8 Chef-Approved Kitchen Essentials

Cinnamon Janzer
Mar 08, 2016

We’ve all been there: You’ve got the itch to get cooking, then suddenly realize that your kitchen is lacking an essential item… or two… or seven. Figuring out what to fill your kitchen with can be a daunting task on top of an already busy to-do list, even if it’s just aiming for the shortcut chef level. Because we totally get it, we’re sharing advice from some of the top chefs around about what they consider kitchen essentials. Read on and shop up.

Le Creuset Stoneware Pestle and Mortar

Pizzaro and José in London cites his pestle and mortar combo as his kitchen essential, and for a really cute reason too. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “A wooden pestle and mortar — my mum and grandma always used one, so it reminds me of them.” With a pestle and mortar in your tool set, you’ll be covering everything from chicken to chai tea with some of the yummiest, homemade spice blends around.

Ozeri 12″ Green Earth Teflon Frying Pan

Prune chef Gabrielle Hamilton, everyone needs a solid Teflon pan in their arsenal, and it’s not hard to see why — these babies can do it all. From frying an egg to roasting seeds or nuts, a solid pan will get the job done without leaving you to scrub for days afterwards.

Basily Premium Julienne and Serrated Stainless Steel Peelers

Chef Staphanie Izard says that one of the things she can’t live without is a constant stream of peelers at hand. This set of two will get you exactly where you need to go. It’ll transform peeling things like carrots and cucumbers from cumbersome and tedious, to a quick and easy step that’s actually enjoyable .

BergHOFF Pink 3-pc. Spatula Set

she can’t live without her trusty spatula by her side in the kitchen. From super novices to mega pros, there are always bowls to be scrapped. Whether it’s the fanciest duck sauce the world ever did see, or just your run-of-the-mill chocolate chip cookie dough, you’re gonna want to get every last drop. A sturdy spatula will let you do just that.

BergHOFF® Orion 8-Inch Chef Knife

Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matuhisa, a chef’s knife is where it’s at in the kitchen, which makes perfect sense. One thing you’re always doing is slicing things down, and everything is made easier (and safer!) if you’ve got a good, sharp knife by your side.

Williams-Sonoma Microplane Rasp Grater

Kristin Rugg Dovbniak of Cook Bake Nibble says that a microplane grater is part of her absolute must-have list of kitchen tools. From lemon zest to hard cheese and ginger, a microplane grater will come in super handy. Ginger tea, anyone?

Cuisinart Elemental 8-Cup Food Processor

Dawn Casale of One Girl Cookies says that a food processor is one of her must-haves, and for good reason: It’s one of the most multi-functional pieces you can have in your kitchen. From pesto to peanut butter, a food processor will become your best bud and will have you whipping up chef-quality concoctions in no time at all.

King Two Sided Sharpening Stone With Base

Mark Bittman wrote in The New York Times that one of his necessities is a knife sharpening stone, and we couldn’t agree more. If you’re gonna invest in some killer chef-quality knives, it’s only right to pick up a nifty sharpener to match. Keep those knives working at their best for the rest of their lives.

Lily-Rose Depp Doesn't Care What You Think About 'The Idol' — "Really Proud"

I love a good edge-of-your-seat drama series featuring characters the world loves to hate — I'm looking at you, Succession. But there are some shows whose boundaries are pushed to a...weird limit. Although HBO's The Idol was slated to be Euphoria 2.0, it's drawn criticism from those who have watched it.

To be fair, The Idol's goal may be about getting people to talk, good or bad. It dives into the professional and personal life of pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp. But even that's being met with side eyes due to the role's eerie similarities to an actual celebrity — and The Weeknd's ex-girlfriend — Selena Gomez.

Here's all the evidence that makes thing awkward, plus learn how Lily-Rose Depp feels about the backlash over the series!

How is Selena connected to 'The Idol' co-creator The Weeknd?

In 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd briefly dated after his relationship with model Bella Hadid ended. Although the relationship didn't make it to the one-year mark, they seemingly remained on friendly terms.

Why do fans feel Jocelyn From 'The Idol' is similar to Selena Gomez?

Photograph by Eddy Chen/HBO

Fans were quick to point out the similarities between Selena and The Idol's Jocelyn, with one going as far to tweet, "ever since finding out the idol is probably just the weeknd’s selena gomez fanfic i haven’t been able to sleep."

According to BuzzFeed, fans noticed both Jocelyn and Selena began their careers as kids. Before Selena starred in Wizards of Waverly Place, she got her start on Barney & Friends in 2002. From there, she's had a successful career starring in various TV shows and movies.

Another glaring similarity fans mentioned was the way Jocelyn was filmed posing for a cover story in "lingerie and a hospital bracelet" — very similar to Selena's video for her song "Bad Liar," where she was also seen wearing a hospital bracelet. Another fan tweeted, "the weeknd is a nasty person. the comparison between jocelyn and selena is scary and disrespectful. the idol lacks originality," showing a side-by-side comparison of the two scenes.

We also can't help but notice that Jocelyn's best friend Leia is not only her best friend, but she's also her personal assistant...not too dissimilar from the personal and working relationship Selena has with her best friend Theresa.

Is Selena Gomez the only pop star 'The Idol' seems to mirror?

It seems as much. GQ noted that The Idol makes a nod to or mentions icons such as Prince, Donna Summer, and Madonna in the first episode, proving that pop culture can always be referenced to make a connection to something. Meanwhile, the details of Jocelyn's life eerily match up with Selena Gomez's life IRL — more than just a reference.

What has Lily-Rose Depp said about 'The Idol?'

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

It's been over a year since fans noticed weird similarities between The Idol and Selena Gomez, but Lily-Rose Depp recently opened up about her feelings surrounding the show.

She said, "I love it. Honestly, I love it," (via Vanity Fair) before acknowledging she knew everyone involved was taking a risk making the controversial series. "You make something and you hope that people like it, and you hope that it resonates with people," she added. Still, the actress said everyone "knew some people were not going to like it and that it was going to be too much for some people."

The backlash from some viewers didn't really bother her for a few reasons. Firstly, she has no qualms doing "things that maybe not everybody's down to do." Secondly, she's "not an Internet rat like that" and isn't "on Twitter" so she's "not reading stuff."

For Lily, she had a great time immersing herself in The Idol's world, calling it a "huge turning point" for her." "I learned so much about myself, and I got to progress so much in my own work. I learned how to dance, and sing, and do all these things that I had never done before."

Her final verdict? She doesn't regret The Idol. "So I look back on it and I can only think fondly, and I’m really proud of what it is.”

Watch The Trailer For HBO's 'The Idol'

Haven't watched The Idol yet? Watch the trailer, and let us know if you think this hot topic TV show is the Selena Gomez biopic everyone else thinks it is.

Do you think 'The Idol' mimics Selena Gomez's life? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for all the latest pop culture news!

This post has been updated.

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You Totally Missed This 'Bridgerton' Cameo In The 'Wicked' Movie

As a Bridgerton fangirl, I definitely squealed when I learned Jonathan Bailey (who plays Anthony on the Netflix series) had joined the Wicked movie as the dancing-through-life, suave Fiyero. Have you HEARD him sing "If I Didn't Believe In You" from The Last Five Years?! Well, Jonathan himself revealed that he actually isn't the only Bridgerton star making an appearance in Wicked — and since I totally missed this cameo, there's a chance you did too.

Keep reading for the surprising Bridgerton cameo you'll see in Wicked.

  • The world fell in love with Jonathan Bailey when he played Anthony Bridgerton on Bridgerton.
  • Bridgerton fans were also super excited to see him as Fiyero in Wicked.
  • But Jonathan isn't the only Bridgerton cast member to make an appearance in the movie.

You're probably running through the whole Bridgerton cast in your mind — Luke Thompson, Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, — but Jonathan Bailey is actually joined by his horse Jack! Considering how surprised I was when I learned this, you probably didn't see it coming either, did you?

“I went around to see [Wicked director] Jon Chubefore we started filming, and I said to him, I said, ‘I think I know who the horse is.’ And he was like, ‘What do you mean?’" Jonathan Bailey said in an official Wicked video. “It's Jack, the horse that I'd ridden in Bridgerton, who I had an amazing relationship with.”

In the clip, you can see Jonathan leading Jack onto the Shiz University set, and riding through the forest. “People say don't work with kids and animals," he continues. "But if it's Jack, I'd say, ‘Take the job. He's a legend.’”

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Well, Jonathan and Jack weren't the only Wicked cast members who got along swimmingly. Ethan Slater told Brit + Co that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo immediately made the cast feel like a family.

"[They] would hug everyone who came in," Ethan says. "The first day I think every actor had a minimum two-hour meeting with Jon just to walk through all of the designs and all the things and talk about character. And so from from the very beginning, it just felt like it's really safe...This huge movie is something that we've been waiting for for 20 years on a big scale with the biggest stars in the world, it could have felt really intimidating and it felt really familial immediately."

And TBH, it totally translates onscreen!

Did this Bridgerton cameo surprise you? Let us know what you're most excited to see in the Wicked movie in the comments!

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42 Beauty Products That Every Routine Could Use a Bit More Of

Whether you're a skincare expert or a beauty enthusiast, there's always room in your makeup drawer for a few extra goodies. Lucky for us all, Amazon has a lineup of some of the hottest, transforming products that you are going to want to add to your routine this season. From serums that will boost your glow to lip colors that will seamlessly glide across your pout, these products will add an extra dash of love to your daily beauty routine. Boost your confidence and upgrade your beauty arsenal with these 42 finds that are a must-have this season.

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.

This Serum Infused With Hyaluronic Acid

Amazon

If you struggle with keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day, this serum by Deramlogica is a secret hack. Made with hyaluronic acid and other nourishing ingredients, this skincare gem delivers long-lasting moisture that is essential for the dry winter season.

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This Cream Blush for a Soft-Focus Finish

Amazon

That viral, rosy finish is just one step away with this cream blush that is available in the most stunning shades to choose from. The creamy formula glides on seamlessly while the buildable pigment allows you to customize your look.

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This Moisturizer for Radiant Results

Amazon

Add a luxury touch to your skincare routine with this moisturizer that is made with shea butter. This product is known to target your wrinkles and dry skin, working to firm and rejuvenate overnight.

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This Liquid Foundation With a Matte Finish

Amazon

This liquid foundation has captured the hearts of everyone on TikTok. It's a go-to for oily skin and doubles as a sunscreen with SPF 15. It provides a medium-to-full coverage finish and leaves behind a matte finish.

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This Facial Mask Infused With Prebiotics

Amazon

Give your skin the attention it deserves with this facial mask that's infused with a ton of nourishing ingredients. From camu camu to vitamin C, this skincare gem will boost your skin's radiance while leaving behind a firm look.

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This Eye Shadow Palette Is Highly Pigmented

Amazon

Never run out of trendy eye looks to create when you have this eye shadow palette that has a mix of high-pigment mattes and shimmering shades. It's a go-to for anyone who prefers natural looks, perfect for every occasion.

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This Detox Mask Minimizes Pores

Amazon

Say hello to a clear complexion in under 10 minutes with this detox mask by Caudalie. Not only does this mask minimize the look of your pores, but it's also known to leave your skin feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated with each use.

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This Natural Bronzer to Glow Through the Winter

Amazon

Carry on your sun-kissed glow through the winter season with this natural bronzer that has a lightweight texture and matte finish. This bronzer delivers a ton of warmth to your favorite looks, allowing you to enhance your features without "doing too much."

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This Retinol Treatment Turns Back the Clock

Amazon

A youthful glow is just one step away with this retinol treatment by Paula's Choice. This product is packed with a ton of transforming ingredients, like licorice extract and peptides, working to boost collagen production and eliminate fine lines.

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This Primer With Hydrating Ingredients

Amazon

The best part about this primer is that it also doubles as skincare. This beauty gem is infused with hyaluronic acid, making it easy to prep your skin for makeup while also locking in moisture for all-day wear.

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This Eye Serum Smooths Your Skin

Amazon

Indulge in the hype of Korean skincare with this eye serum that is infused with retinal and niacinamide. Not only does this product target your dark circles and puffiness, but it's also known to stimulate collagen products and smooth out the under eye.

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This Setting Powder Blurs the Pores

Amazon

This setting powder will become your makeup's new best friend. This translucent powder offers a matte finish from morning to night, ensuring your makeup stays in place throughout all of your plans. Plus, the lightweight formula also works to smooth the skin and blur your pores.

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This Spot Treatment With a Non-Drying Formula

Amazon

You will never have to wake up with one of those scary pimples ever again, thanks to this spot treatment that is designed to eliminate blemishes at their root. This gel penetrates your pores and visibly shrinks your breakouts in just a couple of hours.

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This Pressed Highlighter for All Skin Tones

Amazon

This pressed highlighter can illuminate all of your favorite makeup looks. This cult-favorite Amazon gem has an ultra-fine design, seamlessly melting into the skin to deliver that lit-from-within look. It's ideal for all skin tones, creating a comfortable, lightweight glow with each use.

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This Green Cream Is Fast-Absorbing

Amazon

Add an innovative product to your skincare routine, starting with this green cream that is made with peptides and hyaluronic acid. This product also uses celery seed extract to minimize the look of your pores, while leaving your skin perfectly prepped for your makeup products.

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This Mascara With Easy Removal

Amazon

Skip the false lashes and expensive lash lifts, when you have this mascara that delivers fuller lashes with every swipe. This mascara not only offers length but also provides a smudge-free finish. Thanks to the unique formula, this mascara can seamlessly be removed with warm water.

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This Foundation Acts as a Sunscreen

Amazon

Hydrating is an understatement when it comes to this foundation that is made with SPF 50. With buildable coverage, this foundation allows you to customize your look with each use. Plus, it comes in a ton of different shades to choose from.

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This Eyeliner With Easy Application

Amazon

After amassing a ton of reviews on Amazon, it's safe to say that this eyeliner is a go-to for your daily makeup routine. The water-resistant formula ensures it stays in place from morning to night, while the creamy formula glides on effortlessly.

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This Acid Cream for a Glass Like Finish

Amazon

This acid cream has become a TikTok sensation due to its fragrance-free formula and brightening results. This beauty gem is packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B12, offering that glass-like finish that everyone is raving about.

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This Glowing Base Works as a Primer

Amazon

This glowing base is an all-star beauty gem that will upgrade your routine in no time. The lightweight primer creates an even base for your skin, while the skin-loving ingredients work to hydrate and brighten throughout the day.

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This Eyelash Serum Strengthens Your Lashes

Amazon

This eyelash serum is a staple in all of the influencer's beauty routines. This product is designed to nourish your lashes while boosting growth with each use. Over time, this gem will strengthen the lashes and create that viral fluttery finish.

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This Brow Pencil With a Spoolie Brush

Amazon

Whether you're a makeup beginner or professional, this brow pencil allows you to perfectly shape and define your brows. The fine tip makes it easy to create those hair-like strokes, while the spoolie brush allows you to blend the color for a more natural look.

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This Lip Mask With Mango Butter

Amazon

Dry lips are a problem of the past with this lip mask that is made with coconut oil and wild mango butter. This fragrance-free formula is a go-to for anyone with sensitive lips, allowing you to wake up with plump, smooth lips each morning.

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This Setting Spray Creates a Natural Finish

Amazon

This setting spray is a miracle for anyone who sweats a little extra. This long-lasting product has a sweat-proof and transfer-proof seal, ensuring your makeup stays fresh and flawless throughout the day.

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This Cleansing Balm Works Fast

Amazon

Before you head to sleep, make sure you use this cleansing balm to quickly remove all of your stubborn makeup. This cult-favorite gem transforms from a balm to an oil, serving as a gentle yet effective formula to remove your product.

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This Eye Makeup With a Crease-Free Formula

Amazon

The best part about this eye makeup is that it can be used as a liquid eyeshadow or eyeliner. This multi-use product comes in a ton of different shades to choose from, ranging from matte to shimmery finishes. Its crease-free pigment is a must-have for long days.

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This Retinol Cream for First-Timers

Amazon

You can achieve all of your anti-aging goals with this retinol cream which is a dermatologist-recommended product. This cream will minimize irritation and deliver anti-aging benefits in just a couple of uses.

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This Lip Pencil Comes in a Ton of Shades

Amazon

Not only is this lip pencil waterproof, but it also has a creamy formula and matte finish. This beauty essential is packed with ceramides and jojoba oil, nourishing your lips while providing a smooth application.

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This Mask for Luminous Results

Amazon

Whether you're looking to minimize your pores or boost your skin's radiance, this cryotherapy-inspired mask is the perfect solution. It delivers visible results in just 10 minutes and leaves your complexion more luminous than ever before.

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This Liquid Concealer for Full Coverage

Amazon

This liquid concealer has become the gold standard of makeup products. With a full coverage formula, this Amazon must-have is known to effortlessly cover up blemishes, dark spots, and scars. The oil-free product feels invisible on the skin, perfect for all-day wear.

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This Energy Facial Made With Caffeine

Amazon

Refine your skin's texture with this energy facial that leaves your skin feeling smooth with each use. This exfoliating scrub uses papaya enzymes, yerba mate, and caffeine, working to reveal a brighter complexion over time.

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This Contour Wand With Nourishing Ingredients

Amazon

Define your features in one simple step with this contour wand that has the most creamy formula. The unique applicator makes it easy to apply and blend the product, while the nourishing ingredients glide effortlessly onto the skin.

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This Bounce Serum for a Dewy Glow

Amazon

A reliable serum is essential and this bounce serum by E.L.F is a must-have. This beauty gem delivers intense hydration, leaving behind a radiant glow. It has a lightweight formula and can be used as a pre-makeup base.

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This Lipstick With Seasonal Shades

Amazon

Infused with cocoa oil, this lipstick offers a ton of hydration to your pout. The seasonal color is a must-have for all of your celebrations, while the creamy formula will melt into your lips with each use.

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This Face Serum Creates a Youthful Glow

Amazon

This face serum is one of the most hydrating products on the market. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E, this product is designed to fade dark spots and promote collagen for a firmer base.

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This Eyeshadow Palette With 12 Shades

Amazon

Never run out of iconic eye looks to create, thanks to this eyeshadow palette that comes with 12 nude shades to choose from. This palette can create anything from daytime looks to dramatic evening styles, allowing you to customize your look each day.

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This Facial Moisturizer Infused With SPF 25

Amazon

Whether you are looking to eliminate dark spots or firm your skin, this facial moisturizer can do it all. The SPF 25 protects your skin from harmful UV rays while the non-greasy formula melts into your skin to create a smooth base.

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This Dual-Sided Eye Product Is Waterproof

Amazon

This dual-sided eye product is trending all over TikTok. One side of the tool offers a cream eyeshadow, while the other side offers a creamy eyeliner with easy application. The waterproof formula lasts all day and provides a flawless finish.

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This Face Serum Boosts Collagen Production

Amazon

It's rare to find a face serum that's fragrance-free, packed with tri-peptides, and come at a fair price point. This collagen serum boosts your skin's elasticity and is suitable for all skin types.

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This CC Cream Eliminates Redness

Amazon

Take your makeup routine to a whole new level with this cc cream that is made with SPF 46. This color-correcting cream is infused with honey and propolis, offering a lightweight look that will soothe your skin's redness while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

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This Face Cream Creates Firm Skin

Amazon

Add a luxe touch to your everyday routine with this face cream that is designed to tackle any sagging, wrinkles, or dark spots that may be on your face. This product is made with peptides and nicinamide, providing a ton of hydration while brightening uneven skin tones.

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This Tinted Moisturizer With a Universal Tint

Amazon

Simplify your skincare routine with this tinted moisturizer that also serves as a sunscreen with SPF 46. The universal tint can blend seamlessly into all skin tones, while the dewy finish creates a lasting glow that you will love.

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