John Mayer Took His Breakup With Katy Perry Hard — Then He Wrote About It

Rachel Davies
Mar 23, 2017

John Mayer has never shied away from personal questions. His candor about past relationships has become one of his trademarks — both in interviews and in his music. And with his new album, The Search for Everything, he’s staying true to form, admitting in a profile with The New York Times that his very famous ex, Katy Perry, inspired some of the tracks.

The song, “Still Feel Like Your Man,” is all about missing someone who’s gone. When asked by reporter Joe Coscarelli whether it was written about Perry, Mayer said simply: “Who else would I be thinking about?”

“And by the way, it’s a testament to the fact that I have not dated a lot of people in the last five, six years,” he added. “That was my only relationship.”

While Perry wasn’t Mayer’s first high-profile girlfriend — his famous exes include Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston, and Taylor Swift — she’s the one he seems the most hung up on.

Other songs on the album, including “Moving On and Getting Over” and “Never on the Day You Leave,” suggest Mayer took their breakup hard. “There were times when tears came out of me, and I went, O.K., John, this is not about an on-again, off-again relationship,” Mayer said of his recent songwriting process. “This is something more profound.”

His profound feelings may be why, despite joining an unnamed dating app, Mayer insisted he’s been keeping a low profile lately.

His lyrics to “Still Feel Like Your Man” drive the point home.

Still think I’m never gonna find another you/Still like to leave the party early and go home, babe/And don’t you know, babe/ I’d rather sit here on my own and be alone, babe/’Cause I still feel like your man.

Still, don’t expect the music video (below) to feature Mayer making out with a Perry lookalike. “I’m not gonna ever roll around in bedsheets again,” Mayer stated.

Here’s to heartbreak and learning from it.

What do you think of John Mayer’s new song? Tell us @BritandCo!

(h/t New York Times; photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)

Leighton Meester's Underrated 2010s Pop Music Is Trending Amid Devastating LA Fires

Amid the devastation of the LA fires, neighbors opening their homes to one another (like Hilary Duff housing Mandy Moore), internet users have found a new way to support people who have lost everything by streaming their old songs. When Heidi Montag's 2010 album Superficial hit #1 on iTunes, generating income for the popstar and her family, Gossip Girl fans called for another celebrity to get the same treatment: Leighton Meester (AKA Blair Waldorf) after she lost her home with husband Adam Brody.

Yep, in case you didn't know, Leighton Meester wasn't just an actress during her Gossip Girl days, she was also a singer! In addition to her role in Country Strong (which gave us the MASTERPIECE "Words I Couldn't Say"), Gossip Girl featured some of her music, like when the season 3 finale featured “Your Love's a Drug.”

Here's how fans are resurfacing Leighton Meester's old music right now!

Leighton Meester's fans include none other than Flavor Flav.

www.tiktok.com

Stream @LeightonMeester Somebody to Love and use the song in yo TikTok’s 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

Hip-hop artist Flavor Flav posted his support of Leighton Meester's "Somebody To Love" on TikTok on January 15. "Starting to hype up my girl Leighton Meester and help her family recover from the fire," he says in the onscreen text. And he's not the only one who loves her music, because fans started flooding his comments with their favorite songs.

"Good Girls Go Bad still goes triple platinum in my house annually," one user commented, while another added, "Stream Heartstrings by Leighton Meester too."

A third TikTok user ended up offering their own (phenomenal) idea when they said, "Can someone put together a LA fire playlist (philanthropy edition) so I can stream it all week?" Literally let's do it. I'm listening to the songs over and over anyway.

And the best part is that Rolling Stone reports that Heartstrings is now at 21 on iTunes!

Leighton Meester released some incredible music in the '00s and '10s.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Leighton Meester changed lives when she was a feature on Cobra Starship's "Good Girls Gone Bad" in July of 2009. This is quite literally one of the best pop songs of the decade — I never get tired of listening to it.

And she has some incredible features on her discography.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Leighton Meester follows up "Good Girls Gone Bad" with a song alongside Robin Thicke in a very steamy music video that Gossip Girl would definitely be writing about.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

And in 2014, Leighton Meester released a full-length album called Heartstrings, which includes this title track. It's a little country, it's a little pop, and it's very addictive. It feels totally different than the Blair Waldorf vibe we'd come to associate Leighton with, and it's like a breath of fresh air.

Here's the full Heartstrings tracklist!

  1. Heartstrings
  2. Run Away
  3. Good for One Thing
  4. Sweet
  5. On My Side
  6. LA
  7. Dreaming
  8. Blue Afternoon
  9. Entitled

If you need me for the next few weeks, I'll be listening to all of Leighton Meester's music on repeat. Check out the latest news on Adam Brody & Leighton Meester's New TV Show Good Cop/Bad Cop.

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10 Bright Easter Nail Ideas To Save To Your Vision Board Right Now

It's time to trade your leopard print and moody nails for pretty colors. Now that you're used to Daylight Savings Time, we know you're wearing the cutest spring dresses and spending time in the sun with your friends. What better way to celebrate this than by wearing the prettiest nail designs the season's ever seen?

If you're clueless about what to choose from, we're making things easier by sharing what we've bookmarked!

Scroll to find your the prettiest Easter nail ideas that'll set the tone for the best spring ever!

1. Nail Reformation Fleur De Magnolia 

Nail Reformation

Are you in your dainty girl era? Great, we are too! It's the perfect excuse to wear these pretty press-on nails from Nail Reformation! They feature the familiar French manicure design, but with pastel colors, florals, and cute pearls on each finger.

2. Colorful Arts & Crafts Nails

Sarah Torres/Dupe Photos

Remember when you used to draw abstract doodles in class? Take this as a sign to use your mini drawings as inspo for the easter nails you're thinking about wearing. They'll stand out no matter what you're wearing and may garner a few compliments when you're making your weekly Trader Joe's run!

3. BTArtbox Soft Gel French Press On Nails 

Amazon

This easter nail idea is debunking the myth that French manicures are boring. They're everything but because you can have so much with different designs. Unlike our first pretty pastel pick, these nails feature slanted and complementary colors that give it a modernized look.

4. Artsy Abstract Nails 

Jackie Dewar/Dupe Photos

Abstract nails continue to reign supreme for one reason: they're unforgettable and bring a smile to our face. This idea is perfect if spring makes you want to do as many quirky things as possible. Frolicking in a field of tulips for absolutely no zero reason at all? Make sure these nails graze as many of them as they can!

5. Juicy Fruit Nails 

Alexis Charles/Dupe Photos

Do you get anxiety every time your nail tech asks you to pick a color during your appointment? Pick five bright shades that fit many of your moods. She might not be happy, but at least your nails will look pretty.

6. Matcha Green Nails 

Lara Hayley/Dupe Photos

Are you obsessed with making matcha drinks like we are? Let your love for the green drink show with these pretty nails. They'll look great against your glass cup, making your roommates envious that they didn't consider this shade.

P.S. We won't judge you if you keep reaching for this nail idea off and on during spring.

7. Nail Reformation Garden Of Pearls Press On Nails 

Nail Reformation

Keep your love for green going, but go a few shades lighter with these pastel press-on nails. They're as dainty as Nail Reformation's Fleur De Magnolia nails, but they blend several designs together. From the class French manicure to metallic accents, you'll love watching the sun make them shimmer.

8. WICKED X KISS There's Joy

KISS

If you been watching Wicked all week, you'll love this collab between the movie and KISS. They feature the prettiest floral designs with cute little bees pollinating them. While we can't promise they'll make you get over your fear of the black and yellow cuties, we can all agree you won't be able to stop looking at your hands.

9. Olive & June Bandana Chrome Press On Nails

Olive & June

Instead of checkered print nails, take a walk on the wild side with Olive & June's bandana chrome nails. They're not as "girly" as our other easter nail idea picks, but you'll definitely have a great time wearing them the more you spend time in the sun.

10. Short And Sweet French Manicure 

Brit + Co Courtesy of Bellacures

Skip the acrylic and press-on nails in favor of your own with this short and sweet French manicure. They're a subtle nod to the prettiest season of them all that won't overpower your outfits or cause too much attention at work.

Follow us on Pinterest for more nail art ideas!

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

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This Major 'Reputation (Taylor's Version)' Release Date Easter Egg's Been There The Whole Freaking Time

Taylor Swift has been teasing Reputation (Taylor's Version) for two years — or, at least, Swifties have been clowning over it for two years. When Tay showed up to the 2022 VMAs in a "Look What You Made Me Do"-inspired outfit, fans expected her to drop the first Rep (TV) single, but she announced Midnights instead. And history repeated itself at the 2024 Grammys, when Taylor showed up in black & white before announcing The Tortured Poets Department.

Even though some fans feel confused, NOT getting Reputation (Taylor's Version) in 2024 totally goes with the "2 re-recordings one year, 1 new album the next" pattern we've seen since 2021. But there's one huge Easter egg that's been pointing us to 2025 all along: it's the Year of the Snake.

Here's the one major Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date Easter egg that suggests Taylor Swift could drop it in 2025.

When is Reputation (Taylor's Version) coming out?

Let it be known we still don't have an official Reputation (Taylor's Version) release date yet, but after the "I Can See You" music video featured the number 2.16 (February 16), everyone eagerly awaited February 2024 with baited breath...only to receive nothing. But now I've turned my eyes to February 16, 2025 because DUH, releasing Reputation (TV) during the Year of the Snake (the icon associated with the entire 2.5-year era) makes more sense than anything.

"Some of us have been saying this since like 2022," one TikTok user jokes, while another rationalizes, "We had fearless, red in 2021 then speak now, 1989 in 2023 so reputation and debut in 2025."

The Year of the Snake officially kicks off January 29, meaning we could be in for a late-January announcement, but some fans think Taylor will announce the album on New Year's Day 2025 in honor of the closing track on the album. In my opinion, it makes total sense to get Reputation (TV) for the first half of the year, and to wrap up the re-recording era with Taylor Swift (Taylor's Version) for the second half of the year before transitioning to her new movie (and a potential TS12, of course).

Will there be a Reputation (Taylor's Version)?

Yes, we're getting a Reputation (Taylor's Version)! Taylor Swift announced she'd be re-recording all of the albums leading up to Lover after she was unable to buy the rights to her music. In addition to more modern versions of all our favorite Taylor Swift songs, she's also added brand new tunes (called "From the Vault" tracks) as bonus songs for each album. Tracks like "When Emma Falls In Love (Taylor's Version)", "Timeless (Taylor's Version)", and "Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version)" quickly became fan favorites!

Reputation has always been my favorite Taylor Swift album, and I can't wait to see what kind of vault tracks we get. At its core, Rep is a love album that also address fear and hope, and Reputation (TV) is going to be the one re-recording you won't want to miss.

Check out All The Pics From Taylor Swift's Sweet Eras Tour Party for more!

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The 5 Very Best Best E.l.f. Products To Add To Your Makeup Bag – All Under $10!

By now, we all know that e.l.f. has mastered the art of high-quality makeup products at drugstore prices. But as they grow their collections, which are truly the best of the best e.l.f. products out there? Our team of beauty-loving editors has a few in mind, especially after testing what e.l.f. has to offer. These 5 e.l.f. finds undoubtedly belong in your everyday rotation – plus, they’re all under $10!

Scroll on to discover our top 5 tried-and-true e.l.f. products!

Amazon

1. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This gel-based primer does such an impressive job at hydrating your skin, all while still serving as a surface for your makeup to stick to.

Amazon

The formula is fully clear, so it's friendly for all skin tones. Plus, it retains a slightly-sticky feel after applying it, allowing subsequent foundation, concealer, and powder to stay put all day long.

Jasmine Williams

"It's really great for dry, oily, and combination skin which explains why my skin feels immediately hydrated after I use it," Brit + Co Staff Writer, Jasmine, writes in her review of the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer. "I usually purchase two at a time because I know it won't take long before I run out of this primer."

Amazon

2. e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer

This $7 concealer boasts a satin finish that helps you achieve the most natural of natural makeup looks. It leans on the side of hydrating, which we always prefer.

Amazon

Plus, it's shoppable in a whopping 23 different shades. The option to browse a wide shade range is just another thing we love about e.l.f.!

Chloe Williams

Brit + Co Entertainment Editor, Chloe, has only good things to say about the e.l.f. Hydrating Camo Concealer:

"It's not too heavy but it still has good coverage," she said. "It's also the perfect balance for me between matte and super dewy, neither of which i'm a huge fan of so the middle ground is great. Super easy to blend."

Amazon

3. e.l.f. Wow Brow Gel

While many brow gels simply add color, this $5 one also volumizes them. The wax-gel hybrid formula is infused with tiny fibers that just add that extra oomph you may be searching for. The packaging is also really seamless and easy to use, according to Brit + Co Affiliate Writer, Meredith.

"I reach for this brow gel nearly everyday," she added. "My eyebrows are already pretty thick, but I find that it gives them a boost when I want that. When I'm not using a clear brow gel, I'm using this e.l.f. one in a brunette shade that's not too bold."

Amazon

4. e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

With a convenient retractable design, this $5 eyeliner packs a punch with a very smooth, creamy, and ultra-pigmented formula.

Amazon

Available in three shades, it's also smudge-proof and waterproof. Whether you wear it on your lash line or waterline, you'll be surprised by its staying power!

Jasmine Williams

In fact, Brit + Co Staff Writer, Jasmine, awarded this pick as the best drugstore eyeliner in her review. It survived a single crying session, and she knew it'd be a fave ever since.

"This eyeliner deserves its own spotlight," she writes.

Amazon

5. e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain

Okay, e.l.f. with the innovation! While most lip stains on the market these days are either draw-on markers or funky peel-off formulas, this $6 tube comes in gloss form, which makes it incredibly easy and intuitive to use. Thus, it brings shine and long-lasting color.

Amazon

After drying down, this glossy lip stain leaves a very natural and hydrating wash of color. It's currently available in 7 shades on Amazon right now.

Meredith Holser

After testing several viral lip stains, Brit + Co Affiliate Writer, Meredith, ruled this e.l.f. pick the absolute best one.

"I wore the e.l.f. lip stain to a friends’ dinner party to test out if it was really long-wearing. After a couple rounds of cocktails and a big feast, there was still a good amount of color on my lips," she writes in her review. "What stood out to me the most is that the color that stayed was still as even as if I had just freshly applied it — just sans glossy finish."

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved beauty products!

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

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28 Easter Treats That Look As Sweet As They Taste

Colorful cakes and other make-ahead Easter desserts are always welcome at the brunch table. And when it comes to sweet Easter treats like ones made with Easter candy — what's not to love? If you're looking for crafty concoctions that will satisfy your sweet tooth and double as festive Easter table decor, we've got your back. Here are 25 sweet Easter treats that will get everyone in the mood for *bunny* season, stat.

Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

Brit + Co

With this sweet Easter-themed dip, the whole table can get a taste of creamy, chocolatey goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Trix Bars

Brit + Co

These Easter treats are like your classic Rice Krispies version, except crafted with Trix cereal. Using Trix will give each bite a colorful effect that speaks to the spring season! (via Brit + Co)

Easter Chick Sandwich Cookies

Brit + Co

You just can't pass up Easter treats as cute as these. Their adorable little Easter chick faces makes it hard to want to eat them, but trust us: once you do, you'll be craving at least 5 more. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Oatmeal Caramel Creme Egg Cookies

Brit + Co

Earning some caramel-y flavor from actual creme eggs, these are great Easter treats for serving your pals that have a chocolate addiction. The creamy filling is ahh-mazing. (via Brit + Co)

Watercolor Cake Easter Eggs

Brit + Co

If this year is the year you've finally decided to fully commit your baking skills to Easter desserts, go with this recipe. You'll 'paint' the outside using food coloring and even edible gold foil for elegant effect! (via Brit + Co)

Bunny Donuts

Brit + Co

These lil' bunnies will look super cute for snapping Instagram pics of this year's Easter brunch spread. (via Brit + Co)

Crazy Strawberry Milkshakes

Brit + Co

These devilishly sweet Easter treats in milkshake form are gonna send you into a sugar coma, but it's so worth it. Now's the time to be extra with all the garnishes, countless donuts and marshmallows welcome. (via Brit + Co)

Limoncello Tart

Brit + Co

Still sweet but more on the zesty side, this limoncello-infused lemon tart will wake up your tastebuds just in time for spring. The lighter color and citrusy fruitiness of this treat are just perfect for Eastertime. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Egg Truffles

Brit + Co

We love Easter treats that don't require any baking, like this one! Just grab some creme eggs from the store, then doctor 'em up with more chocolate and Easter sprinkles! Done and done. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Emoji Cookies

Brit + Co

Everyone at your Easter get-together will be wildly impressed with your cookie decorating skills when you whip out these Easter treats! (via Brit + Co)

Ube Coconut Cake

Brit + Co

The light, sugary notes of ube and coconut work wonders together in this cake recipe that's a total fit for spring. The purple hue of the cake layers will look iconic amongst the rest of your Easter treats. (via Brit + Co)

Creme Egg Rocky Road Bars

Brit + Co

Decadence reigns supreme with these rocky road-inspired Easter treats. Any dessert that comes in bar form is gonna be a big hit among the fam, plus these are loaded up with chocolate eggs for the holiday! (via Brit + Co)

Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches

Brit + Co

Carrot cake is the cake for Easter, but why stress about making a whole cake?! If you're looking for an easier alternative, but still want all the carrot cake vibes in your life, opt for these sandwiched Easter treats that also feature a creamy filling. (via Brit + Co)

Piña Colada Cake

Brit + Co

When sweet fruit and sugary classic desserts merge, it's pure magic. This cake serves up the flavors of a piña colada in the tastiest way ever. If you wanna amp it up for Easter, pop a few Peeps on top! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S’mores

How Sweet Eats

This recipe is everyone's fave campfire treat made with Peeps! Better make a big batch of this Easter treat, because you'll want to devour these rainbow Easter s'mores for days to come. (viaHow Sweet Eats)

Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Yellow Bliss Road

Any holiday dessert that calls for marshmallows can be dressed up in Easter pastels when you substitute Peeps! Serve these colorful Easter treats sliced up in rainbow squares, or insert sticks and hand them out as pops. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

DIY Easter Wildflower Macarons

Sugar & Cloth

These bright yellow macarons become festive flowers with a little bit of white icing paint and edible black ink. They make a delicate and beautiful addition to a spring-themed tablescape, and are an excellent excuse to get artsy this Easter! (via Sugar & Cloth)

Bunny Fairy Bread

Hello, Wonderful

Oh, em, gee — everyone's fave fairy bread is getting the full Easter treatment with rabbit shapes and cute little cottontails. You can't forget the sprinkles, either! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Toasted Marshmallow Easter Peeps Milkshakes

Shared Appetite

Even milkshakes take on an Easter theme when the colors are Peeps-inspired. Click through for an Easter dessert recipe that will take your presentation to the next level – and bonus points if your shake matches your Easter dress! (via Shared Appetite)

Bunny Tail Cupcakes

Lark & Linen

What could be cuter than a little ol' rabbit tail sticking out of your cupcakes? The pink “paws" are made of Jordan almonds — genius! (via Lark & Linen)

Cotton Candy Donuts

Studio DIY

These fairy-floss donut hybrids in bright pastel colors are perfect for Easter brunch, and they couldn't be easier to make. Just top some donuts with a small pinch of cotton candy, then add glitter sprinkles, and OMG! — dreamy Easter treats. (via Studio DIY)

Coconut Marshmallows with White Chocolate

The Gold Lining Girl

Kids young and old alike will get a kick out of cutting homemade marshmallows into bunny shapes! The coconut “tails" not only look cute, but they also taste divine. (via The Gold Lining Girl)

Colorful Ice Cream Sandwich Treats

The Sweet Escape

Before we dive head-first into all of the yummy ice cream sandwiches that spring and summer have to offer, give them a spring makeover with pastel hues! A tray of these will look Pantone-pretty on your Easter dessert table. (via The Sweet Escape)

Snowball Cupcakes

Baking a Moment

These chocolate cupcakes are a riff on everyone's childhood fave Hostess Sno Balls, only waaaaay better — because homemade is always better! Pick a few different colors for these Easter treats to match all your dyed Easter eggs. (via Baking a Moment)

Easter Bunny Macarons

Tried & True

Making macarons can be a bit finicky, but they're totally worth the effort when the end result is as cute as these bunnies! Adding the adorable food-marker faces is more than half the fun, plus, they're bound to make everyone smile this Easter. (via Tried & True)

Coconut Eton Mess with Whipped Ricotta Cream

Half Baked Harvest

Some desserts almost look too pretty to eat and this cake is one of them! Still, we invite you to not break out your finest mixing bowls and baking pan to bring this easter recipe to life. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake

Vikalinka

This recipe had us at chocolate, but the strawberry mousse is the icing in the middle of the cake! It'll make you feel like a famous pastry chef who's known for making the best desserts, plus you'll even get to enjoy eating it! Our favorite part is garnishing it with a few sliced strawberries to make it look extra pretty. (via Vikalinka)

Easter Cake Pops

​Kathryn's Kitchen Blog​

How fun are these easter cake pops? They combine our two favorite sweet treats for a quick burst of flavor that makes it hard to only eat one. All you need is box cake mix, frosting, and white candy melts to recreate this recipe. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Tag us with your Easter treats on Instagram @BritandCo and subscribe to our email newsletter for more sweet inspo!

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

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