9 Green Thumb Essentials for Your First Garden

It doesn’t matter if you’re blessed with a big backyard or tasked with an urban, tiny outdoor garden space; if you’ve got sunlight and water, you’ve got yourself a garden. There’s no better feeling than seeing your seedling sprout into something edible, and sustaining yourself and your loved ones on food you’ve grown gives a special kind of satisfaction. Plus, fresh herbs will take your swoon-worthy spiralized salads and dump dinner crockpot recipes to the next level. If you’re feeling intimidated, start small! We’ve cultivated a list of nine essentials that will make your first foray into gardening a breeze.

1. B+C Flower Arranging Online Class ($19): April showers bring May flowers, and there’s no doubt your patio boxes will be running over with some beautiful blossoms all season long. Take our quick and dirty online floral arranging class to get some seriously chic tips on how to make your flowers look their blooming best.

2. Modern Sprout Kraft Seed Starter Kit ($17): If it’s not quite the time to start tilling soil and pulling weeds where you live, you can still get a head start on your garden. These wonderful herb seedlings sprout in their biodegradable packaging. Once they’re ready to plant, just bury the whole kit in the dirt. You’re sustaining the Earth and your health in one go.

3. Noted Basil-O-Holic Foodie Garden Kit ($20): Tomatoes and basil are the peanut butter and jelly of summertime snacking. When your tomato plants are plentiful, experiment with these three varieties of basil, along with our DIY mozzarella kit. You’ll never get tired of eating fresh caprese salads.

4. Modern Sprout Garden Jar Self-Water Herb Kit ($20): Hey, we’re not all born to be Ina Garten! This self-watering herb kit takes out all the dirty work. You’ll have fresh cilantro on hand for Taco Tuesday without having to lift a (not so) green finger. How easy is that?

5. La Fleur Kitchen Succulent Gardening Online Class ($19): A newfound love of gardening doesn’t have to end with flowers and veggies in your backyard. Cherie will teach you all the basics to bring the outdoors inside with this easy-to-maintain succulent garden.

6. The Forest Feast by Erin Gleeson($35): Stay culinarily-inspired with vegetarian-heavy tome The Forest Feast. She shares dozens of veg-friendly recipes that often include a mere three or four ingredients, making dinner party planning a breeze.

7. Bando Watermelon Cooler Bag ($32): Be sure to share your bounty with your besties! Use this uber cute watermelon cooler bag to transport your fresh veggies to beach bashes and barbecues all summer long.

8. Saffron and Kumquats Homemade Pickles Kit ($16): Your green thumb must be glowing neon — your first attempt at cucumber cultivating has resulted in an abundance of the crop, and you can’t possibly spiralize another one. Up your gherkin game with this super simple pickling kit. Plus, a mason jar full of homemade pickles makes a perfect housewarming gift.

9. bkr Bambi Bottle ($35): Squash blossoms aren’t the only things that need to stay hydrated this summer. Make sure you’re cool and quenched while gardening by keeping a full bkr bottle by your side. The glass- and BPA-free silicone materials mean your water is safe to drink even on the hottest days.

What’s your favorite thing to plant in the spring? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

(Feature image via Getty)

Less is more when it comes to landscaping. While there’s something charming about old-fashioned backyards — the kind of lush, picture-perfect spaces reminiscent of a bygone era — they can be really expensive to maintain. Here are some of the most high-maintenance backyard features that will keep your garden looking classic, but at a cost. If you’re still into these old-school garden elements but want to avoid the upkeep, consider modern swaps like drought-resistant plants or low-maintenance hedging options so you can relax and enjoy rather spend and constantly maintain.

10 old-fashioned landscaping ideas that are too expensive to upkeep.

Shutterstock

1. Boxwood Hedges

Perfectly sculpted boxwood hedges offer privacy and give a sense of poshness to a garden. However, maintaining them requires frequent pruning, they're prone to pests like boxwood blight, and trimming services can add up quickly. Instead, look for low-maintenance hedges like viburnum, common box, and cherry laurel.

Kenneth COSSIN

2. Koi Ponds

A serene koi pond with a water feature requires constant upkeep — regular water testing, filtration maintenance, and fish care (including specialized diets, temp control, and vet care!).

Photo by Elle Hughes

3. Rose Gardens

Traditional rose gardens are lovely when maintained properly but they require constant attention. They need proper pruning, fertilizing, pest control, and are prone to disease. Roses are highly susceptible to black spot, powdery mildew, and aphids, making them a pretty demanding plant. I gave up my roses for drought-tolerant plants and olive trees in my California garden.

Annie Gavin

4. Cobblestone or Brick Pathways

Over time, moss and weeds grow between the stones and brick, creating slippery surfaces and requiring frequent cleaning. Frost heaving and settling can create uneven surfaces here too, which can be costly to repair. Gravel and mulch are low-budget options that can still look great and don't require a lot of upkeep in the garden.

Shutterstock

5. Topiaries

Shaping plants into whimsical topiaries is not for the faint of heart — or wallet. These sculpted plants demand expert trimming, precise watering, and protection from harsh weather. Hiring a professional topiarist can be an ongoing and expensive commitment for more elaborate topiaries, like animal shapes and other artistic sculpting.

Wayfair

6. Traditional Fountains

A grand fountain can be the focal point of a traditional backyard, but keeping it in pristine condition requires frequent cleaning, water treatment, and pump maintenance. Algae buildup, clogged filters, and winter freezing can all lead to costly repairs and upkeep.

Shutterstock

7. Ornate Ironwork

Iron is prone to rust, meaning you'll need to endure frequent sanding, priming, and repainting to keep them looking polished and pristine, which can get tiresome over time.

Pankaj Shah

8. Massive Lawns

I replaced an uncomfortable, and frankly ugly, rock lawn with a small grass lawn for my kiddo and dog to enjoy and my water bill quadrupled! A sprawling, perfectly green lawn is a major water guzzler. Keeping it lush requires constant mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and irrigation. Consider more mulch and gravel than grass.

Wayfair

9. Gazebos or Pergolas

Maintaining wooden structures like gazebos means regular staining, sealing, and repairs to prevent weather-related wear and tear. If made from natural wood, they’re especially vulnerable to rot, termites, and warping. Look for more weather-resistant protection or plant more shade trees.

Wayfair

10. Plastic Edging

Plastic and gardens don't make an ideal match. Plastic edging may seem like a quick fix, but it's often frustrating to install, prone to shifting over time, and can lead to weed crossover and untidy borders. While affordable upfront, its short lifespan makes it a poor long-term investment. Opt for sustainable alternatives that not only last but also prevent microplastics from contaminating your soil.

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

Spring is here, and it's time to swap out winter comfort foods for fresh, nourishing meals that make the most of the season’s best produce. But let’s be real — we need recipes that are as quick and easy as they are delicious and satisfying.

We’ve got you covered with 15-minute recipes to shake up your weekly rotation. Featuring Perdue® Fresh Cuts No Antibiotics Ever chicken and its convenient pan-ready packaging (read: no cutting board needed), these meals keep cleanup to a minimum while maximizing flavor.

Scroll for the recipes!

  • Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowls
  • Zesty Chicken Skewers over Spring Salad
  • Sheet-Pan Chicken Tacos with Spring Veggies

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowls

Serves 4

Switch things up for dinner with a deconstructed spring roll bowl — tender grilled chicken, crisp fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of your favorite peanut sauce for a flavorful, fuss-free twist!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles, cook according to pkg directions
  • 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips
  • 1 jar of peanut sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 mango, cubed
  • 1 pkg mung beans
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 spring onion, sliced
  • 1/3 roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Optional herbs: cilantro, mint, thai basil
  • 1 lime, cut in wedges
  • Hot sauce

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup peanut sauce (thin with a little water if too thick) and chicken breast strips to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

2. On a grill pan or sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. With tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and place directly onto pan in one layer. If the pan isn’t large enough, make in batches. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, not moving or flipping until well browned. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

4. Transfer grilled chicken to plate to rest while you assemble the bowls.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

5. To assemble bowls, equally divide the rice noodles into four bowls, top with cabbage, carrot, cucumbers, mango, mung beans and avocado.

6. Add sliced chicken with any reserved juices, and top with spring onions, peanuts and herbs.

7. Drizzle with peanut sauce (thin with a little water if too thick). Serve with lime wedges and favorite hot sauce.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Zesty Chicken Skewers over Spring Salad

Serves 4

Chicken makes everything better — especially when it’s grilled to perfection and tossed into this vibrant citrus-kissed salad. Packed with spring peas, crisp asparagus, watermelon radishes, and fresh greens, it’s the perfect way to kick off a healthy spring!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 1 jar Italian or citrus dressing
  • 1 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 pkg spring lettuces
  • 1/4 radicchio head, torn in pieces
  • 1 pkg pea shoots, optional
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 1 watermelon radish or 1/2 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, shaved
  • 2 asparagus spears, shaved
  • 2 asparagus spears, 1/2” slices
  • 1 pkg micro greens, optional
  • Goat cheese

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water until chicken has finished marinating.

2. In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup Italian dressing and diced chicken breast to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Skewer 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

3. On a grill pan or sauté pan, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Place skewers directly onto pan in one layer, in multiple batches. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, not moving or flipping until well browned. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165℉.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

5. Transfer grilled chicken skewers to plate to rest while you assemble the salad.

6. To assemble salad, layer each plate with lettuces, pea shoots, snow peas, radishes, carrot, asparagus and top with micro greens, freshly cracked pepper and goat cheese. Drizzle your favorite Italian or citrus dressing and enjoy!

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Sheet-Pan Chicken Tacos with Spring Veggies

Serves 4

Let everyone load up their tacos with their favorite toppings for an easy, fun, and flavor-packed way to celebrate Taco Tuesday — or any day! Bake your chicken and veggies in just 15 minutes, thanks to Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips that are already pre-cut for you.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pkg Perdue® Fresh Cuts Chicken Breast Strips
  • 1/4 head of cauliflower, small florets
  • Bunch of radishes, trimmed & quartered
  • Salt & pepper
  • Flour or corn tacos, grilled or warmed
  • 1/4 head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • Pickled red onions
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Cotija
  • 1/4 cup Mexican Crema, or sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, combine taco seasoning, olive oil and chicken and toss to coat. On a greased (or parchment-lined) sheet pan, arrange chicken and veggies into one layer. Season liberally with salt and fresh pepper.

2. Bake for 15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the chicken. Chicken is ready when an insta-read thermometer reads chicken at 165ºF. Set aside while preparing the tacos.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

3. To assemble the tacos, layer tortillas with cabbage, chicken, roasted vegetables, red onions, avocado and cotija and top with crema and cilantro.

Nicole Hill Gerulat

Enjoy more Perdue® Fresh Cuts pre-cut chicken breast recipes!

Committing to a landscaping project can dramatically upgrade your home's curb appeal and boost its property value — it's an investment absolutely worth making. And you can do it in stages to suit your budget! Recently, I turned my all-rock front yard into a lush, multifunctional oasis. Now, it features distinct areas: a cozy pebble circle with Adirondack chairs perfect for reading, a grassy spot ideal for kids/dogs to play, and native plants and trees that beautifully frame and shade the space. This upgrade not only transformed my home's aesthetic but also significantly improved its functionality. We have so much more usable square footage now that had been off-limits because the rocks were SO uncomfortable to walk over. If you're ready for a landscaping upgrade, take my advice and make a design plan first — it could make your house look way more expensive in the long run.

Here are 14 landscaping tips to DIY a stunning front yard with expensive curb-appeal!

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1. Layer Your Plants

You can sketch out a plan based on your usable space and how you hope to use it. Place taller trees and shrubs toward the back, medium-sized plants in the middle, and low-growing flowers or ground cover like clover, creeping thyme, or moss to create a full, lush look.

Gautham Reghu

2. Grow Climbing Plants

Cover trellises and fences with climbing plants like jasmine or Bougainvillea, whatever suits your climate, to maximize green space and add visual interest to your front yard.

Omri Cohen

3. Plant Flowering Shrubs

Plant shrubs like hydrangeas, azaleas, or camellias that provide seasonal changes, like greenery in the cooler months and bursts of color come spring.

Dziana Hasanbekava

4. Choose a Variety of Textures and Colors

You'll want to mix different plant textures to add visual interest and depth to your landscaping. Some of the grasses, ground cover, flowers, and trees I used included White Fountain Grass, Lamb's Ear, Icelandic poppies, Bougainvillea (the peach variety), olive and lemon trees for my Northern California yard. My color palette was focused on the green and citrus color families. Talk to your local gardening store about plants that work best in your area and find ones that you love.

Shutterstock

5. Use Evergreen Plants for Structure

Planting evergreens like boxwood or juniper will help you maintain a lush appearance even during colder months while providing a structured framework for seasonal plants.

Derick McKinney

6. Plant Native and Drought-Resistant Plants

If you live in a drought-prone climate, look for plants that require minimal water and maintenance, such as succulents, lavender, or ornamental grasses.

Leeloo The First

7. Install Curved Garden Beds

If you have the space for it, design your landscaping with gently curved flower beds instead of straight lines to create a more organic look.

Amie Roussel

8. Grow Wildflowers

You won't regret converting a section of your yard into a wildflower meadow to attract pollinators and have pretty bouquets at full bloom. My daughter and I wanted to attract ladybugs and butterflies and chose our plants accordingly.

Shutterstock

9. Plants Edibles (No, Not That Kind)

Mix herbs, fruit-bearing plants, and veggies into your landscape for a sustainable and functional front yard that feeds your soul and your belly!

Jamie Hagan

10. Plant Shade Trees

Deciduous trees can provide shade, improve air quality, and reduce your home's energy costs by keeping it cooler in the summer.

Shutterstock

11. Add Porch Plants

Along the lines of layering your plants, porch plants hung from above, such as ferns, petunias, or ivy, add charm, texture, and a touch of nature to your outdoor space.

Ben Ashby

12. Create a Focal Point

Design around a statement piece such as a reading nook (in the case of my space), a bird bath, a sculptural tree like a Japanese maple, or for a more traditional look, a flower-filled urn, surrounded by lush plantings to draw the eye and anchor the design.

Lina Kivaka

13. Use Pots to Cover Concrete

Not blessed with a bed full of soil? No problem. Use potted plants to create an inviting, welcoming look to your front yard or steps.

Jason Leung

14. Add a Pop of Color

Painting your door a bright color to contrast with all the lush greenery can really make your landscaping pop and your home exterior look strikingly good.

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Quince is already our go-to for luxe-lookingwardrobe essentials at shockingly good prices – and their new arrivals section is currently packed with tons of spring-ready finds you won’t want to miss.There are tons of breezy dresses, breathable tops, and flatteringjeanson deck, but we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best finds you can grab for springtime. Quince totally nails high-quality staples at fair prices, so get ready to find your new favorite pieces, stat!

Scroll on to shop 10 stunning spring fashion finds from Quince!

Quince

100% European Linen Tank Mini Dress

A linen dress is absolutely a must-have for springtime. It's light and breezy, allowing your looks to breathe. This white one is an especially nice grab because it can pair well with just about anything.

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Short Sleeve Shirt

This button-up top is crafted from 100% organic cotton that's fashioned in a soft, gauzy feel. It's super light on the bod and could even be perfect for a swimsuit cover-up this summer!

Quince

Bella Stretch Barrel Jeans

Hop on the barrel jeans wave with this adorable light wash pair! The material has some nice stretch to it while still retaining structure, shaping your waist, hips, and legs in the best way possible.

Quince

100% European Linen Fitted Tank

Ooh, gotta love some gingham! It's the perfect pattern for spring since it's reminiscent of picnic blankets and good times spent outside. This linen tank hugs your body just a little bit to give you shape.

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Skirt

Tiered maxi skirts are so sweet and feminine, plus they're ultra-cozy for warmer weather moments when you don't exactly want to wear a mini skirt or short shorts. This white one is cut from 100% organic cotton poplin to ensure unmatched breathability.

Quince

100% European Linen Scoop Neck Midi Dress

Butter yellow dresses are where it's at. Rock spring's hottest color trend with this easy-wearing dress that you can easily dress up based on the occasion!

Quince

Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Link-Stitch Dolman Sweater

This smooth sweater boasts a stunning boatneck and slouchy sleeves for added coverage, if desired. It's the ultimate office-wear top that'll look immaculate alongside everything from slacks to dressy skirts!

Quince

100% European Linen Long Sleeve Shirt

The great thing about this linen top is that the long sleeves will block out the sun on hot days, preventing UV damage on your skin, but the material it's made of truly wears like a barely-there dream, so you won't be stuck excessively sweatin'.

Quince

100% European Linen Shorts

Linen is the look this spring. These comfy shorts will definitely become your new faves for the season since they're loose (but not too loose), tied comfortably at the waist, and have – you guessed it – pockets!

Quince

Drapey Twill Pleated Trouser

Made specifically for movement and comfort, these lightweight trousers surely do not feel like your typical formal pant. The high-waisted design is fitted with an elasticized back that makes fitting into them super streamlined, plus the TENCEL-cotton-linen blend is super soft to the touch.

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

Though plenty of beauty trends have come and gone, there are still a handful of makeup products that have stood the test of time. Though you might think these powders, foundations, lipsticks, and more lean pretty“old school,” tons of beauty fans still adore them for their ability to deliver the most stunning looks.

You might just want to give these classic makeup products a second chance after reading what makeup lovers say about their staying power!

Read on for 7 “old school” makeup products that are still total staples in today’s age.

Amazon

1. Airspun Loose Powder

I remember this loose powder being one of the very first makeup products I ever tried after seeing it in my mom's makeup kit. It's super nostalgic for many other beauty fans – and no wonder, because it first launched in 1935!

Formulated to have a "cloudlike softness" to it, this powder is ideal for setting foundation and concealer so your base stays in place.

Amazon

“I used Coty Airspun loose powder for years," one Redditor wrote about it. "I don't use powder anymore, but I still take a fond look at it in the makeup aisle. The packaging is so retro and pretty. It always made me feel very 1950's movie star.”

I will say that the main disconnect between this "old school" makeup product and today's beauty trends is that more and more brands tend to lean toward dewy, natural finishes rather than fully matte ones – this powder definitely delivers on the latter.

Amazon

2. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

This mascara launched in 1990 and it was quick to become a favorite amongst beauty fans looking for long, full lashes. Claiming to give lashes the appearance of 5 times their natural thickness, this formula goes on super easy, thanks to the streamlined wand design.

Amazon

This mascara has proved itself a mainstay in many makeup bags, and since its launch, L'Oreal's launched several different colors to play with. I myself am especially fond of the blue and purple mascaras if I just want to get a little playful with my makeup!

"I have tried other mascaras in the past but I find this one is the best for me. I have been using it for years," one reviewer wrote on Amazon. "I now find it difficult to to buy at the drug stores so I order it through Amazon. It goes on easily, dries quickly and does not flake. I wear the burgundy because I have green eyes."

Amazon

3. Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

You probably recognized this one super quick. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey is renowned since it's said to be universally flattering and totally nails the natural look! Though it first hit the market in 1989, it's had an undeniable resurgence in the past couple years, further proving its iconic status.

Amazon

“My grandmother took me to a Clinique counter when I was 13 and bought me a lipstick and some eyeshadow. I used them until they were gone," one Redditor reminisced. "The only Clinique item I've used since then is Black Honey, which is in my bathroom today.”

Ulta

4. Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain

This beloved Benefit product hit shelves back in 1976, though it wasn't originally intended for use on the lips and cheeks. 👀 Benefit revealed that it was actually formulated for exotic dancers to use on their nipples to make them stand out!

Ulta

Since its introduction, it's been a great pick to reach for to add a natural flush to the cheeks and make the lips a bit bolder. Benefit's launched several different shades over the years to join the OG "rose" one.

Amazon

5. Max Factor Panstik Foundation

This "old school" makeup product was one of the first foundations that came in a convenient stick form. It launched in 1947, but you can still find it today! This creamy product is noticeably full-coverage and leaves a silky-matte finish once it's applied. A little truly goes a long way.

“I grew up in the 90s and remember using the Max Factor Panstik makeup. I can still remember the scent," one Redditor wrote. "It was a really great product for its time and I used it like a concealer.”

“I have this! What I like about it is it’s quick to apply when I don’t have the energy for liquid concealers," another Reddit user said. "The colour range isn’t impressive though.”

Amazon

6. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Hitting the market back in 1957, it didn't take long for the Lustrous Lipstick from Revlon to become a cult classic. Many shades that the company developed in the latter half of the 20th century are still around today – several makeup fans on Reddit mentioned shades like Cherries In The Snow, Toast Of New York, Wine With Everything, Fire And Ice, and Sandalwood Beige are still their absolute favorites!

"Fire And Ice is one of my favourite lipsticks. It’s a wonderful bright corally red/pink..." one Redditor said. "It dates from the 50s. It’s quite nice to think I’m wearing the same colour as girls who were listening to Elvis.”

Amazon

7. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This might just be the most old school of all the "old school" makeup products mentioned here. This rosy skin salve was introduced way back in 1838 to heal dry, cracked skin in need of hydration – lips, face, hands, and body included. It's crafted the same way it was back in the 1800's, with rose extract to calm irritation, and lanolin, cotton seed, and jojoba oil to moisturize. The company also sells lavender, mint, and vanilla varieties in addition to the OG rose.

Amazon

"I've been using C.O. Bigelow lavender salve for years and still love it. I rub it into my cuticles in the winter, spread the excess around my hands and top it with a layer of hand cream to seal it in," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "It works great to keep my skin from drying out and cracking and the lavender scent smells natural and not fake."

"Love this product! Worth every penny," another Amazon user said. "Use it on my lips, face and hands. Softens and is non greasy. My all time favorite product in my beauty stash!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more beloved beauty products, from makeup to skincare!

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