The Smokey Eye Wedding Makeup Boho Brides Will Love

Misty Spinney
Mar 09, 2016

When it comes to a bride‘s dream beauty vibe on her wedding day, there are endless ways to customize every part of the look. You can focus on your features, try to hit on a certain theme, stick to your comfort zone or live out a total fantasy. One trend that is near and dear to my own heart is the ever-so-sweet and slightly rebellious bohemian bride. This gal typically wants to exude a soft, natural elegance that screams goddess and feels bridal — but not too bridal. As a makeup artist (and self-proclaimed boho badass) I LOVE executing this breezy style, not just because I love the look, but because brides who go boho on their big day often have a laid-back nature and openness to anything that simply makes them feel beautiful. We called in Ashley Perlman, our Digital Sales Planner, to channel the boho bride feel so many gals are after. Whether you’re planning on DIY-ing your own chic boho updo and makeup on your big day, or calling in the big guns to execute your vision, it all starts with inspiration. Boho brides, this is the wedding makeup you’ve been looking for — and it just so happens to be one you can recreate yourself.

Prep: Flawless Face + Peachy Shimmer

Once your flawless face base makeup is applied, give your cheeks a soft shimmer with a peachy blush like NARS Blush in Orgasm ($30). Apply to the apples of your cheeks, and sweep up toward your cheekbones to blend in a natural finish.

Boho Bride Makeup: Simple Smoldering Eye

Typically boho is far from bold, so when putting a smokey eye on such a natural beauty, it’s important to keep it simple, clean and subtle. The soft smolder will enhance a dreamy eye without overpowering the rest of your radiant skin.

Step 1: Highlight in Matte Cream

Apply a matte cream eyeshadow like Cream Bisque from the NARSissist L’Amour Eyeshadow Palette ($59) on your brow bones to give a highlight without all the shimmer. This look works best when it’s kept softer and more diffused.

Step 2: Contour in Neutral Warm Brown

To help keep your soft smokey eye subtle, you want to apply a warm neutral brown like Naked from the Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54) into the creases of your eyes. This will make your eyes look more romantic and deep set.

Step 3: Subtle Smokey Light Matte Gray

Now to seal the deal: Apply a soft light gray shadow like NARS in Lhasa ($25) onto the outside corners of your eyes, along the upper lid and lower lash line. Blend, blend, blend! This is your trick to the pretty and soft finish.

Step 4: Black Smudgey Eyeliner

To keep your liner dramatic, yet still soft, use a pencil liner and a brush to apply. Pick up the product by rubbing a small angled liner brush along the tip of your pencil, then apply gently to your lash line and toward the outer corners of your eyes.

Step 5: Mascara + Brows

Apply a couple coats of your favorite lengthening mascara and comb through with a lash comb to keep them fluttery and clump-free. For your brows, go with a color that matches your own to keep the look soft and natural.

Finishing Touch: Sheer Metallic Chocolate Lip

If you’re sporting a slightly more dramatic eye on your wedding day, it’s best if you keep your pucker on the understated side. Ashley is wearing a sheer metallic finish light brown lip gloss, Too Faced Melted Chocolate in Metallic Candy Bar ($21).

Keep in mind that your makeup will look slightly different when you’re indoors than when you’re out on location with softer, natural light. It’s also important to know that whether you’re doing your own look or having it done professionally, the makeup will typically settle into your skin and look softer and more natural after a couple of hours.

Soft, gorgeous boho bride!

Happiness is feeling gorgeous inside and out!

As with anything that has to do with your wedding day, you always want a dress rehearsal. Bring these images to your stylist for a trial, or do a couple run-throughs on your own to make sure you’re fully confident in your look.

Hair/Makeup/Art Direction: Misty Spinney

Photographer: Kurt Andre

Your Big Day is just starting! Check out all-things Brit + Co Weddings and follow us on Pinterest for more beautiful + creative wedding inspo.

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

The Best Liquid Eyeliners To Combat Sweat, Tears, & Smearing

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever! 

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

  • "i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
  • "goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
  • "I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

  • "It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
  • "It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
  • "I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

  • Parabens
  • Formaldehydes
  • Formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Phthalates
  • Mineral oil
  • Retinyl palmitate
  • Oxybenzone
  • Coal tar
  • Hydroquinone
  • Triclocarban
  • Triclosan

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty finds, tips, and tricks!

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

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Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

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Eyeshadow Sticks Are Our New Obsession, And They Should Be Yours Too

ICYMI, eyeshadow sticks are trending upwards lately, and it’s for good reason. Not only are the sticks super practical (Hello simple application!), but you can apply your latest eye look on the go and with ease. After all – who has room for an entire eyeshadowpalette and brushes in their bag? Not us!

If you’re thinking “OMG I must add this to my makeup routine,” we totally relate. Nowadays you can find eyeshadow sticks just about anywhere, but we’ve rounded up our faves to give you the best glam ever.

Laura Mercier RoseGlow Caviar Stick Eye Shadow ($32)

With over 2,000 five star reviews, it’s no wonder this eyeshadow stick makes the list. If you’re looking for a little glitz, creamy shadow is guaranteed to give you a fabulous look that lasts all day long.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($32)

If simplicity is in your nature, then you need to check out Bobbi Brown’s nude shadow collection. Not only do they have tons of color options, but their formula is built to last through all of your day in the life shenanigans.

elf NO BUDGE SHADOW STICK ($5)

Yes, you read that right. Get one of the best shadow sticks on the market for only $5.

about-face Shadowstick ($14)

If you’re looking for a great white eyeshadow, then look no further. about-face’s Oxide Shadowstick will definitely give you the bright, clean look you’re going for.

IT Cosmetics Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Stick ($25)

This super blendable eyeshadow stick glides onto your lids without tugging on your delicate eye area, and is available in matte and pearl finishes. Sounds like a win-win to us.

Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color ($27)

We’ll be channeling our fave nepo baby (yes, we do mean Sofia Richie Grainge) with this product.

Sephora Collection Sephora Colorful® Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick ($14)

There are so many fabulous colors to choose from in this collection. BRB while we go buy them all. 💸

Iconic London Glaze Dual Ended Eyeshadow Crayon ($30)

Get 2-in-1 with this stunning eyeshadow duo. No more lugging around eyeshadow palettes for you!

Are you all about bold makeup or prefer keeping things clean and simple? Let us know in the comments below!

Discover all the latest beauty trends with Brit + Co.

Image courtesy of Gustavo Almeida / PEXELS.

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Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

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When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.

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