Google’s Top 10 Trending Beauty Questions of 2018, Answered

Ivana Rihter
Dec 12, 2018

As fun as it is to read our favorite beauty sites, sometimes we’re in a rush and need all the answers without all the research. That’s where Google comes in. Each year, beauty lovers all over the world take to the search engine to ask their most pressing questions. In 2018, the top 10 trending searches centered around cosmetics, hair color, and how to incorporate your favorite plants into your regimen. Read on as we answer the year’s burning beauty questions.(Photo via Scott Barbour/ Getty)

1. How to apply magnetic lashes? Each box of magnetic lashes comes with a top and bottom set that sandwich around your actual lashes, bonding together via the magnets attached at the base. The effect? Glamorous fringe with zero stress, glue, or hassle.

2. What is a lash lift? Think of it as a perm for your lashes — only instead of tight coils, you’ll be left with a darker, fuller, curvier flutter as you step out of the salon. The treatment, which consists of wrapping your eyelashes around a silicone pad and slathering them with keratin to set the shape, delivers results that last six to eight weeks. Unlike lash extensions, you don’t have to worry about which eye makeup or cleansers you can apply, as there isn’t any glue that can be loosened by oils. To read a first-hand take on lash lifts, click here. (Photo via Ian Hooton/ Science Photo Library/ Getty)

3. How to remove individual eyelashes? Soak a cotton pad in an oil-based makeup remover or coconut oil and hold it over your closed eye for 30-seconds to loosen the glue. Rinse with warm water and use a spoolie to gently brush out any loosened falsies. (Photo via RunPhoto/ Getty)

4. What hair color looks best on me? A fool-proof way to pick a complementary hair color is to pay special attention to your skin tone. If you have warm undertones, opt for cool-toned hair (think: ashy vanilla chai or icy platinum blonde); if you have cool undertones, pick a warm-toned hue (like honey or chocolate truffle). Once you find a color you like, you can try it on virtually with apps like The Matrix Color Lounge.

5. How to do cat eye? Finding a technique that works for your eye shape is critical in mastering feminine feline flicks. To hone your skills, choose from stencils, pencils, gel pots, rolling applicators, and liquid liners (some with added grip to ensure you won’t lose control of the brush). Find the method and medium that works best for you — this article will help — and know that, like all things in beauty and life, practice makes perfect. (Photo via JANIFEST/ Getty)

6. How to take off makeup without makeup wipes? If you have recently found yourself reaching for a cleansing wipe only to find a dried-out tissue in its place, rest assured, there are plenty of other makeup removers to choose from. For pesky waterproof mascara, try a cleansing balm that will remove every last bit of ink without irritating your eyes. Micellar water is a miracle for sensitive skin; just soak a cotton pad and gently pat face, eye, and lip products from view. For a quick fix, a makeup remover pen is revolutionary for wiping away rogue eyeshadow without messing up the rest of your glam.(Photo via MilanMarkovic/ Getty)

7. How to apply aloe vera? The deeply hydrating properties of the spiky windowsill plant make it perfect for DIY home hair masks (just mix with eggs and apply to hair from roots to ends) and cleansers (combine with almond oil and castile soap). Pro tip: The next time you get a curling iron burn, leave the Neosporin in the cabinet and break open an aloe branch for a soothing salve that will not only help heal the burn but keep it from scarring too. (Photo via MyLoupe/ Getty)

8. How to glue down eyebrows? For those of us that suffer from unruly arches, shaping them is one thing, but keeping them in place is a whole other story. To tame your brows, brush them with a clean spoolie doused in hairspray or hair wax — or, if you’re Olivia Culpo, Elmer’s Glue. (Photo via GMint/ Getty)

9. How to fix cakey makeup? We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready and suddenly the light hits your skin just right and you realize you’ve gone overboard. Don’t panic. The best fix for cakey makeup is an angled sponge followed by a trusty setting spray. Where the sponge will erase harsh foundation lines and pick up wayward eyeshadow fall-out, a setting spray will lock the flawless look in place. (Photo via misuma/ Getty)

10. What concealer to use? If your skin is oily, look for a mattifying formula; if it’s dry, reach for a creamier concealer packed with hydrating ingredients; if you experience redness, sallowness, or dullness, try a green, yellow, or lilac color-corrector to balance things out. (Photo via Fabrice Poincelet/ Getty)

What’s your most pressing beauty question? Tell us @BritandCo!

Hold Up, Did Rebecca Yarros' First 'Onxy Storm' Excerpt Just Tease Violet Sorrengail's True Identity?

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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

This post has been updated.

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18 Songs That Were Everywhere in 2018

It’s hard to pick a favorite song from 2018, since there were so many stellar releases from both new and established artists. So we’re ending the year instead with a list of songs we could not get out of our heads. For better or worse, these tracks were everywhere in 2018 — on the radio, in stores, on TV, at awards shows, and yes, on our own personal playlists.

1. “No Tears Left to Cry,” Ariana Grande: In April, Ariana Grande dropped her emotional anthem “No Tears Left to Cry,” an expression of the grief she felt after the May 2017 bombing at her concert in Manchester. The accompanying music video featured a bee-themed tribute to the victims of the tragic attack, which killed 22 people and wounded hundreds of others.

2. “Shallow,” Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper:Rolling Stone ranked “Shallow,” the lead single from the A Star Is Born soundtrack, as the second-best song of 2018. It’s also up for a Golden Globe and four Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

3. “God’s Plan,” Drake: “God’s Plan” topped the charts in 14 countries and racked up more than 911 million views on YouTube. In the video, Drake gives away nearly $1 million — the entire production budget for the visual — to people and programs in the Miami area.

4. “Sober,” Demi Lovato: “Sober,” which Demi Lovato debuted on June 21, two months before her reported overdose, gave fans some insight into the singer’s struggles with substance abuse. “Mama, I’m so sorry I’m not sober anymore / And Daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor / To the ones who never left me / We’ve been down this road before / I’m so sorry, I’m not sober anymore,” she sings in the tune.

5. “Apesh*t,” The Carters: Beyoncé and Jay-Z took their art to a new level by filming their “Apesh*t” music video in the Louvre. It was the perfect introduction to their nine-track collaborative album Everything Is Love.

6. “I Like It,” Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin: Cardi B had a stellar 2018, and the massive success of “I Like It” was a big part of that. Deemed the Song of the Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards in August, the Latin trap track from Cardi’s debut studio album Invasion of Privacy earned nominations for an iHeartRadio Much Music Video Award, a BET Hip Hop Award, and a Soul Train Music Award.

7. “Havana,” Camila Cabello: “Havana,” from Camila Cabello’s debut solo album, was everywhere this summer. It reached number one in the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, the UK, and six other countries around the world, and the video starred none other than To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before heartthrob Noah Centineo.

8. “All the Stars,” SZA and Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick Lamar co-wrote and curated the Black Panther soundtrack, and while we loved every one of the 14 tracks, “All the Stars” is a definite standout, especially when you consider the accompanying music video, which is a beautifully stylized homage to African culture.

9. “High Horse,” Kacey Musgraves: Kacey Musgraves had one of the hottest hits of 2018 in “High Horse,” from her Grammy-nominated album Golden Hour. “I think we’ve seen enough / To know that you ain’t ever gonna come down / So, why don’t you giddy up / And ride straight out of this town / You and your high horse,” the former Nashville Star competitor sings.

10. “Back To You,” Selena Gomez: It’s almost impossible not to sing along with Selena Gomez’s “Back to You,” the lead single from the season 2 soundtrack for 13 Reasons Why.

11. “This Is America,” Childish Gambino: Somehow, even with commitments to Atlanta, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and The Lion King, Donald Glover found time to record and release new music as Childish Gambino. In May, he dropped “This Is America,” which debuted at number one in the US and went viral online, thanks in part to its award-winning music video. The Hiro Murai-directed video — featuring scenes depicting gun violence, police brutality, and racism — racked up more than 455 million views this year alone.

12. “thank u next,” Ariana Grande: Ariana Grande’s “thank u, next” might be the most epic metaphorical mic drop of 2018. The song, which she released shortly after her split from fiancé Pete Davidson, references several of the singer’s high-profile exes — including Davidson, Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, and the late Mac Miller — and the roles they played in her life. “One taught me love / One taught me patience / And one taught me pain / Now, I’m so amazing,” she sings on the track. Did we mention that the music video pays homage to some of our favorite rom-coms?

13. “In My Feelings,” Drake: Drake had another hit on his hands with “In My Feelings,” which sparked a viral dance craze known as the #InMyFeelingsChallenge or the #ShiggyChallenge (after social media star Shiggy, who created the dance). For a few weeks this summer, it was impossible to scroll through Instagram and Twitter without seeing #DoTheShiggy or hearing “Kiki, do you love me?” The dance became so ubiquitous, in fact, that Drake made it the centerpiece of his music video for the song.

14. “Girls Like You,” Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B: “Girls Like You” was originally released as part of Maroon 5’s 2017 album Red Pill Blues, but it didn’t really take over the airwaves until the band released a second version featuring Cardi B. The video for the song — which features dozens of powerful women including Camila Cabello, Aly Raisman, Gal Gadot, Lilly Singh, Tiffany Haddish, Ellen DeGeneres, Millie Bobby Brown, Chloe Kim, and Ashley Graham — topped Vevo’s list of the most-viewed videos of 2018.

15. “In My Blood,” Shawn Mendes: Shawn Mendes had several hits in 2018, but “In My Blood” was by far the most pervasive. Released as the lead single from the singer’s third studio album, the track describes Mendes’ struggle with anxiety: “Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in / Sometimes I feel like giving up / No medicine is strong enough / Someone help me.” He performed it on multiple talk shows and awards shows, including the 2018 Billboard Awards and the 2018 VMAs.

16. “Psycho,” Post Malone feat. Ty Dolla $ign: Thanks in part to “Psycho,” Post Malone was the second most-streamed artist on Spotify in 2018, behind only Drake, who is the most-streamed artist of all time.

17. “The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey: There’s a good chance you had this song stuck in your head at least once a week, every week, for the past 12 months. Even though it was released in January, it finished the year at number one on two different Billboard charts, and in the top 10 on two others. It’s also nominated in three categories at the 2019 Grammys.

18. “Boo’d Up,” Ella Mai: Newcomer Ella Mai broke out with her catchy love song “Boo’d Up,” the first single from her self-titled debut album. Although the track was originally released as part of an EP in 2017, it blew up in 2018. Billboard even named it the third-best song of the year.

What songs did you play on repeat in 2018? Let us know @BritandCo!

(photo via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)

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WHICH Movie Had Kate Winslet "Sh—ing" Herself?!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

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Here's A New Look At Florence Pugh's Return As Yelena Belova

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.

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