How to Make the Easiest Pirate Costume Ever

The countdown has begun — Halloween is nearly here! If you’re like me, you’ve been thinking about Halloween all year, but you haven’t had the time to get your boo to be the peanut butter to your couple’s costume jelly… or papier mâché the unicorn head that is essential to your unicorn costume. No worries! We’ve got the easiest last-minute costume of them all. We’re talking about a pirate costume that will win maj-arrrrrr cute points. (Was that too much?)

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Steering away from the grungy Jack Sparrow look (though Johnny Depp is a total babe), we’re styling this pirate costume with a fish-tail braid.

Remember that a fish-tail braid is created with two strands rather than three! Like a french braid, keep adding new sections from each side and overlap them as you move down the braid. All you need for the outfit is a black and white striped shirt (thicker stripes are better), a red piece of cloth or bandana and an eye patch, which you can easily find at Party City or your local pop-up Halloween shop.

Top off this outfit with a top-shelf rum.

If you want to go full pirate, make yourself a hook out of paper, wire or silver body paint.

Last but not least, don’t you forget the most important part of your easy pirate costume — the accent.

Millions of Americans tune into award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and Tonys every single year. Yet, you may not know that the Newbery Medal predates all of them — and this great literary honor historically celebrated and exulted some of your favorite childhood reads.

The latest Youth Media Awards took place on January 27, 2025, at the LibLearnX conference in Phoenix, Arizona. There, this year's Newbery Medal winner was officially announced. Keep reading to find out the exciting new winner!

Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Newbery Medal winning book!

What is the Newbery Medal?

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The Newberry Medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children on a yearly basis. The American Library Association (ALA) gave the very first Newbery Medal to Hendrik Willem van Loon, author of "The Story of Mankind," in 1922.

This honor, named after John Newbery, an English children's book publisher, ultimately became the world's first children's book award.

Since its inception, the Newbery Medal has been awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children. Numerous revered works have been given this honor, ranging from The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle in 1923 to Summer of the Swans in 1971 and The Tale of Despereaux in 2004.

Who won the 2025 Newbery Medal?

Erin Entrada Kelly

The honor was given to The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly. The book, which came out on March 5, 2024, is set in 1999 and follows a 12-year-old boy named Michael Rosario, who is consumed by anxiety as he prepares for a potential Y2K disaster.

Then, one day, Michael encounters a teenager named Ridge, who stands out with his unusual clothing and strange way of speaking. It turns out that Ridge traveled back in time from the year 2199 with the help of his mom's scientific experiments following a dare from his siblings.

Michael is tempted by the opportunity to find out about the future. However, he realizes that his priority is helping Ridge return to his own time.

This feat represents Erin Entrada Kelly's second Newbery Medal win. She previously won the honor for the first time in 2018 with her book, Hello, Universe.

Along with this prestigious award, the committee also awarded Newbery Honors to other books deemed attention-worthy. These titles included Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar, Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller, One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome, and The Wrong Way Home by Kate O'Shaughnessy.

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While the Newbery Medal is perhaps the most famous children's book award, the ALA also recognizes outstanding literature across a variety of categories. These awards, including the Randolph Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the William C. Morris Award, and the Michael L. Printz Award, are determined by committees of children's librarians and other literary experts.

This year, the Randolph Caldecott Medal was presented to Chooch Helped by Andrea L. Rogers and illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz. It's awarded to the most distinguished American picture book for kids.

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Twenty-four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds received the Coretta Scott King Book Award, which honors African American authors and illustrators who create exceptional books for both children and young adults. My Daddy Is a Cowboy, illustrated by C.G. Esperanza, won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Book Award.

The William C. Morris Award, given to books by debut authors writing for teen audiences, was presented to Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo. Finally, the Michael L. Printz Award, which recognizes excellent works across YA fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, and anthologies, was awarded to Brownstone by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia.

Order 'The First State of Being' Here!

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The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

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This year’sspring and summer fashion trends are shaping up to be a stylish mix between beloved classics and newer forays into playful patterns and colors – think remixed boho pieces and trendy jeansalongside fresh springtime greens and summer-ready ginghams! I’m already so excited to get my warm-weather wardrobe going with some of these trends. No matter your personal style, you’re gonna love these spring and summer fashion trends, too.

These 5 upcoming fashion trends are set to define spring and summer 2025 in the most stylish way!

1. Lacy Boho

Free People

Free People Jae Knit Top

Boho feels like it’s been around forever, but we’re sure to see an uptick in all things lacy and frilly this year.

American Eagle

American Eagle Chiffon Bell Sleeve Ruffle Blouse

Where floral styles might have shined in years prior, more femme pieces will be huge in spring and summer 2025.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Lace Godet Maxi Slip Dress

Inspired by the resurgence of handcrafted aesthetics, lacy boho pieces like flowy maxi dresses, crochet tops, and ruffled blouses create an effortless, yet ethereal look that’s also ideal for warm weather days.

2. Athleisure As Everyday

Girlfriend Collective

Girlfriend Collective White Jane Boat Neck Tank

Athleisure isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, though practical pieces are starting to be worn more commonly as fashion staples.

Halfdays

Halfdays Sophia Leggings

Brands are beginning to craft garments like leggings, hoodies, and workout tops with luxe fabrics and tailored fits, making them that much more elevated.

Old Navy

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted StudioSmooth Skort

This trend reflects the demand for fashion to be both functional and stylish, which is important, no matter your personal style!

3. Skinny Jeans

Free People

Levi's 501 Skinny Jeans

That’s right – skinny jeans have made quite the quiet comeback to fashion for 2025! That isn’t to say looser, baggier denim fits aren’t just as trendy, but if you wear skinny jeans, your outfits will have a unique effect and place you ahead of the trend wave.

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise Super Skinny Ankle Jeans

Of course, it all depends on how you style ‘em – I personally love the look of pairing them with either tall boots or mesh ballet flats.

Nordstrom

AG Mari Mid Rise Slim Straight Leg Jeans

The everlasting return of Y2K-inspired fashion and the need for streamlined, classic pieces are definitely fueling the skinny jean revival.

4. Pistachio Green

Abercrombie & Fitch

The A&F Madeline Textural Crew Sweater

Pastels are still springtime’s BFF, but shades of pistachio green are making their debut in a bigger way this year as a nice alternative to those expected pinks and yellows.

Anthropologie

Endless Rose Strapless Textured Column Midi Dress

This soft, muted green tone exudes a calming, natural vibe that’s just plain fun to wear!

Baggu

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

If you don’t want to go all-out in green, you can also easily accessorize with sunglasses, purses, and jewelry.

5. Gingham

Reformation

Reformation Petra Linen Low Rise Pedal Pusher Pants

Gingham is truly timeless, but we're going to be seeing a whole lot more of it come summer 2025. More and more retailers and designers are getting playful with the pattern, putting out pieces with larger prints or even wacky colors – and I adore it!

Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue Renee Smocked Maxi Dress

Gingham pants, dresses, tops, and accessories will be hot this year, and no matter how you wear it, you'll be putting on a look that’s undeniably nostalgic and youthful.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of 2025's fashion trends!

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Get ready to shine with these 52 glow-boosting beauty products that will transform your skin! From hydrating serums to radiance-enhancing makeup essentials, these must-have picks are designed to give you a lit-from-within glow. Whether you're looking to refresh dull skin, achieve a dewy finish, or perfect your skincare routine, these top-rated finds will help you get there. Keep reading to discover the beauty products that will illuminate your complexion and take your glow to the next level.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

An Eyeshadow Palette Full of Shimmery Shades

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Create versatile frosted looks with any shade in this eyeshadow palette. With nine different colors and a perfectly shimmery formula, you’ll have everything you need to master any frosty eye look.

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Cast Spells With This Holographic Nail Polish

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Embody Elphana down to your nails with this brilliant green nail polish. The lime green color has a holographic quality, so it glimmers and sparkles with zest as you move in the light. You'll have witchcraft at your fingertips.

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Cream Eyeshadow With a Reflective Effect

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Cream eyeshadow is perfect for a long-lasting look that won’t crease throughout the day. This one offers intense, metallic shimmer in a range of shades, giving you vibrant color that stays put.

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Liquid Eyeshadow With a Holographic Look

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This liquid eyeshadow transforms your look based on the lighting. Its highly pigmented color and iridescent finish create a holographic effect that shifts beautifully as you move.

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An Eyeshadow Palette With 10 Ultra-Pigmented Colors

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This cool-toned eyeshadow palette has a blend of frosty silvers, blues, and iridescent shades to create a frozen look with a modern twist. The smooth formula ensures long-lasting shimmer and high-pigmented color.

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This Glow Skin Balm is a 4-in-1 Wonder Cream

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The Missha Glow Skin Balm is a four-in-one skincare wonder. It works as a primer, moisturizer, morning mask, and illuminating cream, leaving a dewy, luminous finish that lasts all day.

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Rock Sparkly Lips With Catkin Tinted Lip Balm

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How would you like to wear sparkly lips that feel like you're channeling the essence of Glinda herself? This tinted lip balm from Catkin is going to be one of your new favorites. Infused with color-reviver technology that adapts to the pH of lips, this tint reveals a custom glow for up to six hours. Featuring Phytosterols, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Mint Essential Oil, and Vitamin E, this balm offers both custom color and lip care.

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Eyeshadow Pens for a Multi-Dimensional Look

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Color your eyelids effortlessly with these eyeshadow pens. They come in three different shades that work well together or worn alone as shadow or liner. You can choose a couple of different color combinations to best complement your eye color.

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A Plumping Lip Gloss You Can Get in 6 Colors

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This lip gloss adds a sheer wash of color with a hint of shine, enriched with vitamin E for hydration. It will leave your lips looking plump and fresh with the most gorgeous shimmer.

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An Award-Winning Finishing Powder With Light to Medium Coverage

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This powdered foundation comes in a wide range of shades and self-adjusts to your skin tone for a seamless match. Praised for its matte finish that resists caking or creasing, it’s a go-to for achieving a flawless look at any age.

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Steal the Limelight With This Eye Shadow Palette

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This eyeshadow palette is all about that bright and light lime green. It features nine shades, including chartreuse, olive, sage, pistachio, and glittery options to make you shine. And with a sparkly black color, you can create moody, dark looks, too.

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This Foundation Will Become A Go-To

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Not only does this Foundation have a smooth and easy application process, but it also works to provide you with the coverage you need without sacrificing the luminosity. It's reliable for all skin types, offering a lightweight option that doesn't compromise perfection.

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A Moondust Eyeshadow With a Reflective Shine

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Add a touch of sparkle to your eyes and cheeks with Urban Decay’s Moondust eyeshadow. Its iridescent formula mixes fine shimmer and soft metallics, creating a multidimensional effect that enhances any look.

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A Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow That Makes a Statement

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This liquid glitter shadow brings a high-impact sparkle with a single swipe. The quick-drying formula stays put, creating a frosty, shimmery finish that lasts all night.

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A Shimmery Eyeshadow You Can Also Use as a Highlighter

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Nothing beats products that do it all, like this eyeshadow. Its creamy consistency makes it easy to blend, whether you're applying it to your eyelids or using it as a highlighter on your cheekbones.

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Build an Army in Maybelline Eyeshadow

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Elphaba's army of monkeys may have been an accident, but you can create fierce army-inspired looks with this green eyeshadow. The commanding dark green can be used to create subtle Elphaba styles or layered on for a loud look.

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This Milky Toner Brightens Dull Skin

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This lightweight milky toner uses rice water, niacinamide, and ceramides for deep hydration while brightening dull skin. It has a non-sticky finish and contains soothing ingredients that calm any irritation.

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A Powder Highlighter in a Warm Shade

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If you're going for more of a golden frost look, this highlighter will be perfect for you. It has a pearl-like shimmer in a warmer tone that will complement any skin tone. It's even great for adding to your eyelids to make them pop.

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A High Pigmented Liquid Eyeshadow

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This liquid eyeshadow adds shine to your eyes that lasts all day. Its metallic sparkle comes in a variety of shades, perfect for complementing any frosted look.

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Get a Taste for Glass Skin With This Discovery Kit

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This discovery kit has all you need for beautiful glass skin. This includes a four-step routine: a hydrating gel cleanser, a wild dew treatment essence, a glass skin refining serum, and a matcha pudding antioxidant cream, all in travel sizes so you can test them first.

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This Glitter Eyeshadow Is Fast-Drying

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The metallic pigments of this liquid eyeshadow will give your makeup a multi-dimensional finish. Wear alone or apply over bold color for a big look. It's hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, plus it's fast to dry.

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Full Face Makeup Palettes

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LAURA GELLER NEW YORK's Party in a Palette Gift Set has been featured in Oprah's 2023 Favorite Things list and offers four full-face makeup palettes that are travel-friendly and perfect for beauty enthusiasts.

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Protect Yourself With This Rich Sunscreen

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Despite being so thick, this sunscreen absorbs well into the skin, giving you SPF 40 protection against harmful rays. The daily sunscreen smoothes evenly onto the skin, leaving you with a glassy finish.

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This 2-in-1 Moisturizer Brightens Dull Skin With Apricot Extract

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This velvety-pressed serum uses apricot extract and niacinamide to enhance your natural glow. Working as a serum and moisturizer, this two-in-one cream moisturizer brightens dull skin and evens skin tone.

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Refine and Renew Skin Overnight With YUNI Beauty Face Serum

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How would you like to wake up with Glinda's glowing skin? You're going to love this face serum from YUNI Beauty. This restoring overnight face serum features bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that smooths and refines without irritating side effects, and biotic actives that help optimize skin to enhance its naturally protective surface environment.

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This Lipstick Has a 3D Shine

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Ensure your lips look luscious with this high-shine lipstick. It comes in a range of tones but the pale pink feels so retro cool. Plus, the shimmer formula is creamy on the lips and won't dry them out.

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This Foundation For Your Dream Skin

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This Foundation is the secret to that flawless dewy skin that everyone and their mother have been raving about. Its exclusive puff applicator ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish, promising that you have the most flawless makeup look that can make it through the night.

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This Glass Skin Refining Serum Brightens and Firms Skin

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With peach at its heart, the Peach & Lily's Glass Skin Refining Serum brightens, firms, hydrates, and calms your skin with its silky, lightweight formula. The clean serum is to be used twice a day to improve signs of photo-damage.

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Illuminate Skin With Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Illuminator

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This Saie mini glowy super gel lightweight illuminator will be your secret to illuminated and glowing skin that is Glinda-approved. Wear this illuminator alone, under foundation as an illuminating and hydrating primer, or wear it over any makeup look for super dewy, glass skin.

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This Foundation Powder is Iconic

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There's no such thing as oily skin in the summertime when you have this foundation powder that allows you to minimize your pores and control your oil like never before. This product will leave a matte finish on your skin, ensuring you're always picture-perfect throughout the season.

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This Moisturizing Cream Uses Snail Mucin to Boost Collagen Production

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This anti-aging moisturizing cream uses snail mucin to firm up the skin and boost collagen production. It dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles, leaving you with smooth skin.

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This Korean Sheet Mask Plumps Up Your Skin

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This Korean sheet mask is packed with eight-layer hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to plump up your skin and give you a dewy complexion. The glass skin face mask is infused with low molecular collagen, improving skin elasticity.

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A Highlighter Stick for Your Face and Body

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For an effortless icy glow, this highlighter stick glides on smoothly, leaving behind a soft, dewy finish. It adds a frosted shine to your cheekbones and cupid’s bow for that perfect winter touch.

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Keep Your Makeup on All Day Long With This Glowy Fixing Spray

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This fast-drying spray will give you a dewy finish as it adds a subtle shimmer. Use it as a primer or a setting spray. It keeps your makeup in place all day, and users love it. One five-star fan wrote: "Works so well; it dries quickly, and my makeup does not move after I use this. It makes it so dewy looking. After I use this and apply my highlight, it shines so well."

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A Highlighter With an Intense Pigment

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Every frosted look needs a diamond-like sparkle, and this highlighter delivers just that. Available in a range of shades, it lets you choose your level of radiance. For maximum shine, go with the pearl white; for a more subtle glow, try a champagne or gold hue.

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This Eyeshadow Stick is a Gem

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Make every morning a breeze when you add this eyeshadow stick to your daily makeup routine. This shadow also comes with a built-in sharpener, allowing you to apply on the go. With a ton of different shades to choose from, you can't be disappointed.

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Get Your Glow On No Makeup Days With This Vitamin B9 Cream

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This Vitamin B9 Cream is great for no-makeup days. It gives you a natural but radiant look. The primer is packed with hyaluronic acid, bamboo water, and niacinamide, keeping your skin hydrated and giving a fresh, clean finish.

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These Toner Pads Are Fueled by Molecular Collagen That Gets Deep Into Your Pores

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These toner pads use 10 percent collagen water, which absorbs super fast, and they use low molecular collagen, which is so tiny, allowing it to travel deep into your pores so you can improve elasticity.

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Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N-Peel Lasts All Day

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Don't let your lips fade throughout the day. This Sacheu lip liner stay-n-peel is going to give you pink lips that are designed to last. You'll love how this will make you feel like Glinda all day long. Infused with lip-loving ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E, this liner nourishes your lips while giving you plump-looking and defined, luscious lips.

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This Cleanser Gives You a Deep Clean Without Stripping Away Your Moisture

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Clean your face without stripping away its moisture with this radiance cleansing balm. The hydrating cleanser gives you a deep cleanse, removing makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and more without irritating your skin.

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This Colostrum Protein Face Mist Is Packed With Probiotics

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Use this colostrum protein face mist, which uses five different probiotics and hyaluronic acid, to give yourself a poreless, smooth skin base. Prep your face and use it to set your makeup to keep your skin hydrated for a flawless appearance.

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This Peripera Ink Glasting Lip Gloss Gives You High-Shine

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High-shine lip gloss without any stickiness? Yes, please. Get perfectly Glinda pink lips with this Peripera ink glasting lip gloss. This lustrous, pigment-packed lip gloss looks as good as it feels. It glides on instantly, offering glassy radiance for fuller-looking, hydrated lips.

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Get Healthy-Looking Skin With This Kombucha Cream Essence

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This kombucha cream essence is made with kombucha tea, which is made from fermented black tea and is full of probiotics and vitamin B that keep your skin healthy. This potent vegan formula uses ingredients such as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water and Extract, plus Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract.

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This Brow Pencil Can Give You Flawless Eyebrows

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Want flawlessly arched brows? Consider utilizing this brow pencil, which offers unparalleled precision for sculpting brows (no wonder why they have become such cult favorites).

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This Radiance Dual Essence Uses a Triple Snail Complex for the Ultimate Glow

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The Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence has two different essences, with one that boosts elasticity and hydration. The cream essence helps improve your skin’s barrier and gives it a radiant glow. It uses a triple snail complex with land snail, black mucin, golden shell mucin, and niacinamide.

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Get More Out of Your Skincare Products With This Glow Device

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This glow device helps you get the most out of your skincare routine by improving absorption, elasticity, and the appearance of pores. It has a microcurrent mode to improve the appearance of fine lines and a derma shot mode to firm up skin. This gadget also pairs with an app with easy-to-follow routines to find your glow.

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This All-in-One Scrub Gently Buffs Away Dead Skin

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This all-in-one cleanser leaves your skin feeling refreshed and polished with its Korean Pink Aloe Vera Water that hydrates and calms the skin. The mungbean and soybean scrub uses super fine powder particles that gently buff away dead skin, making way for smoother skin.

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Liquid Eyeliner With a Hint of Shimmer

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Complete your frosted look with this shimmering liquid eyeliner. Available in a range of colors—or a variety pack for endless options—it adds the perfect touch of sparkle to match any eyeshadow.

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This Overnight Mask Will Leave You With Super-Hydrated Skin

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This Korean overnight mask will leave you with super-hydrated, glowing skin. It's packed with niacinamide, squalane, and a probiotic-derived complex; it works while you sleep to hydrate and strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier deeply.

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This Ceramic Cream Uses a Secret Ingredient for Ultra-Hydration

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The TIRTIR Ceramic Cream has a secret ingredient, polyglutamic acid, which holds 10 times more water than hyaluronic acid to give you ultra-hydration. It's also formulated with olive oil, macadamia seed oil, and 12 plant extracts to soothe and nourish your skin.

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This Eye Brightener With Instant Results

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This eye cream combines the long-term benefits of hyaluronic acid and shea butter to soften and brighten your skin over time while also acting as a medium-coverage concealer for instant results. Its pink tint neutralizes the blue tones often visible under the eyes.

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A Concealer Infused With Hyaluronic Acid

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Brighten and conceal with this lightweight illuminating concealer. The waterproof formula has a medium coverage while adding a subtle glow to highlight and refresh your under-eye area.

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