5 Must-DL Apps This Week: Try on Makeup, Take 3D Pix + More!

Aug 23, 2014

Today’s edition of What’s App-ening is all about you. We’re pampering Y-O-U a little bit today with a new app that lets you try on any color of eyeshadow, an app that lets you document your day in the coolest, high-tech way and another that lets you shop like a champ straight from your smartphone. Oh, and another that will help you find your next great meal. It’s time to get downloading and start upgrading!

1. Spring: We’ve heard of “like Instagram for shopping” before in the wide world of app elevator pitches, so let me throw a new one your way: Spring is like a virtual, completely customizable shopping mall on your phone. #WhatUpSuburbs?! Follow the brands you like and peek at all of their newest, yummiest duds + get tipped off to sales on favorites. If you like something, reeeeeally like something, it’s yours! All of the shopping can be done straight from the app in a way that is completely optimized for the mobile user and done beautifully. Say bye to your willpower, shoppers.

Cost: Free for iOS

2. Photo Sphere Camera: You might not have Project Tango or Amazon Fire Phone in your pocket anytime soon, but you can still give your phone 3D superpowers thanks to Google’s new app. It lets you create 360 degree photos (think: how you’ve taken panoramic pix in the past) then publish them to Google Maps for the coolest photo scavenger hunt we’ve ever seen.

Cost: Free for iOS, optimized for iPhone 5

3. Humin: If you’re the kind of person who enters in new contacts by descriptors + first names (Blonde Lisa, Lisa SF Brit + Co, Lisa Talks a Lot, Lisa Dream Girl — YOU GET IT), then this is the upgrade you’re in need of. Humin is the ideal app for superstar networkers, forgetful folks and, yes, serial pick-up artists because it lets you add context to your contacts, then search for them the same way. Find the new friend you “met Friday night,” or call up a biz contact who “works at Twitter,” even see which friends are in town this weekend so you know who to add to that group text. Humin connects to your Facebook to let you know other random “small world” coincydinks about your new pals.

Cost: Free for iOS

4. YouCam Makeup: We know, we know, we had you at “makeup.” Us, too — when it’s a makeup app we are all over it like blush on the apples of yo’ cheeks! This one uses smart facial detection (our heart is just SINGING right now) to accurately get a sense for your facial features in order to slap realistic-looking cosmetics on them. We’re ignoring the weird facial perfecting features (uh, pls stop with those) and focusing on the makeup trying-on ones, thanks v much. This will be our dream app when there’s less fake nose filters and more real-life products that we can try on, but this does let you try on hundreds of colors and experiment with different “tools” — even false lashes. We could see this being handy for special occasions like bridal makeup, where you could paint up your dream face instead of pulling JUST Pinspiration.

Cost: Free for Android and iOS

5. Foodmento: Fancy yourself a bit of a foodie? Then forget apps like Foursquare and Yelp telling you what restaurant to dine in, you need to know what to EAT in that 5-star hotspot. Or what to slurp up in that underground noodle joint. This app lets you discover and share the best dishes around town and across the globe. Even make reservations + place delivery orders of those mouthwatering meals right through the app. Mmm.

Cost: Free for iOS

Bonus: ICYMI!

– Fridge App: This handy helper tells you when it’s time to toss those tomatoes.

– 5 Crazy Cool Ways to Repurpose Your Old Phone: Make that hunk-a-tech keep werking for you, honey.

– 13 Must-Have Apps for New Parents: Sheesh, hope there’s a sleep app in there.

– 11 Awesome New Things Uber Can Do: (Including go on a Starbucks run for you.)

What apps did you download this week? Share your favorites with us below!

6 New Google Maps Features To Make Your Next National Parks Trip Painless

Today, Google Maps released new features that make navigating National Parks worlds easier. Between integrating more detailed instructions to trailheads and sounding off in response to relevant heat warnings, the latest tools from Google are the travel buddy you never knew you needed. National Park Week starts on April 22, so get ready to hit the road for an epic park trip using the newest insights from Google Maps. Read on for all of the features here to guide you through every step of the way!

1. View trails from beginning to end on Google Maps

Image via Google Maps

Trails are now easier to discover via Maps. When you search for a trail, you’ll see the entire route displayed, so you can easily find the starting point and the end. Upon searching, you’ll get a preview of the trail with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. You’ll also be able to see the trail’s difficulty as well as what it’s used for.

2. Detailed Google Maps directions bring you straight to the trailhead or park entrance

Spare yourself the confusion of whether the trailhead you parked at is the trailhead you’re supposed to be hiking. Now, when you request walking or cycling directions to a particular trail, Google Maps will direct you right to its beginning.

3. Get informed when there's a heat wave warning

Image via cottonbro studio / PEXELS

When you Google search for information on extreme heat events, the engine will show you details on predicted heat waves, tips on staying cool, and any urgent health concerns associated with hot weather. This feature is helpful for exploring National Parks in particular, so you’re not risking your wellbeing for exploration and fun. These warnings will pop up in a conspicuous space on your screen to eliminate confusion.

4. See how the planet evolved over time with Google Earth's update

Image via Google Earth

Immerse yourself in Earth’s transformative nature using the biggest Google Earth update since 2017, Timelapse. The 4D experience takes you from the Amazon rainforest to the palm oil-rich land of Indonesia to shine a light on our changing planet and its problems and solutions, as well as a handful of beautiful natural phenomena that have unfolded over the past decades.

5. Easily view a National Park destination's can't-miss attractions

Image via Google Maps

With a National Park-related search, you’ll now be able to easily view any notable attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads within your desired park.

6. Go properly off the grid with offline Google Maps features

Image via Anna Alexes / PEXELS

Reliable cell coverage isn’t guaranteed in the great outdoors. To help you responsibly explore parks with clarity, Google Maps brings you offline features. Just tap the "download" button on any park’s Google Maps listing to download it for offline use.

Itching to explore more?

Image via Pixabay / PEXELS

Here are the most popular U.S. National Parks, according to Google*:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Kenai Fjords National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
Acadia National Park
Badlands National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Redwood National and State Parks
Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park
White Sands National Park
Arches National Park
Sequoia National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park
North Cascades National Park

*Determined by National Parks with ratings of 4.5 or higher and more than 1,000 reviews on Google Maps

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Header image via Google Maps

The Original "Gossip Girl" Cast: Where Are They Now?

It's been 17 years since Gossip Girl first premiered on The CW, thus opening our eyes to the scandalous lives of Manhattan's elite and introducing us to a new generation of stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

In the six seasons the show was on air, it captivated fans and critics alike, serving up week after week of delicious drama and continuously upping the ante for TV show fashion. ("So many designers were lining up to be a part of it — they wanted their stuff on Blake or Leighton," costume designer Eric Daman told Vanity Fair.) Click through to find out what the Gossip Girl cast has been up to since the show's success, and where they are today.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors

Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen)

Of all the Gossip Girl cast alumni, Blake Lively is arguably the most well-known. Not only has she gone on to major roles in movies — including The Age of Adaline, The Shallows, All I See Is You, and most recently, It Ends with Us— but she's also married to fellow actor Ryan Reynolds (married in 2012).

Blake shares four beautiful daughters, James, Inez, Betty, and the youngest (born in 2023) whose name has not been announced publicly with Ryan. True to her Gossip Girl character, she's quite the fashionista! In her spare time, she likes to hang out with her BFFs, who just so happen to include Taylor Swiftandthe Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ladies.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf)

Leighton Meester has a career that would make even her cunningly ambitious Queen B character proud. Since Gossip Girl's end in 2012, she's acted in films including Life Partners, The Judge, The Weekend Away, and most recently, EXmas. She even recorded and released songs such as "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship and the solo effort "Somebody to Love," and even starred on Broadway in Of Mice and Men back in 2014.

Leighton is married to actor Adam Brody (The O.C., Jennifer's Body, Gilmore Girls) as of 2014. She has two kids – one daughter and one son.

She has been heavily involved in philanthropy while taking on acting projects, primarily volunteering and campaigning with Feeding America and the Los Angeles Food Bank.

Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey)

Long gone are the days when Taylor Momsen played Dan Humphrey's sweet (and a bit messed up) little sis, Jenny. The actress left the Gossip Girl cast in 2010 in order to pursue her dreams of a music career, and all these years later, she's still doing just that as the frontwoman of the uber-successful rock group, The Pretty Reckless. With four records under their belt, the four-member band has supported bands like Evanescence, Soundgarden, and Guns N' Roses, and has toured in numerous cities and music festivals.

Momsen has typically kept her dating life on the down-low. She is currently single and appears to be putting all of her energy into her band.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Penn Badgley (Dan Humphrey)

Everyone’s favorite Gossip Girl — er, guy — Penn Badgley, followed in his on-screen sister's footsteps after the show ended, pursuing his musical interests with rock band MOTHXR. The band's most current project, Centerfold, was released back in 2016.

Badgley has since acted in several movies and TV shows including Easy A, The Paper Store, and Here Today, but his most notable work has been on the ongoing book-based Netflix series, You. He plays Joe Goldberg, a charming bookkeeper with eerily odd characteristics, especially when it comes to love.

Badgley currently has a podcast titled Podcrushed, which explores the awkwardness of adolescence and revisits guests' best (and worst) middle school memories. He cohosts with Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari. One episode even features ex-Gossip Girl co-star, Leighton Meester!

Badgley is married to singer and doula Domino Kirke as of 2017. Kirke already had a child from a previous relationship. Badgley and Kirke had their first son together in 2020.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Diesel

Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass)

Ed Westwick tapped into his angsty side post-Gossip Girl, starring as Tybalt in a 2013 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. Since then, he has fought crime as Kent Grainger on Wicked City, played a crime lord on Snatch, and sold double-glazed windows on White Gold. Is there any role he can't play? Most recently, Westwick stars in the movie DarkGame.

With a background in music, Westwick also currently sings in the bandFor You. Their most recent release is the song "Tailspin," and they're set to release a new single "Here Comes Trouble" in March 2024.

Westwick had been dating model and actress Amy Jacksonsince 2021, with the pair getting happily engaged during a ski trip in January 2024.

Leon Bennett/Getty Images for MBJx DAVID YURMAN

Chace Crawford (Nate Archibald)

Following his stint as a wealthy Upper East Sider on Gossip Girl, Texas native Chace Crawford tried his hand at playing a greedy oil worker on ABC's short-lived TV series, Blood & Oil. He's had several film roles since – you can catch him in movies like Undrafted, Eloise, Nighthawks, even voice-actingin Belle. Most recently, Crawford stars as The Deep on The Boys.

Crawford has previously dated Carrie Underwood, Rachelle Goulding, and Rebecca Rittenhouse, though he is currently single as a Pringle.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Jessica Szohr (Vanessa Abrams)

Jessica Szohr, who played Dan Humphrey's BFF slash on-again, off-again girlfriend (needless to say, we were confused too), has been a lot busier than her character was after season four, when she was all but written off the show.

In the years since Gossip Girl, the actress scored several roles on TV shows such as Complications, Kingdom, Twin Peaks and The Orville. She even starred in Taylor Swift's music video for "22" back in 2013!

Jessica also welcomed a daughter with her longtime boyfriend in early 2021.

Jessica currently hosts a podcast called "XOXO" that dives deep into the Gossip Girl cast, crew, and behind-the-scenes moments. Some notable episodes have featured Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota), Aaron Tveit (Tripp van der Bilt), Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen), and Michelle Trachtenburg (Georgina Sparks).

Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg (Georgina Sparks)

Since her stint as the "bad girl" Georgina Sparks, Michelle Trachtenberg landed roles on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS: Los Angeles, Sleepy Hollow, and Sister Cities among other numerous series and movies. She even reprised her role as Georgina for the 2021 remake of Gossip Girl on HBO Max!

She managed to keep her personal life largely out of the tabloids, including her dating life. The last update on her relationship status was in 2023, and that she was dating her talent agent, Jay Cohen. She reportedly previously dated Shawn Ashmore, Joshua Radin, and Jason Segel.

Unfortunately, Michelle passed away on February 26, 2025.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford (Lily van der Woodsen)

Besides being a New York Fashion Week icon (we'd expect nothing less of Lily van der Woodsen's alter ego!), Kelly Rutherford has popped up in several TV shows over the years, including Quantico, Jane the Virgin, and Dynasty.

She also frequently travels to France and Monaco, where, after years of custody battles with her second ex-husband, Daniel Giersch, she has extensive visitation rights to see her two children, who reside there with their father.

"Yes, it was a challenging time. It was a heartbreaking time," she told People. "But I focus on the good most of the time, I really do," she says. "I'm very thankful of where we are. I have a great relationship with my kids."

When she's not with her kids or working on a project, Kelly is dropping iconic 'fit pics on her Instagram account.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Matthew Settle (Rufus Humphrey)

Matthew Settle, who played rockstar dad Rufus Humphrey, continued acting after the Gossip Girl cast dissolved. He hasn't been on any other TV shows other than one episode of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders in 2016. He mostly stuck to movies, acting in titles like Ouija, Marshall the Miracle Dog, and Valentine: The Dark Avenger.

Settle is also a dad of two children, having welcomed his first with actress and model Naama Nativ in 2009. He had divorced her in 2011 and went on to have a second baby with girlfriend Maria Alfonsin in 2015.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Zuzanna Szadkowski (Dorota Kishlovsky)

Though Blair's loyal maid and, ultimately, best friend, wasn't technically a main character, there's no denying that it would have been a different show without her unwavering presence! Zuzanna Szadowski has dabbled in film and television since then, appearing in shows such as Girls,The Good Wife, and Modern Love.

In 2010, she partnered with Sam Weisman to open The Sam Weisman Studio, an acting school (now closed).

Oh, and did we mention she just so happens to be one of Leighton Meester's real-life BFFs?

Which Gossip Girl cast member is your fave? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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

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Google Will Pay You if Your Plane Ticket Drops in Price

Yes, you read that right: no need for frantic “when is the best day to book a flight” searches anymore. Google Flights just launched a price guarantee program designed to save you money.

The new program takes the stress out of planning vacations and traveling by allowing customers to buy their plane tickets worry-free. AKA, if you buy a ticket at $300, and before the flight takes off the price changes to $250, Google will pay you the $50 difference.

Image via Google

According to their website, “Google's algorithms are confident that the price you find is the lowest available before the flight departs. After you book on Google, we'll monitor the price until the first flight in your itinerary departs. If the price drops, we’ll make up the difference.”

In order for you to qualify for any refund, your flight must be booked through select Book on Google itinerarieswithin Google Flights and have a ticket price change of more than $5. You can receive up to $500 back per year for up to three open price guaranteed bookings at any one time. If you qualify, you’ll receive your refund after the first flight in the booked itinerary has taken off.

Additionally, you must book with a U.S. billing address and U.S. mobile phone number. Refunds are sent via Google Pay, so all users must set up the Google Pay app as a U.S. user.

Pretty sweet, right?! We’re all about budget traveling and certainly hope to see more transportation companies adapt this program in the future.

What are your favorite travel hacks, Brit + Co readers? Share them with us in the comments and sign up for our newsletter to get more travel news!

Header image via Hanson Lu/Unsplash

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Sorry, These 6 "Outdated" Jewelry Trends Need To Go In 2025

Jewelry is truly the cherry on top of a good outfit — so you definitely don't wanna top everything off with an outdated trend you pulled from the bottom of your jewelry box. And while some jewelry will always be timeless, there are plenty of pieces that are way past their prime. Whether too gaudy, too much of a flash trend, or some combination of the two, these are the six outdated jewelry trends you should totally retire in 2025.

Ditch these six outdated jewelry trends for good this year!

1. Beaded Jewelry

Target

Universal Thread Seed Bead Necklace Set

Once upon a time beaded jewelry was a popular status symbol among the "it girls" in middle or high school. It was a nostalgic trend that's come been recycled over the years, but it's finally time to put it rest. Why?

It's time to wear jewelry that doesn't feel so juvenile.

2. Excessive Charm Braclets

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Western Monogram Charm Bracelet

Sometimes we fondly remember the days we used to wear chunky charm bracelets that featured our initials, hearts, stars, seashells, and more. You usually could hear us before you saw us because our favorite accessories made a lot of clinking noises. Maybe we're traumatized by how loud our bracelets each time we moved our arm during tests, but we're finally over wearing excess charms. That's not to say this style is 100% "outdated" though!

We're all in favor of this trend, but we'd rather see you choose 1-3 meaningful charms instead of squeezing 10+ on a chain link.

3. Cuban Link Bracelets

Pandora

Pandora Timeless Pavé Cuban Chain Bracelet

Jewelry trends are supposed to be fun and cute, but this one is giving us "Mob wife" energy...you know, the trend from 2023? We know it's been a popular style that some people gravitate towards, but we prefer to see you wearing bracelets that indicate you're in your "soft girl era."

4. Chunky Gold Earrings

Alexis Bittar

Alexis Bittar Molten Gold Puffy Teardrop Earrings

The quickest way to age yourself is by making makeup mistakeswhile wearing the heaviest chunky gold earrings you own. Unless your goal is to walk around like you're auditioning to be an extra in a spoof of an '80s or '90s comedy, don't ever pair the two together.

As a matter of fact, give your ears a break from the heaviness of this trend.

5. Thin Rings

gorjana

Gorjana G Ring Set

Thin rings seem like they're perfect for the set of Severance, but how practical are they in real life? We're afraid you'll spend your hard earned money on a cute ring set only to lose one or two of them while doing your daily activities.

Then again, we're a little biased because chunkier rings are taking center stage for their ability to infuse personality in your everyday casual outfits.

6. Seashells

Ettika

Ettika Private Island Assorted Shell Necklace

Shell necklaces remind us of that one tongue twister that we just couldn't ever get right: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

For obvious reasons, this jewelry trend gets a hard NO from us — it's gaudy and doesn't really complement many personal styles. Even if you swear it does, we'd rather see you wear a pair of shell earrings instead of a statement necklace like this.

Subscribe to our newsletter to see which fashion trends we'd actually love to see you wear.

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

jewelry trends jewelry roundup necklaces bracelet charms fashion

13 Educational Podcasts To Learn And Grow From

We may have left mountains of homework and questionable cafeteria food behind years ago, but that doesn't mean we can't learn anything from educational podcasts. From online classes to language apps, we’re all about expanding our knowledge, especially if it’s fun.

When your commute turns into a bore or you’re up for picking up a new skill, these educational podcasts will drop some serious knowledge on you, no backpack required.

Good Job, Brain!

What began as a Kickstarter project has now become an extremely popular trivia podcast. Half quiz show and half offbeat news, Good Job, Brain! will have you laughing and dominating your next trivia night.

Curiosity Daily

Curiosity Daily is an award-winning podcast that allows you to learn a little bit more about the world around you. It takes listeners through research-based life hacks and the latest science and technology news, allowing you to walk out into the world more knowledgable.

Hidden Brain

Hidden Brain explores something we all strive to understand better - our thoughts! Each episode teaches about social psychology and the neuroscience behind our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What I love about this podcast is how practical and applicable the information shared truly is.

Ologies

Ologies is designed to be a crash course on all things science. It talks about everything from dinosaurs to space to the human body, giving you all sorts of information you never knew you needed or wanted. The host is able to interview experts in the field, giving you a really comprehensive look on the subjects tackled.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

This podcast is filled with valuable information that is going to make your life better. Its two female hosts talk about everything from sex and relationships to health and career. They break down really complex topics in a way that feels accessible, educational, and engaging.

The History Chicks

This podcast dials you into the "herstory" you never learned. It tells the tories of girl bosses from queens to warriors to scientists and artists.

The Gist

Radio journalist Mike Pesca leads this Slate podcast, which covers three hot, political topics a week. From JFK to debates, The Gist will keep you in the know.

Stuff You Should Know

HowStuffWorks writers Josh and Chuck educate listeners on everything from the ecosystem to Jack the Ripper and sharks. What stuff should you know? Take a listen to how sushi works or the science behind3D printing.

Planet Money

Mo’ money, mo’ problems, right? Not if you’re Planet Money. They’ll teach you how to handle your money, check your finances and work with the economy, all without being a bore. Where to start? Learn more about homeowners insurance policies or free money.

TED Radio Hour

TED talks are known for their thought-provoking topics and speakers. This podcast is a coproduction of powerhouses NPR and TED to bring ideas, creations and problem-solving tips to the table. Listen as individuals share their ideas each week, like singer-songwriter Megan Washington, who talks about how singing achieves stillness.

The School of Greatness

Former pro-athlete Lewis Howes takes business, leadership and personal development to the next level. The School of Greatness features top professionals who aim to inspire and encourage growth in their listeners. Ready for change? Find out the 10 essential truths needed to upgrade your life or discover simple ways to overcome stress.

No Stupid Questions

Angela Duckworth, a research psychologist, partners up with tech and sports executive, Mike Maughan, to answer all of your science questions. They answer them in a knowledgable and non-condescending way, no matter how silly the question may seem.

Science Vs

We all know sometimes the internet can bombard us with info, and it's hard to decipher what's true and what's not. Science Vs explores the science behind popular claims and trends, interviewing experts and conducting in-depth research to help you decide what's worth following.

Which educational podcasts have you listened to recently?

Lead image via Ivan Samkov/Pexels

This post has been updated.