Eat Like Your Fave Netflix Characters at These Restaurants

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

She misses her mother’s graduation to hang out with Jess.

All Rory had to do was attend this one event for Lorelai — the single mom who raised her and aside her pride to get her the best education — and she failed to show up when it mattered most. Did she really need to see Jess in New York that day? I don’t think so.

She's not a very good friend to Lane.

Rory treats Lane as dispensable, like a side character in her life who's sole job is to support her through each up and down of life. Even when Lane mentions that she doesn't like feeling second to Rory's latest BF, not much changes — even well into the reboot.

​She doesn't seem to respect other people's relationships, including those who are literal married.

Obviously, it takes two to tango — but that doesn’t excuse Rory's role in sleeping with Dean, a married man. Said affair is certainly the start to her downward spiral, one that unfortunately takes many others down the hole with her. It's bad enough that she's complicit in the affair with her high school ex, Dean, but it's her attitude after that that really solidifies her skewed moral compass.

Thought that was enough adultery? Not for Rory — she sleeps with the soon-to-be-married Logan!

Rory clearly has a thing for taken men — especially ones she used to be in a relationship with. Forgetting your current BF is bad enough, but cheating on him with the man whose proposal you turned down is a new low. We'll never forget you, Paul!

She literally stole a yacht just because someone said something she didn't like.

OK — it makes sense to be angry if someone (especially your boyfriend's dad) tells you that you're not cut out for your life's goal in a professional setting. But dang! You don't have to steal a yacht! Come on, Rory.

She straight up fat-shamed a dancer in a newspaper article.

Do we even need to say more? Do better, dude.

​Her white privilege reaaaaaally jumped out in the later seasons.

Yale got a little hard, and boom! She moved into the pool house at her grandparents' house and joins the DAR. And when Paris shows up after finding out all her parents' money is gone, Rory just sheds a tear for her own misfortune. First Lane, now Paris? This girl really needs to learn how to be a friend.

Her professionalism and overall perspective on work is..............questionable.

Remember that white privilege we mentioned? Instead of accepting a job that would pay for her needs and support her, Rory decides she'd rather take a chance on a fellowship at the New York Times. Rory does not receive the fellowship, and returns to the original offer to see if the old job is available. It's not.

​Her career-based self-entitlement in the reboot.

It’s shocking that this woman has had a decade-long career in journalism, and still doesn’t know how it works. Not only does Rory compromise her integrity by sleeping with a source, but she (somehow) believes she’s entitled to a job after writing one article, arrives at a job interview completely unprepared, freaks out when she doesn’t get the job she wants, and for some reason thinks Condé Nast should seek her out for a job? It's delusion at it's finest.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer

I've been dipping into this bronzer since high school (don't worry – I've repurchased, like, 4 tins since then), and it's never failed me. The color itself is a nice blend of both matte and shimmery finishes, which I feel makes for the most natural glow around. I also adore how smoothly it goes on, likely thanks to the addition of murumuru, cupuaçu, and tucuma butters to the formula.

From my experience, the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer works best on fully makeup-ed skin. I typically wear it when I'm rockin' foundation, concealer, and powder, and find that it has more pop than if I use it on bare skin for minimal makeup days. A simple powder brush is the best tool for application!

Promising review: "I have bought many bronzers and this one is by far the best I've tried. I'm very pale and I use this to give a light sun-kissed look. The only thing I'm not a huge fan of is the applicator it comes with to apply. I use a blush brush instead. I use this almost daily and it has lasted me close to 6 months."

Milani Baked Bronzer

Milani's Baked Bronzer is a very close second when it comes to the best drugstore blush. It definitely has more shimmer, which is perfect for an extra-glowy look. I like to apply it to my cheekbones, temples, and even add a bit on my nose for a tanned appearance.

Promising review: "This is the real deal! It is so beautiful and I love the subtle shimmer it has. So good I will definitely not be ordering my usual very expensive baked bronzer anymore. This is my new go-to!"

Pixi On-The-Glow Bronzer Stick

I've come to really enjoy cream and stick makeup products over the past year. Of course, I fell for Pixi's viral stick blush, which led me straight to their stick bronzer. What I love about it most is how dang easy it is to apply. Just one or two swipes of the product does the trick, then I can lightly blend it out with my fingertips.

The formula of Pixi's On-The-Glow Bronzer Stick is always super smooth and soft, so I can feel good about putting it on my skin regularly. As opposed to traditional powder bronzers, I feel like the creaminess of this product is super compatible with bare skin.

Promising review: "I recommend this, especially because it's really easy to manage the amount of color you want. It can sheer out so much, or build up easily. It won't break the bank, either. I use it as a lip tint, too. You really can't go wrong here."

NYX Matte Buttermelt Bronzer

NYX's Buttermelt Bronzer is just as amazing as their Buttermelt Blush. The feel is extremely smooth, and as the name suggests, buttery. This makes it easily blendable, plus a little product goes a long way, so I feel like the $10 investment is well worth it.

Promising review: "I am in love with this bronzer! It has such a smooth, buttery texture that just glides on effortlessly and blends like a dream. It does have a slightly tropical, coconut-sunscreen scent but it's not going to haunt you all day the way some scented cosmetics can. The shade "BMB02 - All Buttad Up" works really well for my light olive complexion. 10/10 would recommend!"

Sheglam Sun Sculpt Cream Bronzer

This $6 cream bronzer can double as a bronzer and a contour shade, thanks to the localized application tip. It allows you to place the product exactly where you want it, sculpting your face and adding a nice wash of color to warm up any look! It has amazing blending capabilities, so you can work it to be as bold as you please. It went viral on TikTok with 101 million views, and counting, so it pretty much has everyone's approval.

Promising review: "My skin is very light, most bronzers end up looking orange on me and don't match with my skin and undertones. THIS is the only liquid contour that had the actual tone I needed which has a grey tone rather than orange. It's buildable and blends flawlessly with my beauty blender! Will only be purchasing this now"

e.l.f. Bronzer Palette

This bronzer palette is the way to go if you wish to customize your glow every time. You've got 4 fun shades to pick from, all of which host the perfect amount of shimmer for a natural finish. For a more sculpted, contoured look, simply opt for a contour brush instead of a powder brush (which'll give you more of a general sun-kissed vibe).

Promising review: "Elf is always affordable and delivers on their products, this palette is no different. Definitely useful and I think it’s a real systole to your makeup bag without breaking the bank."

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Makeup Stick

This stick bronzer reigns supreme in the way of affordable drugstore bronzers. It's currently only $4 from Amazon! The product truly melts right onto your skin in one swipe and blends out just as easily.

Plus, these sticks from Wet n Wild span across both blush and highlight shades, so you can get a full face look on the go.

Promising review: "What gets cheaper than Wet N Wild. I've tried many cream blushes at this point (I'm 38) and this is by far the easiest to blend and the most natural looking. I am NOT a make up aficionado, I only wear tinted lip products, blush and mascara, but this blush has been my favorite of all time. I swipe it right on my cheeks and blend with my fingers with a circular tapping motion. Flawless application, buildable and super natural looking on my light skin with cool undertone."

e.l.f. Halo Glow Contour Beauty Wand

You'll fall in love with how buildable this product is. The cushion tip makes applying it extremely quick and easy, allowing you to contour and bronze simultaneously.

Promising review: "I use this every day when I’m getting ready for work. This is my go to to contour my face. I absolutely love how easy it is to use how well blends into your skin and the glow you have after you use it"

Essence Baby Got Bronze Cream Bronzer Stick

This is another one of my fave bronzers since I can swipe it on and blend it with my fingers. Since I tend to go bare-faced more often than not, it works really well for bringing my skin to life when I don't want to apply foundation. The formula is undeniably smooth and silky, which feels so nice on.

Promising review: "I've been using this cream bronzer for a few months now and its even better than the higher end ones I've tried. This one is creamy, very pigmented and it stays on if you put a powder bronzer over the top. Really amazing and the best part is, the formula is clean! highly recommend"

Physicians Formula Butter Glow Contour Wand

This wand is like the creamy, liquidy version of the Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer. It's definitely easier to apply on-the-go since all you need is the tube and your hands to blend it out. It also smells amazing!

Promising review: "Can't believe the price. It's definitely a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury and i may also add that this one lasts longer so it's probably better in my opinion. very natural finish and easy to blend with fingers. It's thin so i powder after foundation and before using this wand. LOVE IT"