22 Celeb-Approved Plum Lipstick Looks

Maureen Luyun
Nov 18, 2014

Ladies, it’s time to shake up your makeup routine. We’ve talked about prepping your skin for winter and indulging in non-PSL beauty products, and now it’s time to swap out your classic red lip for a darker hue. And we know you’ve spent weeks (maybe months) searching for that perfect shade, but we’ve got 22 bold plums — an array of spot-on vampy crimson-meets-purple hues — straight from your favorite celebs to make it easier for you to choose your signature high-fashion tube. And once you find your deep violet S.O., we’ll bet you’ll be wearing it — day and night — with great aplumaplomb.

1. Emma Watson: If you’ve got fair skin, there’s a shade of plum for you, too. As the face of Lancôme, Emma’s wearing Rouge in Love in Berry in Love ($29). To polish off the look, apply highlighter right above the bow of your lips. (via Beauty Geek)

2. Beyoncé: Take a cue from Queen Bey’s look from the “Haunted” video and rock a sparkly silver smokey eye with a glossy plum lip, with MAC’s Diva ($16) topped with a clear hi-shine gloss. Check out this YouTube tutorial to get a goth-glam look. (Image via Bright)

3. Minka Kelly: Take it from Minka: if you’re rocking a bold lip, you don’t want to upstage it with heavy eyes or cheeks. Opt for white lined eyes (but don’t be afraid to layer on some falsies) and a shimmery shadow for a fresh faced look. Tom Ford Lipstick in Bruised Plum ($50) is perfect for evening. And don’t even get us started on her braided red carpet updo. (via Glamour)

4. Rihanna: We were stoked to hear RiRi hopped back onto Insta a few weeks ago, mainly to see her BTS makeup and fashion looks before she hits the red carpet. To get Rihanna’s signature bad girl look, use a lip brush to outline your lips for a perfect pout, then paint on the desired amount of color — a blackberry shade like Buxom’s Full Bodied Lipstick in Menace ($21) — to fill it in. (via Daily Mail)

5. Mindy Kaling: Our favorite funny gal can rock a dark lip day or night, and we want to copy both! For daytime, try Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia ($7) and once the sun goes down, rock the Mindy-approved Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid ($50) — it’s the shade she’s rocking on the red carpet here. (via Byrdie; Image via POPSUGAR Beauty)

6. Rooney Mara: Sport a slicked back ‘do and a center part like Rooney to showcase that darker pout. Contour your cheeks with bronzer and fill in your brows to create balance. With a few swipes of Iman Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick in Mahogany ($10), you’re set. (via Vogue)

7. Lorde: She was just 16 when she broke out on the music scene, and now we want to rock a dark lip to feel like one of the cool kids. Naturally, Lorde’s going with a shade from her MAC collection, and you can too with this shade of aubergine in Heroine ($16). (via LX Edit)

8. Lily Collins: No contest, Lily’s got the best brows in Hollywood. But in this shade of plum, she’s got just as enviable lips, too. To get the vampy look, try Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Hellebore ($25), which has a formula that actually improves dry, peeling lips the more you use it. (via Nifty Beauty Tips)

9. Khloe Kardashian: Khloe decided to wrap herself in red for the red carpet at this year’s Oscars, and we’re loving it. The shimmery sunset eye, the contoured cheeks — it’s a winning look, for sure. Mimic this look with a combination of a blackened red lip pencil like OCC Cosmetic Colour Pencil ($16) + Black Dahlia Lip Tar ($18). (Image via Glamour UK)

10. Kerry Washington: We can’t wait for the nail biting winter finale of Scandal coming up, and to celebrate Olivia Pope’s affinity for ginormous glasses of fine red wine, we’ll sport a vampy bold lip. Kerry’s makeup artist, Carola Gonzales, revealed her Oscars lip look: prep lips with Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm ($8), layer on Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in #609 Plum ($34) and top it off with Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Rich Raisin ($8) to add sheen. (via Beauty Editor)

11. Katy Perry: If you’re rocking a non-traditional hair hue, you’re bound to try anything when it comes to beauty. Keep it rosy on the cheeks like Katy for that flushed winter look and swipe on NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Train Bleu ($25). (Image via Lovely Rita)

12. Kate Bosworth: Apparently we need to find a party dress to match our dark lips. Get Kate’s pout with L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipcolor in Everlasting Plum ($10) or NARS Audacious Lipstick in Liv ($32). (via Pretty in Peplum; Image via Style on the Street)

13. Jennifer Lawrence: Dark lip color and flaky lips do not mix. Be on the lookout for a hydrating formula for a smooth surface. Try Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in Prune Daisy ($34) to get JLaw’s show-stopping red carpet look. (via Shape)

14. Selena Gomez: We’re loving Selena’s take on a winey smoky eye, warm cheeks and matching mani to go with a rich plum lip. (And that messy french braid? Forget about it.) Try Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Venom ($22). Bonus, there’s a lip pencil ($20) to match. (via Hollywood Life; Image via Posh24)

15. Blake Lively: A celeb who admittedly doesn’t work with a wardrobe stylist but pulls off the most incredible looks on the red carpet (and in life) — is there anything Blake can’t do perfectly? Channel art deco glam with Top Shop Matte Lip Bullet in More Than a Woman ($13). After you’ve lined and filled your lips, you’ll want to make sure that color stays put. Don’t forget to blot with tissue and dust a bit of translucent powder to make it kiss proof. (via Rare London)

16. Vanessa Hudgens: Wowza! Vanessa shows us that a bold lip can play with an ultra-intense smoky eye. Beauty vlogger Teni Panosian uses NYX Retractable Lip Liner in Plum ($5) to keep the Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick in Dominatrix ($16) to create a similar look. (Image via POPSUGAR Beauty)

17. Emma Stone: A dark pout really pops on picture perfect porcelain skin. If you’re an edgy goth-glam bride who’s rocking a black wedding dress down the aisle, take note. Use Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Kisses Lip Liner in Coffee Bean ($4) to define your lips. Then fill them in with Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 011 ($6) for a high shine look that’ll last the whole night. (via New York Girl Style; Image via Chez Noelle)

18. Jessica Alba: Quite honestly, Jessica’s Instagram is a beauty and fashion lover’s dream. But we’ll take a break from trying to figure out which filters make her so drop-dead gorgeous all the dang time to copycat her ombre plum lip. We’re springing for Smashbox’s Be Legendary Lipstick in Plum Scene ($20). (via Refinery 29)

19. Julianne Hough: Not quite ready to add lipliner to your routine but looking to upgrade your tinted balm? With a moisturizing sheer lipstick, you won’t have to sacrifice the color payoff. Go for Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Lip Color in Black Plum ($26). (via Beauty Editor)

20. Rose Byrne: You don’t have to shell out the big bucks to get this look. Head to the drugstore and grab a tube of Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Plum ($10) for a featherweight wash of color. This formula goes on so smooth you won’t even feel it. (Image via Style Bistro)

21. Kate Hudson: Kate is one of our role models for effortless beauty, and we’re loving her Cali-girl take on a vampy lip. Make your cheeks pop with bronzer and amp up your lash line by lining the waterline of your upper eyelids and applying a volumizing mascara. For the lips, go with NYX Cosmetics Simply Vamp Lip Cream in Enamored ($7). (via Glamour)

22. Miranda Kerr: Not a fan of the matte look? Dabbing a touch of gloss in the center of your lip makes them appear fuller. For va-va-voom lips with major color payoff, pick a high-pigment gloss like Stila Stay All Day Vinyl Lip Gloss in Merlot ($24). (via Beauty Editor)

Will you try a plum lip for the holidays this year? Tell us in the comments!

This $7 Drugstore Lipstick Has Been My Go-To For 10 Years & Counting

I'm a hardcore drugstore makeup gal. My vanity is full of ELF products, Colourpop eyeshadow, and NYX lip oils, but when it comes to lip products, I'm pretty set on what I have for one reason: the drugstore lipstick I've purchased since high school makes my lips look so good, I never want to buy another product.

Now as a type-A eldest daughter, I love sticking to products I know work for me...until they start getting boring. But this L'Oreal lipstick literally never feels like a bore. Every single time I put it on, I'm surprised at just how good it looks. Even though I've been buying it since 2015, it never fails to bring me joy! And TBH, that's what makeup is all about.

Here's everything you need to know about the $7 L'Oreal lipstick.

This L'Oreal lipstick is flattering & moisturizing.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

The L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick is a hydrating formula that features Omega 3, Vitamin E, and Argan Oil to moisturize your lips while also providing the perfect amount of color. It's not overwhelming but I can definitely tell when I'm wearing it — and I feel more confident when I do so!

The formula also glides on so smoothly, and doesn't feel tacky, sticky, or cakey like other lipsticks I've tried. And other reviewers agree! "I bought two lipsticks as I needed them in a pinch and I am very pleased with the color and the quality of these lipsticks," one customer said on the Target site. "Great value and they are pretty moisturizing as well."

"I have used it for a long time," another customer said. "It feels good on my lips. It has staying power. I like the different shades."

I also love the simplicity of the tube. It feels modern and minimalist at the same time, and it fits in my smallest handbag which makes touch-ups on a night out easier than ever.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

I've been buying shade 754, Sugar Plum, since I was a senior in high school, and it's the most flattering lipstick I've ever worn. It truly looks like my lips, but better! And one of the best parts is that I can just swipe it on without even looking in a mirror.

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

There are also matte options but I prefer the slight shimmer and glow of the satin lipstick — clearly, because I've worn this tube almost all the way down! I definitely need to buy another tube (or two) in the near future. And as we get closer to Valentine's Day, you might want to as well ;).

Are you a fan of L'Oreal lipsticks? Check out Brit + Co's other Best Drugstore Lipstick and Best Drugstore Lip Stain for even more ideas because we are right in the throes of kissing season y'all!!

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

makeuplipstickshoppingbeauty

TikTok Is Calling Out these 5 "Outdated" Fashion Rules (& I Couldn’t Agree More)

While plenty of fashion trends continue to come and go, there are some overarching rules that have dictated our outfits for years. But in my opinion, they aren't always fair.

Take the "never mix brown and black" rule, for instance. Avoiding this so-called fashion faux pas might've been drilled into you by your mother or even grandmother. Yet, today, younger generations are pushing back and showing that these two neutrals can be paired together (and look super chic).

That's not the only thing Gen Zers and even Millennials are calling out, either. TikTok, the go-to platform for beauty inspiration and tips, has also become a hub for creators to speak out against outdated fashion rules that simply don't make sense anymore. Here are five that I personally couldn't agree with more.

Scroll to see the outdated fashion rules TikTok is so done with in 2025!

1. You Should Never Mix Metals

Anthrolopologie

Gone are the days when you had to pick between gold and silver. The new rule is that there are no rules when it comes to selecting your jewelry. Finally!

Mixing metals isn't just acceptable in 2025. It's now a popular technique to tie together stylish and modern outfits. So, whether you prefer to stack rings, layer necklaces, or wear a bronze watch with a nickel bracelet, rock your contrasting accessories with pride.

The trick to pulling this off seamlessly is balance. Instead of stopping at just one piece in each tone, you can create harmony by repeating each metal at least once. When your mix feels deliberate, it becomes a fashion statement as opposed to a "faux pas." Just look at this Anthropologie necklace stack — trés chic!

2. Visible Logos Aren't Tasteful

Macy's

Remember when T-shirts with "Abercrombie" and "Hollister" plastered across the chest in large letters were "in?" Following this Y2K trend, the pendulum swung the other way, and the minimalist wave made us think we needed to hide any sign of branding.

Spoiler alert: some visible logos, like on your sneakers, sweatshirt, or bag (check out this adorable denim Coach!), aren't considered "tacky" anymore. With that being said, there's still an art to pulling off a logo-infused look.

The most important thing to keep in mind is moderation. You can let one or two branded pieces take center stage while keeping the rest of your outfit more understated. For instance, pair a Miu Miu sweater with neutral pants or a monogrammed designer belt with a crisp white T-shirt and jeans.

3. Sneakers Don't Go With Dresses

Now that summer is right around the corner, this outdated fashion rule couldn't be leaving at a better time. Who wants to spend scorching days walking around in a dress and uncomfortable sandals (or, even worse, heels)?

The dress-and-sneaker combo got kind of a bad rap after the early-2000s Disney Channel star style came and went. Back then, dresses, sneakers, and even jeans were somehow all mixed into the same outfit.

We're fine with leaving the dress-over-jean layering in the past, but sneakers with dresses? This pairing deserves the comeback that TikTokers are rooting for right now.

Not only is it comfortable, but when done right, it can make outfits look effortless and cool. Pair a sundress with crisp white sneakers or a slip dress with platform trainers. The secret is thinking about proportions and how your footwear balances the rest of your look. I mean look how adorable these Golas are with a skirt?!

4. Basics Are Supposed To Be Pricey

Amazon

It's about time we let go of the idea that your basics need to be expensive to look good. They are called basics for a reason, and in order to stock up on a variety of neutral garments, like T-shirts, tanks, and bodysuits, they sort of need to be more affordable.

Not to mention, no one can even tell how expensive your plain black trousers or white cami were! The truth is that you can build a timeless wardrobe on a budget, so invest where it makes sense for you.

If you know that you like to rock fitted tees every single day, perhaps you'll want to spend more money on high-quality fabric that will survive countless runs through your washing machine. Otherwise, you shouldn't feel pressured to splurge on every so-called "essential" when you can get something that looks the same for way less.

5. Outfits Need To Be Flattering

Anthropologie

Finally, we have to get one last thing straight: outfits do not always have to be "flattering." The very idea of what flattering even is remains subjective based on the person. Plus, at the end of the day, fashion is about expressing who you are, not achieving what anyone else deems acceptable.

So, forget the notion that you need to do things like "define your waist" or "make your legs look longer." If you feel more comfortable wearing oversized outerwear, a ton of layers, or baggy pants (look how cute this Anthro outfit is!), go for it. Plenty of celebs have already leaned into this (like Billie Eilish), and the result is still edgy and cool.

Looking for more style & shopping tips? Sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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

fashionfashion trendsshoppingtrendsstyle

18 Beauty Buys We're Loving This Holiday Season

City Beauty
beauty products

'Tis the season to look your glowiest. We’re diving into our favorite beauty picks for the season to moisturize and refresh. It’s the perfect time to embrace self-care with the impending festive hustle and winter chill. Friday night facials, anyone? From hydrating cleansers to rich body butters and everything in between, here are 18 beauty essentials bringing us a boost of joy this holiday season. They make great BFF gifts and stocking stuffers too!

City Lips Plumping Lip Gloss

This festive Holly-colored lip gloss gives you an instant plumping look while it also moisturizes, and it comes in a slew of gorgeous colors. Plus, the lip gloss keeps plumping over time! City Beauty products are Leaping Bunny-certified (AKA cruelty-free), and made without irritants or harsh chemicals. Win-win.

Steve Madden Goldie Fragrance

Feminine and sweet, this fragrance is a mix of fruit and floral scents like pear, jasmine, gardenia, and sandalwood. It's a lovely reminder of summer mid-winter and perfect way to feel officially dressed up.

Dieux’s Baptism Gel Cleanser

Reset your winter skincare routine with this gentle cleanser that moisturizes, protects, and deep cleans. It has a rich, creamy foam that actually removes makeup and sunscreen so you feel so very refreshed!

Sweet Relief Overnight Barrier Balm

Your bedtime routine just got better with this moisturizing mask and balm. It features nutrient-dense seed butters and antioxidant-rich apricot kernel oil to protect your skin barrier so you wake up all glowy and pretty.

City Lips Night Oil

City Beauty's City Lips Night Oil is another essential for your bedtime routine. You can feel the deep hydration that helps your lips look naturally radiant and it works to add volume while you sleep. Sweet!

LOOPS Clean Slate Detoxifying Mask

Spend your Friday night in with this 10-minute detox mask that feels so refreshing and really soothes your skin. It has a mix of mineral-rich volcanic ash to help remove dirt, while aloe vera and bamboo water add all the vitamins, electrolytes, and nutrients your skin craves. Try it a few times a week for fresh-looking skin!

Glossier You Fragrance Discovery Kit

Traveling for the holidays? Pick up this limited edition travel spray trio of Glossier You (our fave), a creamy, clean scent; Doux, a woody blend; and Rêve, a lush, dreamy fragrance. Bon voyage!

Wild Refillable Deodorant

These planet-friendly refillable deodorants come in fun seasonal cases and scents, like this Fresh Cotton & Sea Salt, inspired by freshly washed linen drying by the seaside. And they actually work!

Davines OI Hair Oil

Before you head out to the holiday party, run this multipurpose hair oil through your 'do. It detangles, reduces frizz, and leaves all hair types so soft and shiny.

City Beauty Lid Lifting Treatment

This lid-lifting cream makes you look awake even when you've been tossing and turning all night. It lifts and firms the appearance of saggy eyelids and feels like an instant lift!

Liquid Panacea Centella & Kombucha Firming Recovery Booster

Skin looking a bit dull and tired, or red and dehydrated? Try this firming serum with anti-inflammatory kombucha. If you suffer from really dry winter skin, THE MOST Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum is your winter superpower with hyaluronic acid, kombucha and organic safflower oil to relieve stressed and dehydrated skin.

Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Balm

Upgrade your mani and give dry, cracked cuticles a little love this season with this lemony butter made with beeswax, shea butter, avocado oil and lemon! You can also use it on feet, elbows or knees.

Rinna Beauty The Perfect Party Eye Kit

Party season has begun so you can go all out on the eyes with this shimmering eye shadow and complementary mascara and lip makeup.

Ogee Complexion Perfecting Tinted Serum

This tinted moisturizer is organic and cruelty-free and glides on smooth. It's the perfect blend of plumping gooseberry fruit, refining daisy flower, and brightening vitamin C Concentrate to give your winter complexion a healthy boost!

OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

This seaweed-infused body oil is a staff favorite (I keep it on my desk) because it never feels greasy but instantly makes your skin look soft and nourished. It also smells amazing.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

This award-winning concealer is super light and gives you that no-makeup makeup look. It helps soften dark circles and keeps your skin hydrated and glowy. It's also vegan and cruelty free.

Yaman Medi Lift 3D Microfiller Micro-Tip Patches

Need a little skin boost for the holidays? Fit in a micro-beauty-moment with an at-home facial using these beauty patches that hydrate and help firm up skin with collagen.

Mutha Body Butter

This whipped butter made with shea, cocoa, and mango butters smells citrusy and hydrates skin for up to 48 hours. It's great for after the shower and helps improve the look of stretch marks. Indulge and treat yourself!

Subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty inspiration!

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

sponsoredlip glossmoisturizersmakeupeye creamskincareself careclean beautylipstickwellnessholiday giftsbeauty

Amazon’s Book Sale Starts Next Week– And It’s The Perfect Time To Shop Your TBR List For Less

Amazon's book saleis a week away and I can barely contain my joy. If you snag discounts on your TBR picks every year, you've probably already made a list of what's going in your cart. I support this behavior 100% and may even jot down my top historical fiction and gothic horror titles in the notes app on my phone. But for now, let's talk about when the sale is and what can save money on right now!

Scroll for all the details about Amazon's book sale!

When does Amazon's book sale start? 

Amazon

Amazon's book sale starts April 23 and ends April 28.

What kind of discounts can I expect to see during the sale?

Olivia Hutchinson/Dupe Photos

It depends on your vibe! If you're an e-book reader, expect to save up to 80% off titles. But if you love the smell and feel of print books, you'll see savings of up to 65% off!

See Everything We've Buying During Amazons' Book Sale

Amazon

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Isn't it ironic that Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life hits shelves the same week as Amazon's book sale? Aside from the cheeky excerpt we shared a couple of weeks ago, this has to be a great sign that it's going to be a great read!

As a refresher, the novel focuses on writers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson's race to gather as many facts about the mysterious Margaret Ives as they can to be coined the famed author of her biography. There's immediate tension between them, but it's not until later that they realize they're not only looking at each other as competition. Plus, there's the gnawing feeling that Margaret may not be telling them the entire truth...

Amazon

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo continues to be high on my must-read list because it's that good. Taylor Jenkins Reid put her heart and soul into making Evelyn Hugo a believable character. Whether you actually like her or not is up for debate because she made choices that hurt others or caused scandals. However, her biggest secret impacts the very writer she hired to tell her story — Monique Grant.

Amazon

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo's Got Money Troubles is such an awesome read that it's coming to a TV screen near you. Readers are introduced to Margo Millet, a young college student whose short-lived affair with her professor results in a surprise pregnancy. She doesn't look at it as the end of her life though. Determined to make better decisions, Margo keeps her baby and quickly devises a plan to help them survive after giving birth. What better way to do so than turn to OnlyFans as a way to boost her income? It's not like she planned to become so successful that she'd catch the eyes of those willing to deem her an unfit mother.

Amazon

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

Emilie Hornsby just had the worst Valentine's Day, so she hightails it to the one place she can find comfort at — her grandmother's house. But she's perplexed when she falls asleep and wakes back up at her place...on Valentine's Day. It's like the terrible love-sick version of Groundhog Day and she wants off the ride that keeps reminding her of her boyfriend Josh's cheating ways.
There's also the recurring situations where she runs into Nick, the last person she wants to see. But what if there's a reason she keeps reliving terrible days where his presence makes itself known?

Amazon

Legendbornby Tracy Deonn

Bree Matthews is hurt after her mother dies and chooses to cut off her family in favor of building a new life for herself at UNC—Chapel Hill's residential program. Being on campus feels like a relief until she sees something magical she wasn't supposed.
Thrust into a new world where "Legendborn" students protect others from demons that seek to steal humans' energy, Bree's inner powers are unleashed and she's able to see what happened on the night of her mother's death. She knows someone is aware of what happened, so she does whatever it takes to align herself with the "Legendborns." But Bree's bitten off more than she can chew because she's just scratched the surface of the magic world.

Amazon

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

It's not often that you get stuck on an elevator with an attractive person, but Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols find themselves in a predicament that leads to a fake dating scam. Ironically, they find it hard to resist each other even though they have to go back to their busy professions. As far as they're concerned, there's a 0% chance having a long distance relationship will work in their favor. But stranger things have happened...

Amazon

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Panem's in a state of trepidation because the Quarter Quell's being honored and requires even more tributes to participate. But, Haymitch Abernathy isn't too worried about being chosen because he he's focused on the sweet girl in his life. It's precisely why he's heartbroken when he becomes one of the tributes selected to participate in the Hunger Games. Not only that, but he's also aware someone wants him to fail on purpose.

Amazon

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter will always be the greatest boy who lived, but it's nice to revisit where his story began. From experiencing tragedy that lands him in the care of snobbish family to being selected to be a student at Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone tells the tale of the young wizard's introduction to a world that's beyond his greatest imagination.

Amazon

Matriarchby Tina Knowles (April 22, 2025)

The world may know her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, but Ms. Tina Knowles is ready to tell her story. First thing's first: her full first name is Celestine and long before she was the world's greatest mom, she was a young girl who was taught the stories of her ancestors.
Having grown up as the youngest daughter in Galveston, Texas, Ms. Tina recalls her carefree days that overlapped with the first memories of being a Black girl in the south. However, she never let her circumstances limit her imagination and allowed it to take her further than she ever imagined.
Through heartache and triumph, Ms. Tina's seen a lot and she's not afraid to talk about it.

Amazon

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrowby Gabrielle Zevin

Sam Masur and Sadie Green have always been close, but their creative partnership is what intertwines their fate. From being the masterminds behind Ichigo to dealing with the consequences of rapid success, these two friends experience the highs and lows of figuring out life in the midst of figuring themselves out.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more spring sales!

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

amazon booksamazon saletbrbooks

The Easiest Way To Remove Stains From Your Carpet & Upholstery

Ever since I adopted a puppy three years ago, rugs have been my biggest home regret. Don’t get me wrong — I love rugs. As a home decor enthusiast, they’re one of my favorite ways to cozy up a space. But during those chaotic puppy months, my rugs took a serious beating. Even my go-to professional carpet cleaner couldn’t save my favorite one.

Now that my dog is house-trained, things are much more manageable. I rely on Rocco + Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for the occasional accident — it’s been a lifesaver for removing lingering smells (the worst!). I also picked up a Wirecutter-approved Bissell Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner to handle any messes and give my rugs a fresh spring clean.

But you don't have to splurge on a carpet cleaner or sprays for most everyday stains. From spilled drinks to tracked-in mud, here's a simple solution you can make right at home.

Here's a tried-and-true way to treat stains with household items.

Shutterstock

First, Don’t Rub It In

No crying over spilled milk, or wine or soda. As soon as a spill happens, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Rubbing only spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers.

Shutterstock

DIY A Vinegar-Soap Solution

This solution is great for most household stains. Mix 1-part white vinegar with 2 parts water and a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the stain, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.

Amazon

Add Baking Soda for Odors and Grease

For stains that leave behind an odor or grease, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for tough odors), then vacuum it up before spot-cleaning.

Shutterstock

Use Cold Water for Protein-Based Stains

Blood, dairy, or egg-based spills? Use cold water in your vinegar solution to treat these as hot water can set the stain. Blot gently and repeat until it lifts.

Amazon

Add Bubbles For Wine or Juice Stains

Pour a bit of club soda over red wine or juice stains, then blot immediately. The carbonation helps lift the stain and keeps it from setting. You can finish off with your vinegar-soap solution.

Amazon

Use a Soft Brush for Dried Stains

For older or dried stains, apply your vinegar-soap solution and gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Let it sit, then blot and rinse with a damp cloth.

Shutterstock

Test Before You Tackle

Always test any cleaner or solution on a hidden spot first to make sure it won’t discolor or damage your rug or upholstery.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home cleaning hacks!

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

home decor tipseditecomcleaning tips