Here’s How Your Old Mascara Wands Can Save Wildlife

We’re all about helping out (or even shopping) for a good cause, particularly when it involves creatures of the cute and fluffy variety. That’s why we were so incredibly pumped to hear that one product in our everyday beauty arsenal can have a positive impact long after we’ve tossed it.

Applying Mascara

According to

Refinery 29,

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit in North Carolina, can actually use our leftover

packaging to do some serious good. The organization focuses on helping to rehabilitate wildlife, and uses the wands to remove fly eggs and larvae from the fur of the animals it saves.

The non-profit’s co-founder, Savannah Trantham, shared the deets over on her Facebook page, saying, “They work great because the bristles are so close together.”

All you have to do is clean them off with soapy water, pack them up, and ship them off to Appalachian Wild, P.O. Box 1211, Skyland, NC 28776, and you’re on your way to making a difference (not to mention saving some space in the ol’ makeup bag).

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The first package was received yesterday! #WandsforWildlife #smallbrushbigimpact #AppalachianWild

A post shared by Appalachian Wildlife Refuge (@appalachianwild) on

You can also post a photo of your donation with the hashtags #smallbigimpact, #Brushthebugsaway, and #AppalachianWild to spread the word. With 2,000 orphaned and injured animals expected to make their way to the refuge’s new triage facility in the next year, it’s greatly needed, as are plenty of other items. In fact, the org has a whole list of ways you can help: Think of it as a welcome registry for your creature friends!

Tag us in your donation pics as well @BritandCo so we can check out all your good deeds!

(h/t Refinery 29; photos via Getty + Brit + Co)

Right about now, you're probably searching for the perfect beauty gifts, DIY gifts, gifts for the guy in your life, and an office Secret Santa present. There are endless options to choose from, but it's so much more rewarding when you find a gift that gives back — like when brands offer a percentage of proceeds to nonprofit organizations or match your purchase with a direct gift to those in need. So this year as you're doing your holiday shopping, opt for something that'll help make the world a brighter place. Scroll on for the most stylish, thoughtful, and charitable gifts for everyone on your list.

Shiffon Duet Pinky Ring

Wear solo or in a stack, this adjustable pinky ring is set with a large stone beside a tiny diamond and represents one woman supporting another through a "pinky promise." Fifty percent of profits go back to female-founded companies through the Startup Girl Foundation. ($155)

ABLE Rachel Wristlet

Handcrafted in Ethiopia and Mexico, this stylish leather bag makes the perfect everyday purse. ABLE seeks to end generational poverty by creating jobs for women lacking opportunity. ($98)

Obakki Tumblers

These vintage-inspired water/cocktail glasses are surprisingly lightweight and beautiful on your holiday table. Obakki is committed to transparency and traceability throughout the production process and their foundation, The Obakki Foundation, allows them to give back even more to their partner communities around the world. ($108/set of two)

The Landmark Project X Wildlife Federation Sweatshirt

This unisex sweatshirt is a perfect gift for the outdoorsy person in your life. The Landmark Project partners with the National Wildlife Federation on a new collection for wildlife lovers that gives back! With each purchase from this collection, The Landmark Project will donate 10% to the National Wildlife Federation, directly contributing to their vital environmental and conservation initiatives. ($68)

OneHope Gold Glitter Edition Brut Sparkling Wine

Put the cheer in your cheers with this sparkly sparkling that's perf for a NYE toast. Ten percent of your order goes to the nonprofit of your choice. ($49)

The Magic We Made Friendship Bracelets

For the Swiftie in your life, this Taylor Swift-inspired collection of ethically handcrafted friendship bracelets is made by talented women artisans in Guatemala. All proceeds will go to support Nest, which ensures artisans across the world can live their "Wildest Dreams." ($30)

Pink Moon Air Element Collection

This planet-friendly, vegan skincare line is designed to even out skin tone and brighten skin. Check out Water, Earth, and Fire collections too! One percent of Pink Moon's revenue goes to a nonprofit of your choice. ($105)

Warby Parker Tilley Sunglasses

Now you can look good and feel good when you buy these chic shades that contribute to Warby Parker's Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program. This initiative donates monthly to nonprofit partners and trains people in developing countries to give basic eye exams and sell affordable glasses in their communities. ($95)

FEED Book Bag

We love this unique tote that carries a purpose too. With the purchase of this bag, 10 nutritious school meals are provided to global communities in need. ($38)

LUSH Charity Pot Body Lotion

Give the gift of soft skin and activism with every purchase of Charity Pot. One hundred percent of profits from this product are donated to small grassroots organizations working in environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights. ($10)

Love Your Melon Pom Beanie

Dedicated to battling cancer and keeping heads stylishly warm, Love Your Melon donates 50 percent of profits to nonprofit partners. ($36)

LSTN Sound Co. Zebra Wood Satellite Bluetooth Speaker

Proceeds from this cute li'l speaker go to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help give the gift of hearing (via hearing aids) to 1.9 million people and counting! ($129)

Lingua Franca Cashmere Sweater

Lingua Franca cashmere sweaters are 100 percent sustainably sourced, ethically produced cashmere, hand-stitched in NYC. Ten percent of proceeds from this 1973 sweater goes to Whole Woman's Health Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to providing reproductive services for women in states with the least access to this critical care. ($400)

Roma Ankle Rain Boots

Fashion meets durability in these lace-up-style vegan and eco-friendly rainboots. For every pair sold, Roma donates a new pair of shoes to a child living in poverty. ($65)

Purpose Olivewood Cutting Board

Perfect for holiday entertaining and seasonal picnics, this olivewood cutting board is handmade through a Kenyan market artisan partnership with Amani Ya Juu, a fair trade sewing and training program for marginalized women in Kenya and Uganda. ($46)

HOBO Euro Slide Card Case

Store your ID, credit cards, and even your passport in this leather case from an iconic brand. Now through May 31, 2024, HOBO is committed to raising $250,000 for Habitat For Humanity. ($78)


For more holiday gift ideas, follow us on Pinterest!

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

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

Creatives are becoming supportive of cancer survivors in unique ways. One designer created an entire lingerie collection for breast cancer survivors that they showed at NYFW, and more card companies are producing products that cancer survivors will actually appreciate receiving. One knitter in the UK is providing a unique service for breast cancer survivors.

Sharon Simpson has been creating soft, lightweight knitted breasts of all shapes and sizes for mastectomy patients after surviving the disease herself. She found medical prosthesis heavy and uncomfortable, and as a knitter, she decided to try another way to give the appearance of a breast without the heavy silicone. She found the organization Knitted Knockers and not only knitted for herself, but started knitting for others.

Having knit hundreds of “knockers" of all shapes and sizes, Sharon is a one-woman boob army. Her love and care with each knitted knocker is clear, and her support of other survivors is awe-inspiring. While many people get well and go on with their lives, Sharon's made it her mission to support anyone suffering with the after-effects of what she calls “a nasty disease."

“My reason and purpose is to make life better for people who are in the throes of cancer, and that's what I'm doing. And that's why I'm doing Knitted Knockers."

To call Sharon inspiring would be an understatement. She's a breast cancer-surviving hero.

What charities do you support? Tell us about them @BritandCo!

(h/t HelloGiggles; Photos via Knitted Knockers)


This article has been updated and was originally published in April 2017.

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

  • How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
  • What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
  • Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
  • How do I usually feel when I get to work?
  • Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

  • How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
  • Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
  • Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
  • Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
  • Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

  • What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
  • What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism?
  • What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
  • Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

  • How did the energy in my home feel?
  • Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
  • How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
  • Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
  • What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

  • What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
  • Do I have a reliable support system?
  • What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
  • Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
  • Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

Getty Images

1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!