAUTY SUPPLY is aware of. Their foaming lotion is incredibly soft and helps to repair your hair each time you apply it.

The Best Nail Care Buys From Sephora's Sale

Sephora

Glamnetic Press-On Nail Kit

You know how we feel about press-on nails, but we have to say Glamnetic holds a special place in our hearts. You could be a minimalist or maximalist girl, but there's sure to be designs that fit your personal aesthetic.

Sephora

Glamnetic Brush-On Nail Glue

Glamnetic also has a bruch-on nail glue that makes applying press-on nails super easy. You won't have to worry about applying to much glue because the brush picks up the perfect amount that will coat your nails so you apply whatever designs you have on-hand.

Sephora

Soft Services Theraplush "Hold" Overnight Retinol Hand Cream

Don't skip taking care of your hands the way you do your face or hair! Soft Services' warm gourmands Retinol Hand Cream helps keep your appendages nice and supple while also making sure your cuticles look taken care of.

Sephora

L'Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

If smelling warm & spicy scents that aren't food makes you quiver in disgust, try applying L'Occitane's Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil to your hands. It has shea, apricot, and sweet almond oil in it to help replenish any lost moisture which is possible if you use your hands a lot!

We can't wait to see what you snagged during Sephora's sale!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring beauty finds!

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

This post has been updated.