How a $9 Mascara Gave Me the Long, Thick Lashes of My Dreams

Beth Wischnia
Oct 05, 2017

I am absolutely obsessed with all things eyelashes. I’ve tried enhancing serums, heated curlers, and even had my lashes dyed and permed. Mascara is always the final step in my routine that seals in those long, curled lashes I worked so hard to achieve, but it can take forever to find my just-right formula. Some are too thick, some are too thin, and some are too expensive. But when a friend introduced me to her secret weapon for perfect lashes at a budget-friendly price, well, I had a Goldilocks-worthy “aha” moment.

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara ($9) makes my lashes look like falsies. It’s so good that I’ve been loyally swiping it on for seven years. A girlfriend recommended it to me in college and swore that the biotin- and keratin-rich formula had boosted the length of her lashes after wearing it every day. I was convinced and scooped it up. After applying it for the first time, I was instantly hooked on how long, separated, inky, and curled it made my lashes — and it never, ever smudged (even in the ultra hot Phoenix heat where I was living at the time).

I love the look of my lashes with this mascara thanks, in large part, to the long, hard-bristled brush. It works much like a fine-toothed comb, allowing me to get close to the base of my lashes and really separate them out.

After I’ve fanned out my eyelashes, the long-wearing, super dark formula sets and locks in the lift I have from using my eyelash curler. It glides onto my lashes easily without clumping, but is still lightweight enough to bulk up after a second coat. Oh, and my friend was right — I swear, I noticed my lashes really did get a little longer and thicker after wearing for a few months. Now, several years later, I am still obsessed AF with this affordable drugstore gem.

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

The Best Liquid Eyeliners To Combat Sweat, Tears, & Smearing

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever! 

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

  • "i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
  • "goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
  • "I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

  • "It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
  • "It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
  • "I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

  • Parabens
  • Formaldehydes
  • Formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Phthalates
  • Mineral oil
  • Retinyl palmitate
  • Oxybenzone
  • Coal tar
  • Hydroquinone
  • Triclocarban
  • Triclosan

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

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'The Summer I Turned Pretty' Season 3 Will Have 3 Extra Episodes

What's your favorite The Summer I Turned Pretty episode? The series (which stars Lola Tung as Belly, Gavin Casalegno as Jeremiah, and Christopher Briney as Conrad) has had standout moments since its premiere in 2022. And so far, my favorite scenes in both seasons 1 and 2 happened during episode 6.

Belly and Conrad's heartbreaking conversation on the dock against Billie Eilish's "When The Party's Over" instantly became my favorite scene of the show, only to be topped by their fight on the beach & the house party while Taylor Swift's "Snow on the Beach" plays during season 2. And it looks like every episode of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be a favorite based on Jenny Han's latest update.

Here's what Jenny Han had to say about the new The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes.

Every moment in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 will matter.

Erika Doss/Prime Video

After revealing season 3 will have 11 episodes, as opposed to 7 or 8 like the first two seasons, Jenny Han recently wrote on Instagram (via US Weekly), “One thing I’ll say about season 3 of [The Summer I Turned Pretty] … there are no filler episodes.”

The last decade of streaming has seen television seasons drop from around 22 episodes to 10 or under, resulting in the loss of those filler episodes. You know, where the characters are just hanging out and the audience gets to know more about their personalities. Do these episodes move the plot along? No. Are they valuable in helping to understand the characters? Absolutely!

However, there is something to be said for the idea that every moment should matter. One lesson I took away from my creative writing classes in college is that if you can remove a detail from a story and nothing changes, then it didn't need to be there! And it definitely sounds like every moment in the upcoming The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 episodes will have a purpose.

"I'm just very excited to be back with everyone and to be able to step back into Belly's shoes, I'm super excited," Lola Tung told Brit + Co in February.

'The Summer I Turned Pretty' season 3 might not be the final chapter.

We haven't gotten word on whether The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3 is going to be the final season of the Amazon Prime show (there are only three books), but it looks like we could be seeing more of our favorite characters either way!

“This show is going to continue to be a huge centerpiece for us," Vernon Sanders, Amazon and MGM Studios' head of television, told Deadline in September 2023. "We absolutely have plans to continue building it. Jenny’s got great vision for where she wants to go with all of it, but we’re already hard at work developing complementary pieces."

I would love to see a spinoff, whether it's about Belly after the third book ends, or about Taylor and Steven! "Jenny’s got some exciting surprises. So we’re thrilled about a Season 3, and she’s got a vision for more."

Vernon also spoke about how the show has become a intertwined with Taylor Swift's music, and even debuted a few unreleased Taylor Swift songs! "We have been so delighted and humbled by having had this relationship over the course of the last two seasons, and they have been incredibly lovely — and, believe it or not, incredibly easy to work with," he says. "Jenny credits Taylor Swift as the music she was listening to as she was writing these books. It’s just always been infused in how she’s thinking and feeling and what is authored into the show itself. So, to have Taylor’s music, and as you said, unreleased music in the show, I think is beyond incredible."

Check out 5 Details From The Summer I Turned Pretty Ending That Reveal Who Belly Ends Up With In Season 3 👀.

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Eyeshadow Sticks Are Our New Obsession, And They Should Be Yours Too

ICYMI, eyeshadow sticks are trending upwards lately, and it’s for good reason. Not only are the sticks super practical (Hello simple application!), but you can apply your latest eye look on the go and with ease. After all – who has room for an entire eyeshadowpalette and brushes in their bag? Not us!

If you’re thinking “OMG I must add this to my makeup routine,” we totally relate. Nowadays you can find eyeshadow sticks just about anywhere, but we’ve rounded up our faves to give you the best glam ever.

Laura Mercier RoseGlow Caviar Stick Eye Shadow ($32)

With over 2,000 five star reviews, it’s no wonder this eyeshadow stick makes the list. If you’re looking for a little glitz, creamy shadow is guaranteed to give you a fabulous look that lasts all day long.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($32)

If simplicity is in your nature, then you need to check out Bobbi Brown’s nude shadow collection. Not only do they have tons of color options, but their formula is built to last through all of your day in the life shenanigans.

elf NO BUDGE SHADOW STICK ($5)

Yes, you read that right. Get one of the best shadow sticks on the market for only $5.

about-face Shadowstick ($14)

If you’re looking for a great white eyeshadow, then look no further. about-face’s Oxide Shadowstick will definitely give you the bright, clean look you’re going for.

IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Stick ($25)

This super blendable eyeshadow stick glides onto your lids without tugging on your delicate eye area, and is available in matte and pearl finishes. Sounds like a win-win to us.

Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color ($27)

We’ll be channeling our fave nepo baby (yes, we do mean Sofia Richie Grainge) with this product.

Sephora Collection Sephora Colorful® Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick ($14)

There are so many fabulous colors to choose from in this collection. BRB while we go buy them all. 💸

Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayon ($30)

Get 2-in-1 with this stunning eyeshadow duo. No more lugging around eyeshadow palettes for you!

Are you all about bold makeup or prefer keeping things clean and simple? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover all the latest beauty trends with Brit + Co.

Image courtesy of Gustavo Almeida / PEXELS.

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Where Is The "Gilmore Girls" Cast Now? Here's Where You Can Watch Your Favorite Stars.

Considering we talk about Lorelai and Rory Gilmore at least once a week — and constantly argue why Dave is the right answer for who's the best Gilmore GirlsTV boyfriend (although we'll also accept Logan) — we're always thinking about Gilmore Girls. Even though the show ended in 2007, the success of Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life proves that it still has a life of its own. And the actors do too! Here's what your favorite members of the cast of Gilmore Girls have been up to since the end of the series.

Alexis Bledel

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

As one of the two Gilmore Girls mentioned in the title, we watched Alexis Bledel (Rory) grow over the years, both inside Stars Hollow and outside of it. She's starred in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Sin City, and The Handmaid's Tale. But Alexis is also a mother and shares a son with her ex-husband Vincent Kartheiser.

Lauren Graham

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lauren Graham played Lorelai Gilmore, and has also played a mom in titles like Parenthood and Evan Almighty. You can also read her books Someday, Someday, Maybe, Talking as Fast as I Can: from Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between), and Don't Worry About It.

Chad Michael Murray

Image via Freemantle

Chad Michael Murray, who played Tristan Dugray, has been in a slew of shows since he left Gilmore Girls in season two. He booked the lead role of Lucas Scott in One Tree Hill, and has played Jake in Freaky Friday and Edgar on Riverdale. He's also a published author! You can read his book American Drifter: An Exhilarating Tale of Love and Murder. Right now, he stars as Cal in Sullivan's Crossing.

Scott Patterson

Image via WB

Chad isn't the only one you can watch on the CW! Scott Patterson (Luke Danes) stars as Sully on Sullivan's Crossing. He was also in Aliens in America as Gary and in Saw IV and Saw V as Agent Strahm. In addition to acting, he launched Scotty P's Big Mug Coffee *and* the Gilmore Girls rewatch podcast I Am All In!

Milo Ventimiglia

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Milo Ventimiglia played snarky, book-loving Jess Mariano, but gained even more recognition for playing Jack Pearson on This Is Us (a role that got him an Emmy nom for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series). He's also been in series like Heroes and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Jared Padalecki

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Jared Padalecki (Dean Forester) went on to star as Sam in Supernatural, a show which ran for 15 seasons. You can also see him in New York Minute and in Cheaper by the Dozen (but just for a moment)! In addition to his acting, he launched the Always Keep Fighting campaign after revealing his struggles with depression.

Melissa McCarthy

Image via Disney

Melissa McCarthy's Sookie St. James is one of the most lovable members of the Gilmore Girls cast, and went on to do even more hilarious roles during, and after, the show. You can see her in films like The Little Mermaid, Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly, and Spy, but she also received critical acclaim for her role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Matt Czuchry

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Matt Czuchry, who played the fan favorite Logan Huntzberger on Gilmore Girls, also starred in some other long-running shows like The Good Wife as Cary and The Resident as Conrad. He also stars as Dexter in this year's American Horror Story: Delicate.

Liza Weil

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Liza Weil's Paris Geller is driven and hardworking (we love her for that), and Liza works just as hard! She appeared on Bunheads, and had a main role on How to Get Away with Murder. Just like Milo Ventimiglia, you can see her on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, too!

Keiko Agena

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Keiko Agena portrayed Lane Kim, but was in a variety of nostalgic TV shows like Sister, Sister, Felicity, and Beverly Hills, 90210 before Gilmore Girls premiered. You can also see her in13 Reasons Why on Netflix. Keiko married Shin Kawasaki in 2005 — in a helicopter!

Adam Brody

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Adam Brody was a member of the cast of Gilmore Girls for a short time, but his character Dave Rygalski is one of the best parts of the show. He left the series to star as Seth in the teen dramaThe OC, and has also appeared in Jennifer's Body, Promising Young Woman, Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. He married Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, and the couple has two kids.

Kelly Bishop

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Before Kelly Bishop played Emily Gilmore, she was in Dirty Dancing, but she also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Sheila in A Chorus Line. You can see her in Bunheads and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Sean Gunn

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Sean Gunn's Kirk Gleason is my favorite Gilmore Girls cast member, and has Sean has continued to play funny but lovable roles. He starred as Kraglin in the MCU and Weasel in Suicide Squad (his brother is director James Gunn). Sean is married to actress and director Natasha Halevi.

Which member of the cast of Gilmore Girls have you followed throughout the years? Let us know on Facebook and check out our Gilmore Girls page for the latest news on your favorite show!

Lead image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

This post has been updated.

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10 Gilmore Girls Moments That Prove Anyone Who Isn’t #TeamJess Is Seriously Delusional

We're still thinking about the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life(and the fact we might finally get season 2?!). There were so many questions left unanswered when the series and its spinoff finished, like how exactly do the Gilmore Girls eat so many donuts and pizza? More importantly, which guy is Rory finally going to end up with? Even if you’re #TeamLogan or #TeamDean, you can’t deny the appeal of stereotypical bad guy Jess. He turned into a major success story in the end, not to mention became a huge advocate for Rory getting her life back on track. Here are 10 moments that prove that anyone who isn’t #TeamJess is seriously delusional.

1. 22.8 Miles

After Rory makes the big decision to go to Yale, Jess actually looks up the distance from Stars Hallow to campus on Yahoo Maps (how very early ’00s of him!). This might be a small gesture, but it shows just how much he was thinking about their future — even if he wasn't ready to admit it — proving once and for all, he does care about her.

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

2. The Swan

When Jess shows up at Friday night dinner with a black eye, we all thought our worst suspicions about him had come true, that he’d gotten into a bad fight with Dean. Actually, he just got beat up by a swan (duh) and was too proud to admit it. We. Can’t. Even. (This is also one of our favorite Luke and Jess episodes!)

3. The Bjork Snow Woman

Jess always seems to know what’s in Rory’s heart best, like the little comments he leaves for her in the books they share and the jokes they're constantly cracking. And when he recognizes that Lorelai and Rory have dressed their “snow woman” up like Bjork, it’s like he just gets it.

Image via The CW/The WB/YouTube

4. This Isn’t You

Rory stealing a boat, dropping out of Yale and joining the D.A.R. was possibly the worst or most frustrating plot line in the history of plot lines. Jess is the one who lets her know she needs to get back on track because the whole rebel rouser thing so isn’t her.

5. When He Publishes a Book

It’s understandable if you weren’t so into Jess in high school. He was sarcastic and rough around the edges and could be harsh. Grown-up Jess, on the other hand, has grown into someone who's mature, thoughtful, and grounded. He's got a good head on his shoulders and totally grounds his scenes in the Season 6 episode "Let Me Hear Your Balalaikas Ringing Out."

6. When He Leaves It All on the Line

That time Jess actually shows up at Rory’s dorm room and tells her to come away to New York with him was so sweet. Even if it was never going to happen in a million years, you’ve got to give the guy some credit for leaving it all out there.

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

7. When He Says “I Love You”

Everyone knows Jess isn’t the warm and fuzzy type. At the start of his time on Gilmore Girls, Jess has a hard time communicating and forming connections with the people around him. So when he finally drops the bad boy front, and comes out and says he does love Rory, we can’t help but get all the feels.

Image via WB

8. The Sprinklers

Early on in the show, Rory can’t get the sprinklers off and her neighbors lawn is going to be ruined. Jess comes running to help, no questions asked. Even if this was still the period in their early friendship when they consistently got on each other's nerves (and Jess was actively trying to convince everyone he didn't care about Rory), it's *clear* he cares more than he lets on.

9. When He Borrows Luke’s Love Advice Tapes

At one point in the show, Luke goes through a mushy phase where he expresses his commitment to Lorelai by buying some goofy relationship tapes/books. Jess totally gets in on it and Lorelai even finds one of the books in Jess’s backpack. Busted!

10. When He Tells Her She’s Still a Contender

If you haven’t seen Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life yet, 1. What the heck are you waiting for? And 2. When Rory is down and out on her luck, who is the guy who tells her she’s still got it? Jess, obvs.

Are you Team Jess, Dean or Logan?Tell us @BritandCo!

Lead image via The CW/The WB/YouTube

This post has been updated.

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