GASP! Science Says It’s HEALTHY for Coupled People to Have Opposite-Sex Friends

Elizabeth King
Mar 31, 2017

Ah, committed relationships. They do come with their fair share of challenges, don’t they? It’s normal for couples to have squabbles over who gets control of the remote or full-blown arguments about serious issues regarding trust and personal values, but one thing nobody should ever have to worry about is whether or not they can hang out with their friends, even if their friends are (gasp!) someone of another gender.

Vice President Mike Pence, of all people, shoved this issue into the national spotlight when he made comments about never having meals alone with anyone other than his wife. All over social media people were seriously asking why someone in a couple would ever hang out alone with someone of the “opposite” sex. The answer: because they’re friends, dang it! Friends are allowed to spend time together alone if they want to! Can’t they?

In order to answer that question, we have to ask another: Can people be “just friends” with the gender they’re attracted to?

Responses to Pence’s remark prove there are a lot of people who would say that the answer to that question is “oh heck no.”

On Twitter, a whole bunch of people have expressed their view that married or otherwise coupled people shouldn’t eat alone with someone they could theoretically, potentially, be attracted to. But in our everyday lives, as well as on the big and small screens, we see plenty of perfect counter-examples to the idea that people in a couple can’t be friends with someone of a gender they’re attracted to.

Think about it: There’s Leslie and Ron in Parks and Recreation, who are super close without ever wanting more. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy from 30 Rock stay best friends, even when Jack’s girlfriend, Avery Jessup, objects. And, of course, there’s Phoebe and Joey from friends, who never had a thing despite all the hookups in the group.

There’s a reason real AND even fictional straight people have friends of other genders: It’s totally normal and healthy. In fact, restricting the kinds of friends people have — and making rules about how they can spend time together — can be unhealthy.

“It’s not good [for couples] to be in an isolating bubble together,” NYC-based couples therapist and author of The Complete Marriage Counselor Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW tells Brit + Co. In fact, having friends of another gender can be a good thing for relationships: “It’s healthy to have other perspectives to draw from that you can bring back to your partner,” Amatenstein says.

What’s more, if a person in a relationship doesn’t want their partner to see friends of the gender they’re attracted to, it can definitely be a red flag. Amatenstein tells us, “There is often fear underneath a hard and fast rule… fear of what your partner might discover he or she is missing [out on] and/or fear of what you will discover if you let other people into your sphere.”

But of course, it’s important that partners communicate and respect each other’s expectations. “It needs to be clear that your partner is your priority,” Amatenstein tells us, and “there should be an understanding about boundaries.” For example, if it would make your partner uncomfortable for you to be alone watching a romantic movie in the dark with your friend, that’s something to keep in mind.

It’s also important that the rules work for both people, and not just one person in the couple. “You should have general rules that work for the two of you but hopefully you are willing to discuss and sometimes make exceptions for specific situations,” Amatenstein advises.

Amatenstein also has some advice for people whose close friendships trigger jealousy in their partners. “If you find yourself spending so much time with your friend that your usually non-jealous partner is concerned, then ask yourself if you need to step away from the solo time with your friend,” she says. It all comes down to respect.

The main point is that there’s nothing inherently wrong with having friends of any gender, or spending alone time with them. Contrary to some apparently popular opinions, not all friends are out to get one another naked and in bed, but just want to, you know, have time alone with their friend. A totally reasonable desire.

So go on ahead, coupled people of the world. Have all kinds of friends! Hang out with them alone! Do whatever you need to be happy as a person and to keep your relationship healthy.

Do you have thoughts about people in relationships having BFFs of different genders? Tell us about it on Twitter @BritandCo.

(Photos via CBS + NBC)

The Only 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Recap You Need To Relive Key Moments

If you know me, you know I'm a die hard Outer Banks season 1 fan. I binge watched the entire thing with my family in 2020 while quarantining on the real OBX, I joined the Drew Starkey fan club the moment he stepped onscreen, and I was obsessed with JJ and Kiara way before the internet started shipping them. So, needless to say, I waited for Outer Banks season 4 with baited breath — especially when I heard rumors it would focus on JJ (Rudy Pankow) the way previous seasons had focused on John B. (Chase Stokes) in season 1, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) in season 2, and Kiara (Madison Bailey) in season 3.

I think season 1 will always be my favorite, but Outer Banks season 4 pleasantly surprised me. We're far enough into the show that we really care about the characters, and they have enough history with one another that we're invested in their decisions. Plus, returning to the OBX provided real-world stakes I could relate to as a viewer: family drama, dealing with bullies, and more. No matter whether you really love JJ, or you're always dreaming about your next beach vacation, here's whyOuter Banks season 4 absolutely NEEDS to be your weekend binge. (Serious spoilers ahead!!!)

Here's a full Outer Banks season 4 recap of every shocking detail you missed the first time around.

  • Outer Banks season 4 finally brings the cast back to the OBX.
  • John B., Sarah, Cleo, Pope, Kiara, and JJ are up against the Kooks — and other treasure hunters.
  • Season 4 feels more grounded and relatable than past seasons, making it a very strong installment.

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

Netflix

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

​The Pogues Open Their Own Bait, Tackle, & Deep Sea Charter Business

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

​The Group Is Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. And for a moment, I thought that's where we were going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're in over their heads (again).

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

At the end of part 1, the Pogues are on a mission to find Elizabeth's amulet & break the curse, which also puts them on track to find the Blue Crown. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

Turns out, Chandler Groff was behind the ghost murders the whole time, something Shoupe should have clocked a long time ago.

​John B., JJ, And Their Friends Have A Beach Day Run-In With The Kooks

Netflix

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

Lightener Is Determined To Take Out The Pogues

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

​Luke Returned To The Outer Banks

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Netflix

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

JJ Destroys Downtown

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

And by "sends JJ into orbit," I mean he literally destroys downtown Kildare...with a baseball bat (okay Steve Harrington!).

This Kook identity is something JJ's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're actually cousins.

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants to trick Rafe into being her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

Rafe Proposes To Sofia...And Then Breaks Up With Her

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

It doesn't take long for Rafe to learn Hollis tricked him. And despite proclaiming his love for Sofia, proposing, and telling her nothing could get in the way of their relationship, Rafe breaks up with her and kicks her out of his home the second he finds out she conned him. Messy, messy.

The one silver lining is that it sends Rafe back to Sarah and her friends! Is he finally turning into the kind and protective older brother fans want him to be?

Sarah Learns She's Pregnant

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After she starts feeling sick, Sarah takes a pregnancy test that comes back positive...and Kiara immediately finds out. Despite the fact adding a baby to the Outer Banks dynamic is a wild concept, this is exactly the kind of domestic, sweet ending I would have hoped for Sarah and John B. And Kiara's statement that Sarah's going to be an amazing mom? I couldn't agree more.

The Pogues Head To Morocco

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Remember how excited I was for the Pogues to return to the Outer Banks? Well, that doesn't last long because in the final episode of Outer Banks season 4, the group heads to Morocco to find the Blue Crown. It's definitely not smooth sailing, but I really love seeing John B. and Sarah, Pope and Cleo, and JJ and Kiara work in their pairs.

​Rafe Begins His Redemption Arc

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but now that him and Sarah are finally moving towards reconciling, it seems like we could actually be getting a Rafe redemption after all. But that doesn't mean I want Kiara and Rafe to get together. Let's keep things platonic people!!

JJ Dies In Kiara's Arms

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If you're a fan of OBX, or you've been on the internet at all over the last week, then you already know where this is going. After the group splits up, it's total chaos. Pope ends up killing Lightener after Cleo's wounded, while JJ finds the Blue Crown.

When Chandler Groff threatens Kiara, JJ gives up the treasure in exchange for Kie — and Chandler kills him for no reason anyway. Fans went wild over the season 4 ending, and more than one told me they were heartbroken. Outer Banks will never be the same, that's for sure.

"Revenge"

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After they bury JJ's body, the group gathers around a campfire and acknowledges that if any of them had died, JJ wouldn't rest until they were avenged. Kiara stands up, looks into the fire, and mutters "revenge" before the screen cuts to black.

Season 5 is going to be one wild ride, because based on Kiara's pure, white hot anger, and Rafe's love of all things vengeful, I can only imagine what kind of havoc this group is going to wreak on Chandler Groff.

What did you think about Outer Banks season 4? Check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

This post has been updated.

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Chad Michael Murray's Sweet Reason For Bringing His Family To Set Proves He's The Ultimate Girl Dad

Chad Michael Murray has many names: Lucas Scott, Cal Jones, Jake — and Dad! The actor (whose new movie The Merry Gentlemen is on Netflix now) just revealed that he always brings his kids to work while filming, and my daddy's girl heart is simply melting.

If you're an One Tree Hill fan, there's a good chance you're a die-hard Lucas and Peyton shipper, but IRL Chad currently has three children with wife, Sarah Roemer: a son who's nine, a daughter who's six, and another daughter who just turned one.

Here's why Chad Michael Murray always brings his family to set with him.

  • Chad Michael Murray has three kids: a 9-year-old son, a 6-year-old daughter, and a 1-year-old daughter.
  • The actor revealed why his family, whom he calls "The Pack," joins him on every film set.
  • He also spills on why he's "really proud" of new Christmas movie The Merry Gentlemen, on Netflix now!

The reason Chad Michael Murray always brings his fam to set is actually really simple. “I want to be there," he tells Variety of why his family is inseparable. "I got to be there for my daughter’s first steps. I got to take her trick or treating for the first time. And she crushed it!"

The actor really views his family as a unit, and proudly calls them "The Pack," which sounds exactly like something Austin Ames from A Cinderella Story would call his family. But don't worry — even though the family was with him on the set of The Merry Gentlemen, which follows a group of guys who stage a steamy revue to rescue a local venue, the kids don't have any innocence lost.

“It’s not gratuitous by any means," he continues. "We threaded the needle on that film. You go too far and you’re making one movie, you go too under, and it doesn’t work at all. It’s in the perfect space where people won’t feel wrong having it on the TV in the background. It’s the sweet spot, and I’m really proud of that."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chad Murray (@chadmichaelmurray)

Chad and his wife recently celebrated their 10th anniversary on September 19, and he posted the sweetest tribute in honor of the special day. "We’ve jammed more into this 10 years than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s truly astounding," he says on Instagram. "It’s been the Best decade of my life by far- sharing each and every moment with you. We’ve grown this little pack together and seen so much of the world as a family. I’m so grateful for you Sarah. Every day is a better and much brighter day with you in it:)"

"I hope and pray for at least 50 more anniversaries with you," he continues. "Till we’re old and gray… new hips, new knees, our elbow skin will be touching the ground, all the kids will think we’re senile but really we’re just f-ing with them… coz that’s what you do when you’re old and together:) I love you Sarah- Happy 10th Anniversary❤️❤️❤️"

In addition to his new holiday flick, the One Tree Hill actor recently made headlines for commenting on his potential return to the One Tree Hill sequel series that's (hopefully) coming to Netflix soon. We know Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, and Danneel Ackles are involved, but will we see Lucas join Brooke, Peyton, and Rachel? "No clue," he says, although he hopes it “comes together for the fans.”

“I mean, this fandom that has grown, I mean, literally, I was just in Halifax a week ago and, sure enough, I’m running into 11, 12, 13-year-old kids who are in love with Tree Hill,” he continues. “They’re seeing it on Hulu and they’re going, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ It’s stood the test of time and I think to have some new stories, whatever iteration of the show that’s created, I want it for the fans.”

C'mon everybody let's sing together — I DON'T WANNA BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYNA BE LATELY!

Does Chad Michael Murray seem like the ultimate girl dad? Let us know in the comments and tag us with your hottest The Merry Gentlemen takes!

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OMG Paul Mescal Finally Addressed Those Beatles Biopic Rumors

Austin Butler as Elvis truly changed Hollywood, because now, not only are we getting Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, but Paul Mescal is also reportedly in talks to lead one of four upcoming biopics about The Beatles. Each movie, set to come from director Sam Mendes, will focus on a different member of the band — and their unique points of view — but will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Beatles movies.

Is there a new Beatles movie coming out?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Yes, director Sam Mendes is developing four movies about The Beatles — one for each member of the band. Each individual movie will tell a story from the perspective of one member (including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison).

“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Sam Mendes told Variety.

Where can I watch the new Beatles biopics?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Each of the four movies will be released in theaters, thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment. They're hoping to shoot all four in the UK starting in 2025 and release them in 2027.

“You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”

Who will be playing The Beatles?

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

According an article by The Hollywood Reporterpublished in May 2024, Paul Mescal was one of the studio's top picks for one of the Beatles, which I would totally be here for. To be honest, I need the rumored casting to be true just so I can hear him sing!

Speaking with GQ in October 2024, Mescal said: “I would love to be involved, but there’s nothing set in stone.”

He since hasn't confirmed (or denied) the rumors are true. During an interview with ETat theLos Angeles premiere of Gladiator II, Mescal said:

"It would be an incredible story to be attached to. The fact that Sam Mendes is attached to direct, it truly would be a dream come true."

Some other fan casts for he Beatles movies include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Asa Butterfield, Barry Keoghan, and Tom Holland.

Who do you want to see in the new Beatles biopics? Let us know on Facebook!

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

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OMG Miley Cyrus Makes Rare Comments On Why She "Loves" Maxx Morando

Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Maxx Morando are extremely elusive, TBH. We've gotten snippets of their relationship status here and there, from them moving in together to their adorable appearance at the Grammys, but not much more than that. Thankfully, Miley opened up to Harper's Bazaarabout her budding relationship, making rare comments about her curly-haired beau.

Here's what Miley Cyrus had to say about Maxx Morando!

Francis Specker/CBS

Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

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8 Best Drugstore Foundations For Mature Skin To Erase Signs Of Aging

Signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable as we, well, age. But age does not dictate whether or not you can rock a stunning makeup look! When it comes to applying foundation to mature skin, you can still achieve a smooth, glowy base.

The best practice for finding foundations for mature skin is avoiding thick, high-coverage foundations – they can look cakey and sink into those pesky fine lines, accentuating them even more. Instead, opt for thinner, more buildable foundations. Bonus points for formulas with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and SPF!

If you’re getting glam on a budget, I’ve tracked down the 8 best drugstore foundations for mature skin. The best part is they’re all relatively affordable, but oh-so effective in providing coverage so you can step out with confidence.

The best drugstore foundations for mature skin in 2024:

Scroll on for the best drugstore foundations for mature skin, starting at just $9!

Amazon

Best hyaluronic acid formula: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Pros: Infused with Olay skincare like niacinamide, a hyaluronic complex, and vitamin C, good coverage, smooth application

Cons: Customers have noted that the shades can run darker than what's noted on the packaging

Promising review: "This product is amazing. It truly provides full coverage. It makes my skin look flawless. No cakeiness and foundation seems creamy and good quality. Not super lightweight but that's ok with me."

Amazon

Best SPF formula: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

Pros: Higher sun protection than other options at SPF 50, includes vitamin B3 and a hydrating serum to better complexion

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily

Promising review: "I found my holy grail. Years and years, probably hundreds of dollars later, my Goldilocks foundation is cheap, available and even includes a high SPF. Why I waited so long on this L’Oréal winner, I don’t know. My mature dry skin loves this one. Never settles in lines or texture and lasts all day. Medium coverage and so easy to apply with brush, fingers or sponge. Very natural finish but not dewy."

Amazon

Best antioxidant formula: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation

Pros: Includes vitamin E, feverfew (known for calming properties), and natural soy to enhance skin

Cons: Poor shade range, formula can be thicker than others but "dries right away and covers very well."

Promising review: "Finally found a foundation that looks natural with a good match to my skin. I read an article on a celebrity who uses it so I decided to give it a try. I dot it all over my face and use a makeup brush to stipple it first and then swirl. It’s buildable so you can start slow. I love how it looks on my mature skin. Doesn’t settle or look dry."

Amazon

Best on-the-go formula: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation

Pros: Packaging makes it easy to travel with and apply, buildable coverage, blurring applicator

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily, leading it to fade quickly

Promising review: "So easy to apply, can be blended with fingertips or makeup brush, really excellent coverage! No strange smells and doesn't irritate my skin (and I'm very sensitive, in the past had to use hypoallergenic brands). Have reordered and will not try any other brands going forward. It's funny because it's been 55 years since I used a Maybelline product, spent years paying for upscale brands, and now they've finally got it right!"

Amazon

Best long-wear formula: Revlon 3X Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Claims to work as a moisturizer, serum, and primer all in one, easily buildable

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 20, poor shade range

Promising review: "I have dry mature skin. This is perfect for me. I like how it looks natural... I don’t use my moisturizer when I use it…it’s like using moisturizer. I cleanse, tone and then apply with a kabuki brush. A+"

Amazon

Best dewy formula: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation

Pros: Adds a luminous finish, oil-free formula

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 18

Promising review: "An older friend with beautiful skin told me she used Maybelline Fit Me Dewy, so I tried it. It works better with my aging skin than many more expensive brands of foundation I’ve tried. Despite being light as a feather, it has fairly good coverage for blending out dark spots or splotches, [so] I sometimes use a concealer for under eye circles, too. There is a great range of colors, so it’s easier to get a good match."

Amazon

Best buildable formula: Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Reduces fine lines and imperfections, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Some customers have noticed discrepancies between this product's shade names and the rest of Covergirl's foundations and that it can be cakey on the face, but only with a heavy hand

Promising review: "When I started to develop fine lines around my eyes I found the mineral powder foundation settled into them and made me look older. (I'm now mid 40s). This foundation provides a medium to full coverage (depending on amount used) which I like but still looks natural. It is very creamy, feels light, and does not settle into my fine lines. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup."

Amazon

Best subtle splurge: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

Pros: Great coverage, multi-tasking product with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and SPF

Cons: On the more expensive side (this travel-size version is $22)

Promising review: "I'm a 58 year old woman of Italian heritage. I definitely have that ever-so-slight olive tint to my skin. Despite the spotty reviews I decided to try it anyway... I LOVE this product and for me it lives up to all the hype."

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