From the ever-popular Bump-It to tasty Lip Smackers, these “wacky” products defined 2000s beauty trends. And while some were total game-changers, others were downright disasters. Despite this, all 10 of these “wacky” beauty products definitely shaped who we are today and inspired our love for all things makeup, hair, skincare, and nails!
Amazon
The ultimate way to bling out your look, hair bedazzlers let you snap tiny, sparkly rhinestones into your locks for a very princess-meets-pop-star vibe. Whether you were channeling your inner Britney or just wanted some extra glitz for a girls’ sleepover, this wacky gadget made every strand shimmer.
Amazon
Now this is a classic. Remember those commercials? Nothing screamed "2000s hair" quite like Bump-Its. They were plastic inserts that promised to give your hair (especially your bangs) that effortless poof without endless teasing. We look back at them now and cringe.
We wish this one still existed, TBH. Crackle nail polish was the edgy, rebellious older sister of your regular ol’ nail polish. It created a cool, shattered effect as it dried. Our favorite thing to do was to pick out a silver crackle nail polish to layer over neon pinks or oranges. It’s giving Avril Lavigne energy!
Lip gloss, who?! Lip tattoos let you rock everything from pink zebra stripes to a glittery cheetah print on your lips. Why this existed, we don’t know, but they were definitely a fun novelty at the time.
Walmart
Claire’s took so much of our money in the 2000s for these little makeup-packed phones. Beauty met tech (kind of…) with these makeup compacts disguised as flip phones – because what’s more 2000s than touching up your lip gloss while pretending to take a call?
Amazon
Not quite a cream, but not quite a powder, bouncy blush was a weirdly satisfying cheek color with a wacky, squishy texture. It made applying blush feel like playing with putty, which made our teenage hearts sing. Half the fun was just poking it in the pan between uses.
Amazon
Somehow, hair crimpers snuck their way into 2000s beauty trends, all the way from the ‘80s. They were the go-to styling tool! With just a few squeezes of those zig-zag plates, your hair totally transformed – but if we tried one now, it’d totally make us look like Weird Barbie.
Amazon
Every 2000s kid had at least five Lip Smackers floating around in their backpack! We were loyal to the classic Dr Pepper, but the brand dropped many more wacky flavors like Coca Cola, Skittles, and Fanta. They truly weren’t just lip balms – they were status symbols at every sleepover and middle school lunch table. Bonus points if you had the jumbo ones.
Amazon
For those who wanted to be rebels (but didn’t want to totally upset their strict parents), hair chalk was the #1 way to bring bold, colorful streaks to your locks without major consequences. While it did give a cool effect, it really didn’t stay on your strands for very long.
Amazon
You were so cool if you brought a bottle of Sun-In to the pool party. This lemon-infused lightening spray was the ultimate DIY highlight hack, but looking back now, all it did was damage our strands. We’ll never forget that smell, either!
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The blue zone diet is undeniably one of the best ways of eating for overall health and longevity. It draws culinary inspiration from the top blue zones around the world (Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Loma Linda, California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica), where people tend to live longer (over 100 years!), often free of any heart disease, obesity, cancer, or diabetes.
Originally outlined by National Geographic Explorer and Fellow Dan Buettner, the blue zone diet is 95% plant-based, with beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, yams, fruits, leafy greens, beets, nuts, and seeds being the #1 priority. High-quality olive oiland whole grains like brown rice and barley are also a huge part of the diet. Blue zone diet recipes widely limit eggs, dairy, meat, added sugar, and processed foods.
Heyday Beans
This flavorful curry recipe loads up on lots of chickpeas to better suit the blue zone diet. Swap the basmati for brown rice, and you'll be set! (via Heyday Beans for Brit + Co)
Midjourney
This dish is packed with so much goodness. From the bed of greens to the heart veggie toppings like olives, tomatoes, green beans, onion, and more, each bite is different from the next, which makes mealtime (especially with the blue zone diet) fun! (via Brit + Co)
Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS
Hummus is super easy to make at home, and it'd guaranteed to be healthy when you know exactly what you're putting into it. This recipe features a nice amount of lemon juice for taste and freshness. Serve with lotsa veg, as per the blue zone diet. (via Brit + Co)
Two Spoons
Salads make some of the best blue zone diet recipes (remember that 95% plant-based rule?), but just because they're salads doesn't mean they have to be boring. This one earns some good zest from baked tofu, homemade dressing, and crunchy veggies. (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)
Brit + Co
These veggie-laden fries actually taste like what you'd get in the drive-thru. So, if you're searching for blue zone diet recipes that'll fulfill your fast food cravings, this is it. Serve with a homemade sauce to amp up the vibes. (via Brit + Co)
The Real Food Dietitians
Greek and Mediterranean food often qualify for the diet since they're fresh and full of healthy goods. This Greek salad combines juicy cukes, tomatoes, onions, and chickpeas for a refreshing blue zone bite. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
The Edgy Veg
Since blue zone diet recipes tend to limit actual meat, it's crucial to find ones that emulate the meaty, smoky flavors of the chicken, beef, and fish you might be missing. In this dish, oyster mushrooms form a very complex forkful with the help of a homemade marinade. (via The Edgy Veg)
Give Recipe
Beets are one of the top veggies to eat on the blue zone diet, and this dip is probably one of the coolest ways you can prepare them. This recipe earns extra points for including pine nuts and/or pistachios! (via Give Recipe)
Blue Zones
Blue zone breakfasts can range from granolas to fruit salads, but these waffles look like the tastiest option out there. Wheat flour and cornmeal make up the thick batter for a filling morning meal. (via Blue Zones)
Crowded Kitchen
Grains are golden in this diet. Follow this recipe that creates a heavenly blend of couscous and veggies! This would be an excellent option to meal prep so you don't have to worry about cooking down the line. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Earthly Provisions
Beans always win for the blue zone diet! This hearty bowl of chili leverages three different kinds to fill you up and fulfill all your comfort food cravings. (via Earthly Provisions)
Half Baked Harvest
Dark, leafy greens are preferred over lighter ones for the diet because they usually hold more nutritional value. That's why this kale salad is a perfect blue zone diet recipe! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Blue Zones
This quick dinner doesn't skimp on flavor. You'll fall instantly in love with the blend of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for the sauce that drowns these rice noodles. (via Blue Zones)
A Virtual Vegan
This nutty granola is the ultimate addition to breakfast time yogurt bowls. (via A Virtual Vegan)
Hello Little Home
Virtually any vegetable is roast-able and fitting for the blue zone diet, but delicata squash is great for when you just want something a lil' different. (via Hello Little Home)
Vanilla and Bean
Wether it's for breakfast or a mid-day snack, this hydrating smoothie will never leave you unsatisfied. (via Vanilla and Bean)
The First Mess
This share-worthy recipe expertly disguises white beans in the form of an herby dip topped with grilled 'shrooms. To make it more filling, use toasted whole grain bread as your dipping vehicle! (via The First Mess)
Blue Zones
Sweet potatoes and beans are some of the most recommended ingredients for blue zone diet recipes. In this meal, they team up with some oats and other crucial elements to form some super healthy burger patties. (via Blue Zones)
Half Baked Harvest
Again, dips shine! This hummus is packed with veg – though you wouldn't know it if you didn't make it. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Blue Zones
Shaved Brussels sprouts are the star of this warm salad. Top things off with pickled onions and plenty of nuts for added deliciousness! (via Blue Zones)
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This post has been updated.
When it comes to makeup, everyone has their personal preferences. But just like how our appearances change as we age, so should our application techniques.
Let's be clear about one thing: getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, more and more women nowadays are fighting against societal norms and embracing signs of aging (hello, Pamela Anderson!), which is amazing.
Nonetheless, if you're going through the trouble of putting on makeup for work every day or getting dolled up for a date night, the last thing you probably want to do is age yourself unintentionally.
If you've had the exact same makeup routine since you were a teenager or twenty-something, it may be time for an update. Here are some common makeup mistakes to avoid that may be adding years to your appearance.
A good primer helps create a smooth base for makeup application, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and allowing your products to glide on effortlessly.
So, if you skip this critical makeup step, your products may just settle into any fine lines (think on your forehead, near your mouth, or at the edges of your eyes).
There are plenty of primers available on the market that offer various effects, such as a matte finish or a dewy glow. We recommend opting for a formula that's specifically designed for mature skin to fill in and blur fine lines.
Beauty blenders and other modern makeup tools obviously weren't around decades ago. Even so, the classic finger application method may be aging your skin.
While using your fingers can be a quick and convenient way to put on products like foundation or blush, it can transfer bacteria to your face. Moreover, tugging and pulling at your skin with your fingers on a daily basis might contribute to skin sagging over time.
The best way to blend your makeup is with a damp sponge. By keeping your sponge moist, you'll get a smoother application and prevent the tool from soaking up too much product.
It's true that eyebrows can thin as women age, and defining your brows may help brighten your face and make your eyes seem bigger.
At the same token, though, you should avoid overdoing it. In 2016, heavily outlined and filled-in eyebrows were extremely "in." Contrary to this trend, mature faces benefit the most from a more natural look.
You can definitely still use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas. Just avoid making your brows look too bold or heavy. Lighter, feathered strokes are the way to go, as you can always build up the pigment gradually.
Then, once you're satisfied with the shape, lock your brows in place with a clear brow gel.
If you want your eyes to appear more open and awake, light eyeliner should be your go-to.
Heavy, black eyeliner, especially on your lower lash line, may cause your lids to look tired or droopy. So, to maintain a fresher appearance, say goodbye to eyeliner under your eyes. Then, for your upper lash line, swap out your black liner for a softer shade of brown.
You can even use a smudge brush to blend it out as opposed to going heavy-handed with a thick line from the start. This will leave you with a more subtle and lifted effect.
If you regularly wear makeup, then concealer is probably a staple in your routine. However, many women make the mistake of using a concealer shade that's too light and think it'll erase any under-eye darkness.
Unfortunately, the opposite tends to happen. Instead of brightening up your under-eye region, the area will look chalky, and your fine lines and dark circles may become exaggerated.
As a rule of thumb, you should select a concealer that's only one shade lighter than your skin tone to achieve a natural brightening effect. Warming up the product on the back of your hand can help you blend it more smoothly as well.
After you apply your liquid products, it may seem logical to lock your makeup in with a setting powder. However, a little goes a long way, and using too much can quickly make you look older by giving your skin a drier appearance and accentuating any fine lines.
Our advice? Skip compact powders and use loose powder instead. Also, use a big powder brush to apply it rather than flat fabric puffs to avoid caking the product onto your skin.
It's natural for our faces to slim out as we age. In response, many women rush to apply more blush in hopes that their cheeks will appear fuller and more youthful.
Yet, when applied too heavily after the rest of your makeup is finished, blush can have the opposite effect. The bright pigment may draw even more attention to mature cheeks and cause you to appear older.
The key is to apply a cream blush earlier in your routine, specifically before you put on any foundation. This will make your skin look rosy and glowy without the flush becoming too overwhelming.
Finally, there's nothing worse than trying to contour your face and realizing you've been left with a ton of dark, unblended streaks. Improper application techniques are sometimes the culprit. But, more often than not, the issue is that you're using a contour shade that's simply too dark for your skin tone.
Instead of sculpting your face, the darker hue can appear harsh and sunken, making you look more mature. So, if you want to contour, make sure you select a product that's only two shades darker than your true skin tone, with a formula that's lightweight.
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If you're like me, then you've already added all the new April TV shows to your calendar...and used a highlighter & glitter pens to circle your favorites multiple times. Well grab your pens once again because the calendar isn't complete until you've added these new April movies! As we get closer to the adventure that summer blockbuster season brings (and Jonathan Bailey in Jurassic World: Rebirth, hello!), these spring movies give us the perfect dose of action.
Sundance/Lionsgate
Stories of "an NBA star, a corrupt cop, a female rap duo, teen punks, neo-Nazis, and a debt collector" converge in 1987 Oakland, according to this April movie's synopsis. And based on the trailer, it's definitely going to be a freaky ride.
Freaky Tales hits theaters April 4 and stars Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis, Normani, Dominique Thorne, Jack Champion, Ji-young Yoo, Angus Cloud, and Tom Hanks.
Warner Bros. Pictures
After The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Jack Black is back for another video game adaptation. In A Minecraft Movie, he stars as Steve, an expert crafter who teams up with four misfits trying to get back home. Watch the trailer here.
A Minecraft Movie hits theaters April 4 and stars Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen
Tribeca Film Festival/Vertical
In this sunny movie, youthful Rickey convinces his friend Glenn, a family man, to take a break from the real world and go on a California road trip. And if the trailer's any indication, you'll walk out of this movie with a smile on your face.
Sacramento hits theaters April 11 and stars Michael Cera, Michael Angarano, Maya Erskine, and Kristen Stewart.
Universal Pictures
In Drop, Violet's dreamy date with Henry quickly becomes a nightmare when her phone starts pinging with instructions — and the anonymous sender starts threatening her kid. The only problem? The final instruction is to kill Henry. If I'm this nervous watching the trailer, I'll definitely need a big bag of popcorn to see it in theaters!
Drop premieres April 11 and stars Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Reed Diamond, Gabrielle Ryan, Jeffery Self, Ed Weeks, and Travis Nelson.
A24
All your favorite celebrities are starring in this April movie, which follows a group of Navy SEALs watching American forces move through Iraq and is based on real memories & events. You can watch the trailer now.
Warfare hits theaters April 11 and stars D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, Henrique Zaga, Joseph Quinn, and Charles Melton.
20th Century Studios
Charlie is a CIA agent who usually stays out of the field. But when his wife is murdered, he jumps into action to exact revenge on the men responsible. The trailer already has me on the edge of my seat!
The Amateur premieres April 11 and stars Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, Danny Sapani, and Laurence Fishburne.
Luka Cyprian/Bleecker Street
When his boyfriend won't commit, Min comes up with a simple proposition: a green-card marriage with Angela to pay for her partner Lee's IVF treatment. But when Min's grandma goes all out with a Korean wedding banquet, things get complicated (well, at least more complicated than they already were). Watch the trailer now!
The Wedding Banquet hits theaters April 18 and stars Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Twin brothers figure out their future is just as terrifying as their past when they set out for a new life. Watch the horrifying trailer here.
Sinners hits theaters April 18 and stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.
Focus Features
Yep, you read that right — Pride & Prejudice is coming back to theaters! Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this iconic movie, which follows the headstrong Lizzy Bennet, the sharp Mr. Darcy, and their unending love for their families. The romantic trailer just proves this is the blueprint for enemies to lovers.
Pride & Prejudice hits theaters again on April 20 and stars Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Rosamund Pike, Jena Malone, Tom Hollander, Penelope Wilton, and Judi Dench.
Lucasfilm
This is another flick I can't wait to relive in theaters! In the final installment of the Star Wars prequels, Anakin is battling the forces of good and evil as the battle between the Jedi and the Separatists comes to a head.
Revenge of the Sith is coming back to theaters April 25 and stars Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, and Frank Oz.
Which April movie are you excited to see this month? Tag us on Instagram!
Adding a new member to your family (and picking out the perfect baby name) is already a magical experience, so why not look to the stars for inspiration?
Astrology and constellations have been sources of wonder throughout history. And whether you're drawn to the beauty of celestial bodies, the mystique of zodiac signs, or just appreciate the night sky, there's a cosmic name fit for your little one. Here are some of our favorite stellar baby name options.
Rooted in Latin, Aurora means "dawn," symbolizing new beginnings and endless possibilities. It evokes images of the breathtaking aurora borealis or the dazzling natural light display that can be seen near the Earth's poles.
In Roman mythology, Aurora was also the goddess of the sunrise, so this name carries an ethereal, almost magical quality. Perhaps that's why it was chosen for Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
Orion is a strong celestial name that has both mythological and astronomical significance. With Greek roots, it means "hunter" or "rising in the sky."
In Greek mythology, Orion was a hunter and the son of Poseidon, who was said to be placed among the stars by Zeus, creating the striking constellation we see today. As one of the brightest and most recognizable formations, Orion represents power and adventure.
This name exudes elegance and celestial beauty. Latin in origin, Celeste means "heavenly" and calls to mind the vast night sky, packed with shimmering stars.
It's a popular pick in French and Italian cultures and carries an air of grace. Celeste is well-suited for a little girl with a curious spirit, encouraging her to shoot for the stars.
Phoenix is a powerful gender-neutral name that embodies transformation and resilience. Greek in origin, it refers to the legendary bird that is reborn from its own ashes, representing renewal.
It also has celestial significance since Phoenix is a minor constellation in the southern sky and the name of a robotic spacecraft sent to explore Mars.
Lyra strikes a perfect chord between mythology, music, and the cosmos. With Greek roots, the name means "harp player" and is closely tied to the legendary lyre of Orpheus, whose music was said to enchant all who heard it.
In honor of this mythical instrument, the Lyra constellation was placed in the night sky, adding a celestial touch to this melodic name. It's a beautiful choice for parents who appreciate both music and mythology.
Sirius has Greek roots and means "glowing" or "scorcher," a fitting tribute to the brightest star in the night sky. Known as the "dog star," it's part of the Canis Major constellation and has guided stargazers for centuries.
This name is bold and fiery and symbolizes leadership, ensuring your little one will stand out in the world.
With roots in Latin, Nova means "new," making it apt for a fresh start and a bright future. In astronomy, a nova is also a powerful stellar event where a star suddenly bursts into incredible brightness.
While it has been used as a given name since the 19th century, Nova has gained popularity in recent years, especially in Scandinavian countries. It has undeniable cosmic charm and can celebrate a child who brings light into your life.
Last but not least is Archer, a dynamic name that signifies strength, precision, and determination. With roots in Latin, French, and English, it means "bowman" and was originally an occupational surname for skilled archers in the Middle Ages.
Archer is also linked to the Sagittarius constellation, which is depicted as a centaur wielding a bow. This name has both timeless and modern appeal and comes with adorable nickname options, like Archie.
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