10 Eyelash Hacks for Long Luscious Lashes

Tomikka Anderson
Jul 12, 2015

If you pay attention to internet memes, you probably believe that eyebrows are the only way to accentuate your eyes and attain a flawless face. But there is something that you just might be missing, and most likely not spending that much time on: EYELASHES. If faux lashes are not your forte, check out our 10 great lash-curling hacks for long, luscious lashes. As the saying goes: Life is short, but your lashes don’t have to be!

1. Invest in a Great Eyelash Curler: There are several eyelash curlers on the market, but it’s important to purchase the right one that fits the shape of your eyes perfectly. We have a few favorites that you might want to add to your makeup kit: Shu Umera ($20), Tarte ($18), and Laura Mercier ($28).

2. Thin Out Your Mascara: After using your mascara several times, you might notice a lot of the product clumping together on the wand. For easier application, place your mascara in a cup of warm water to thin it out, or grab a tissue to wipe off excess product from your wand. (via Cosmopolitan)

3. Warm It Up: Warm up your eyelash curler by placing it under warm water or using a blow dryer. By warming up your eyelash curler, you will create an elongated curl that is similar to curling your hair with a warm curling iron. (via Brit + Co)

4. Angle the Curler: By angling the curler (pinching it and inverting it), you’ll achieve amazing results and the perfect curl. (via Cosmopolitan)

5. Baby Powder: Not sure how to remove clumps of mascara from your eyelashes? Just apply baby powder between coats. (via Brit + Co)

6. Grab a Spoon: One of our favorite YouTube vloggers, Michelle Phan, has the ultimate eyelash hack, using a spoon to curl her lashes. To try this hack, line up the edge of your spoon against your eyelashes, then press your lashes against the spoon to achieve a curly shape. Once eyelashes are curled, apply your mascara as usual. (via Michelle Phan/Youtube)

7. Bend Your Mascara Wand: Try bending your mascara wand or purchase mascara with a bent wand like Napoleon ($13). A bent wand allows you to easily apply the product to your lashes and achieve a curl at the same time. (via Stylecaster)

8. Curl and Apply at the Same Time: When using a eyelash curler, be sure to apply your mascara at the same time. If your mascara still wet, your eyelashes will stay curled for a longer period of time. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

9. Apply Eyeliner to Your Eyelash Curler: If you struggle to apply eyeliner in a straight line, just apply the product to your eyelash curler. Next, use your eyelash curler as usual and you will notice that your eyes will be perfectly lined.

10. Use Fire: This last hack is a Korean beauty technique to achieve a more natural curl. Purchase a metal eyelash wand and heat with a match for about 4-5 seconds. Once it is cool, use the smooth end for curling your lashes from root to tip in a zig-zag motion. Or, if you want to go the cheaper route, just use a toothpick like in the above video. (via Angela Minji Kim/Youtube)

Do you have any eyelash curler tips? If so, let us know in the comments below!

How to Master the No-Makeup Makeup Look, According to Pixiwoo

When Sam and Nic Chapman, the masterminds behind one of the biggest YouTube beauty channels

and founders of

makeup brushes, stop by our office, of course, makeup demos ensue. Our staffers were all too happy to receive mini-makeovers of spring’s best beauty trends inspired by the 2017 Met Gala, courtesy of the pros.

One was a go-to classic, the no-makeup makeup look à la supermodel Joan Smalls, wearing a red Topshop gown with a plunging neckline and side cutouts.

The other was stunning burgundy eyes via Victoria’s Secret model Taylor Hill, who wore an off-the-shoulder Carolina Hererra dress with a sweeping train.

To see how the final looks came together, check out the video above.

Which look was your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Pixiwoo, Dia Dipasupil, Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty)

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Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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.

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Avoid These Common Video Interview Mistakes

Doing video interviews over platforms like Skype have become increasing popular because they’re convenient, they save a ton of time, and they can be done in the privacy of your home. Unfortunately, tech issues and lack of attention to detail are often inevitable and end up irritating (instead of impressing) your potential hiring manager. The team over at Skype shared their best video interview tips for job seekers.

1. You couldn’t find your interviewer. You have an interview scheduled for 1pm, and you open up Skype at 12:58 pm but you can’t seem to connect with the right person. This scenario is typical and avoidable if you are proactive and make sure to connect with your interviewer when you initially receive their Skype username.

2. You didn’t test your tech. You figured since you’ve used Skype a zillion times before that you don’t need to do a test call. Unfortunately, when you log in, you realize your version is out of date and need to restart your computer and end up delaying your call. Or maybe your microphone was switched off. Or you can’t hear your interviewer. You’ll be losing precious interview time, not to mention getting on your interviewer’s nerves and all of these delays will factor into your overall interview, just like arriving late for an in-person interview.

3. You didn’t clean yourself up. Many people think that their appearance doesn’t matter when it comes to a video interview. These folks could not be more wrong. It’s essential to place yourself in a space that maximizes who you are as a job candidate. A messy desk, empty food containers, or a closet that’s in desperate need of a clean up are all reflections of who you are as a candidate. Part of any job interview (virtual or not) includes your presentation and your chosen interview space — especially if it’s your home — really does get added into your overall candidacy ranking. Don’t let a cluttered desk or an untidy shelf mess up a potential job opportunity.

4. You didn’t get completely dressed. You figured the interviewer could only see your face and shoulders, so you didn’t bother to put on shoes or pants and figured a high cut crop top was fine. It’s not. For any interview — even a phone interview — it’s important to look the part. As soon as you don an outfit that makes you feel powerful and look great, your mood will embrace these qualities as well. Make sure to shrug your shoulders, sit back in your chair, and lock the door. Otherwise, your outfit (or lack thereof) will be exposed. This BBC interview proves that the unexpected can always happen.

5. You didn’t remain focused. When people Skype, there’s a tendency to look into the middle of the screen. Instead, you want to make eye contact with the interviewer — just like you would in an in-person interview. Look directly into the camera. You shouldn’t be sifting through papers on your desk, answering texts, or opening up other tabs on your browser. Maintain focus and connection, and make sure yapping dogs or loud sirens are not part of your interview. Keep a pair of earphones handy to throw on to help with overall voice quality.

6. You didn’t put your phone down. Skype has a mobile app, and many people tend to do their interviews (especially job interviews) while they are on the go and outside of their offices. Keep in mind though, holding your phone in front of you is distracting and you’re guaranteed to switch arms during the call which will distract the interviewer. To avoid any disruptions, set your phone down on a table and prop it up. Business card holders are a great makeshift easel to prop up your phone and keep it steady.

What is your video interview tip? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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35 Christmas Party Decor Ideas You Can Totally DIY

It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!

Candy Cane Lane Backdrop

Etsy

Host a Candy Cane Lane party with this sweet and colorful backdrop. (via Etsy)

Dried Orange Garland

Shutterstock

String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.

Festive Charcuterie Board

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!

Christmas Tree Arch

DBackdrop

Create a Christmas Tree Arch for your photo backdrop with real or artificial garland.

Bow Paper Cups

My Mind's Eye

Buy or DIY these adorable cups for your holiday party. (via My Mind's Eye)

Velvet Tree Bows

Dress up your tree for a very demure, very mindful holiday party. (via Etsy)

Disco Ball Wreath

Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)

Honeycomb Backdrop

If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY ’90s Throwback Tree Ornaments

Instead of Santa or reindeer, turn your tree into an homage to everything awesome about the ’90s, including Koosh balls (‘member those?). (via Aww Sam)

Wreath Witherspoon

This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)

DIY Snow Globe Cake

The best way to do snow globes? DIY edible versions, duh. Take your cake to the next level with a little fondant and some cheerful cake toppers. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Edible Chocolate Trees

Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Punny Tree Ornaments

DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Candy Cane Treat Box

Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Disco Ball Tree

A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)

Glass Ball Terrariums

Amazon

Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!

DIY Advent Calendar

Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)

DIY Giant Ornament Balloons

Let these beauties bounce across the floor, bunch them together for a photo shoot, or hang them on your porch. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Blendo Ornaments

Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

DIY Flamingo Snow Globe Ornaments

Channel warm holiday vibes with this crafty ornament. (via Club Crafted)

Christmas Bar Cart

It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)

Metallic Eggnog Cups

Give that punch bowl set you found at the thrift store a new lease on life with metallic paints. (via Design Improvised)

Pink Gingerbread Car

Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)

Christmas Tree Cactus

No need for a tree when you have this festive cactus tree! (via Sugar & Cloth)

DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands

String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)

DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap

Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)

DIY Bubbly Balloon Backdrop

Simple, colorful, and DIY — all of our favorite things! This easy balloon backdrop will transform any blank wall — and the tree! — into a breathtaking party scene. (via A Kailo Chic Life)

Signature Drink

Deck out your bar cart for the holidays with some swag and swap out your wine glasses for something gilded to show off your signature Christmas cocktail. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Confetti Cannon

Shutterstock

It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)

THEME IDEAS

Holiday Card Party

If you’re going with good old-fashioned snail mail this season, nothing beats a handwritten holiday card. Throw a party dedicated to hand-lettered addresses and actual stamp-licking. Check out the Brit + Co x Moonpig Holiday Collection too! (via Brit + Co)

White Elephant Gift Exchange

Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)

Cute Holiday Sweater Party, Hold The Ugly

ASTR the Label

Give everyone a reason to wear their cute holiday sweaters without needing to shop for something they'll never wear again. (via Brit + Co)

Gift Wrap Gathering

Photo by Marko Klaric

Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.

Tree Decorating Party, BYOO

Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)

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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.

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