12 Unconventional Jobs That’ll Let You Travel the World

You had high hopes for your first business trip — perhaps you’d spend the evenings sipping coffee at a trendy espresso bar with some friendly locals, or maybe you’d hit up some touristy must-sees during your free hours. But the reality of going on a work trip is that you usually end up spending more time grinding away in muted-colored business centers and three-star hotels than you actually spend enjoying the city you’ve traveled miles and miles to visit. While this may be true for folks who chose a typical travel job (think business professionals, retail buyers, and consultants), there are certain less conventional jobs that will pay you to travel the world without ever having to be stuck in a dingy airport hotel. Here are a dozen out-of-the-box travel jobs — from professional mermaiding to expert dog sitting — that’ll allow you to see the globe, sans desk. Bon voyage!

1. Professional Mermaid: If you’ve always dreamed of becoming one of Ariel’s many sea-faring sisters, you may want to look into becoming a professional mermaid. Dream Cruises employs professional mermaids to teach their guests everything from ocean conservation to how to swim with fins, on board their mermaid-themed cruises. While you’ll probably need a fair bit of experience to score a gig on one of these high-occupancy cruises, less experienced mermaids can also book gigs at children’s parties, water parks, and luxurious resorts around the world. (Photo via Dream Cruises)

2. Secret Hotel Inspector:Small Luxury Hotels of the World was recently hiring a mystery inspector to join the SLH Secret Service (we swear we didn’t make that title up). Traveling to many of their 520 hotels across the world, the mystery inspector is in charge of making sure every aspect of the hotel is up to their high standards. How do they do this? Well, inspectors must sip poolside martinis, get luxurious massages, and dine at delicious Michelin-starred hotel restaurants… all in the name of inspection, of course. While the role unfortunately doesn’t cover travel expenses, inspectors do get one or two nights at the hotel for free, and all your meals and experiences comped in exchange for their feedback.

3. Stock Footage Videographer: If you’re the type of gal who loves filming everything you do (be honest — you’ve thought about creating your own YouTube channel a million times), becoming a stock footage videographer might be a great travel career option. Pro tip: Stock footage of bustling cities, serene landscapes, and aerial footage are all great things to have in your repertoire when selling to websites like Shutterstock and Videoblocks.

4. Professional Dog Sitter: If you’re guilty of treating fur babies like human babies, becoming a professional dog sitter might be a lucrative business that could take you across the globe. TrustedHousesitters is a travel website that enables animal lovers to stay for free at homes across the world just for watching the homeowners’ pets. While members have to pay $119 per year to join the program, it’s definitely worth the investment, as previous sitters have been hired to stay in Irish castles, Australian beach houses, and English countryside homes.

5. Au Pair: If you don’t mind staying in the same city for up to a year and you love hanging out with kiddos, consider becoming an au pair. Au pairs are domestic assistants, usually assigned to take care of small children, housework, and various familial responsibilities. Along with usually getting a free place to stay, au pairs are also given a salary to spend or save for a rainy day. If taking kids out on adventures in a foreign town sounds like your cup o’ tea, check out AuPairWorld for more information.

6. Professional Roadie: The term professional roadie encompasses a lot of different roles, all with the main goal of getting a concert or gig ready. Roadies can be tour managers, stage managers, lighting directors, or guitar techs. While there are different qualifications for each of these specific gigs, if you do land a job as a roadie, you’ll be traveling with the band to each stop on their tour while earning a sweet paycheck at the same time. Rock on!

7. Virtual Assistant: Virtual assistants do myriad tasks for their clients, from providing administrative assistance to brainstorming new ideas, and their job can be done anywhere there’s WiFi. So if you want to spend your workday on a sandy beach, no problem! How about chillin’ in a luxury hotel? That’s totally fine! Plus, because you can tailor your gigs based on your personal skills and schedule, becoming a virtual assistant means you can always say yes to an exciting next adventure or travel opportunity if your budget allows for it.

8. Disney Character Performer: Calling all Disney lovers! While becoming a Disney character performer involves an extensive application and audition process, it’s certainly a magical way to travel the world. Along with working in California at Disneyland or Orlando at Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line also employs character performers to work on their themed ships.

9. Trip Manager: If you’re the type of traveler who loves planning every aspect of your vacation months in advance, you may want to consider becoming a trip manager. Currently, Contiki is hiring for Trip Managers, who would be responsible for running the day-to-day happenings of their European trips as a guide and chaperone — including getting participants from city to city, serving as their personal tour guides, and making sure everyone on the tour has a great time.

10. Flying Nanny: If you were to search common travel jobs, flight attendants would top most of the lists you find. But aboard Etihad Airways, not only can you become a regular flight attendant, but you can actually score a gig as an aptly named Flying Nanny, taking care of jet-setting kiddos during long-haul flights. Once they’ve landed, high-flying nannies can explore the world wherever they’ve touched down. Sounds like our kind of gig!

11. Teaching English Abroad: Do you commonly get referred to as the grammar police by your friends and family? Teaching English abroad is an awesome way to travel the world and earn a little extra moola at the same time. With opportunities all across the globe — South Korea, Gulf Arab States, and Japan, just to name a few — we’re definitely getting TEFL-certified and putting this awesome career on our bucket list.

12. Cruise Ship Disc Jockey: Celebrity Cruises is currently hiring a disc jockey to provide entertainment on board one of their luxury cruise ships. Since cruise ship entertainment staff are known for being the life of the party, applicants should be ready to get the crowd pumped and create a family-friendly atmosphere while cruising around the world in a luxury vessel.

Would you switch careers for any of these unconventional travel jobs? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Loud budgeting may be popular on TikTok, but conversations about money can still be awkward. I've been in romantic relationship for a little over a decade and we're just at a point where we've become aligned on finances. So imagine having random conversations with your family or friends that begin with, "I know I've never really asked before, but is it okay if I can borrow [insert x amount of $] until I can pay you back?" The nature of your platonic and familial relationships will totally determine whether you receive positive or negative responses.

As helpful as money can be, it can fracture even the closest relationships. Why? Well, psychologist Veronica West of My Thriving Mind, head of advice for Wells Fargo Emily Irwin; and Founder of Her First $100K money expert Tori Dunlap have a few ideas!

Keep reading for a few sneaky ways money can ruin your friendships:


1. Talking About Money Can Expose Hidden Feelings

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It's impossible to know how someone feels every second of the day, but we probably all think we have a good understanding of the people we're close to. But people are capable of hiding how they feel about something or burying their discomfort until certain situations 'expose' them. Why does it seem like money has a way of doing this?

Both Irwin and Dunlap agree that "money is taboo," leading people to avoid conversations about it. "Data tells us that we are more likely to talk about any other taboo topic—sex, politics, religion, even death—before we’ll talk about money," says Dunlap. West agrees and says, "Money is like that one friend who’s incredibly helpful but totally untrustworthy—everyone likes what they bring to the table, but no one wants to talk about them directly." Did you think of someone specific? It's okay because I did too!

The problem is that money can make "hidden insecurities come out, old sibling rivalries rear their heads," and more, according to West. "Even something like 'who paid for what' can suddenly become a life-or death conversation," she says. It's strange because Irwin says a Wells Fargo study shows that "many Americans across all ages are worried about money," proving we're all thinking about it, despite our avoidance issues.

2. And Money Can Also Create Unease In Conversations

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"When we don’t have open conversations about money, we’re left to navigate it on our own, which can keep us feeling underpaid, overworked, or unsure about our financial situation," Dunlap points out. She feels "discussing money requires a huge amount of vulnerability" which "isn't easy for everyone." You may have seen how other topics are swept under the rug by family members or friends based on reasons they're not ready to talk about.

Though Irwin believes saying something like saying, "'Here's what's keeping me up at night' or 'here's what my goals are' could strengthen connections," Dunlap knows that "shame, comparison, or fear of judgement" can cause people to remain tight-lipped about their finances.

If you've experienced a weird moment because of money or had to be the unfortunate witness of an awkward conversation, my apologies. It's not fun no matter who's involved because, unfortunately, "money carries layers of emotions, like pride and insecurity, that turn simple conversations into potential minefields," says West.

Dunlap says there's a silver lining if people are willing to be open, however. "The key is respecting each person’s comfort level, and encouraging openness if they're willing to meet you there. It’s not going to be perfect at first, but by starting to share more about your own financial experiences, you can start to break the cycle of shame and fear around money. You might be surprised at how quickly others are willing to open up too."

3. Making Assumptions About Other’s Money Status And Financial Situation Can Lead To Disrespecting Boundaries

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No one's saying you should never lend friends money, but being mindful about the decision is worth noting. West feels "it's complicated" while Dunlap believes the issue "can be tricky." There's a chance a low-key loan becomes an expectation that you should dish out money every time someone needs help, even if you're trying to maintain your own bills. "Lending money to a friend is like sharing your Netflix password—simple in theory, but one wrong move, and things get weird," West forewarns.

Dunlap also says, "When you lend money to someone close to you, there's always the chance that you won’t get it back. You want to be mentally prepared for that! Otherwise, it can strain your finances and your relationship. The emotional toll can be just as heavy, as unpaid loans can lead to resentment or awkwardness." It's not unusual to hear about certain friends being unreliable in more ways than one after you've let them borrow something. Unfortunately, Irwin indicates this happens because some people "don't expect to give something back that they've borrowed."

Because of this, Dunlap thinks "it's best to avoid loans if possible." Should you decide to move forward with helping out a friend who's in a bind, make sure you're both in agreement about repayment and what to expect moving forward. West says "having clear terms" or "gifting a small amount if you can afford it" is like "buying their friendship insurance." The latter is something Dunlap agrees with because it "helps prevent resentment if they can't pay you back as planned." Plus, she feels it also "keeps the loan within an amount you're okay with potentially losing."

4. Lending Money Is A Slippery Slope That Can Lead To Distrust And Resentment

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It's amazing how money can lead to a friendship breakup if boundaries aren't created or respected. "Money is a sneaky little devil who can push everyone’s buttons. It can cause resentment if one person feels taken advantage of or someone’s 'casual loan' becomes an epic saga of unpaid IOUs," West says. Not only that, but Dunlap knows "money can strain relationships between friends and family by highlighting differences in how we value it, expect to use it, or feel about sharing it."

Friends and family members shouldn't take each other's kindness for granted, but human nature is fickle at times. That's not an indicator that someone you love is a "bad" person, but they may feel like you owe them your time and money. However, Irwin says this isn't "de facto that that person is entitled." Still, Dunlap is more than aware how this can play out. "For example, it can lead to resentment if one person is always the one picking up the tab, while another might feel uncomfortable or indebted because they’ve been helped financially," she says.

On the other hand, it can show up a little differently in families. She adds, "Issues like unequal inheritance or constant requests for financial help can lead to deep emotional tension. Money can also become a tool for power imbalances, where one person feels in control and the other feels dependent, and that can mess with trust and respect."

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When certain negative patterns show up in relationships, it can make people decide to take a step back from being available. "And once distrust settles in, it’s hard to shake; nobody wants to be 'that friend' who’s forever dodging a Venmo request or getting side-eye from relatives at every family BBQ," West points out. How many times have you built up a wall with the people you love because of repeated unreliability or the expectation that you're supposed to help them whenever they ask? If you didn't hesitate to think of a moment, you're living proof that distrust can affect even the closest relationships.

Dunlap says, "When money becomes a main factor in a relationship, it can overshadow the connection, making it difficult to maintain genuine trust and understanding. You can avoid this by having open conversations with friends and family about your financial situation. Clear communication can help keep the focus on the relationship, not the money."

5. You Can Worry You're Not A Good Friend Or Family Member For Setting Money Boundaries

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Worrying about how other people feel can keep us from setting boundaries. There's a difference between being an empath and a people pleaser, but it's easy to blur the lines. You can absolutely empathize with someone's hardship while knowing you're not in the position to lend the amount they may be looking for. I'm a huge fan of saying that two things can be true at once — because they can.

Irwin says you need to "address the conversation head on" if a friend does ask you for a loan. Your response may depend on if their ask was "emotionally-charged or "in an uncomfortable environment," but Irwin doesn't recommend ignoring it. If you're not in the space to respond, here's what she suggests saying in a "timely" fashion:

  1. "Hey, I need time to think about this. Let me get back to you."
  2. "We can help you, but here are our boundaries."
  3. "We see and understand you, but we're unable to help because we're trying to pay off debt or save for _______."

Yes, Financial Boundaries Are Essential

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Don't think you need to create financial boundaries for yourself and your friends? Think again. West says, "Establishing some ground rules is a lifesaver—think of it adding airbags to the friendship. Setting boundaries early on, like when you’re still in the happy, non-monetary part of the relationship, can protect both sides if things get sticky."

Here's how she advises you proceed with creating boundaries:

  1. Keep it light and be honest; you’re not making a prenuptial agreement here, just letting them know you’d like to avoid “financial fireworks” later.
  2. Say, “I’m your friend, not your ATM.” It’s funny but helps set the tone that your wallet isn’t a free-for-all.
  3. Set a gift cap, such as, "I'm happy to chip in for brunch or a birthday, but let’s not get into home-loan territory.”
  4. If you do lend, draw up a repayment plan. Think of it as adulting with a side of accountability to avoid “accidentally” becoming their financial fairy godmother.
  5. Limit talk of big financial choices unless you’re genuinely invested together. After all, nobody needs to know how much their friend spends on avocado toast or scented candles, let alone home renos.
  6. A little humor and some boundaries go a long way. You’ll save yourself a lot of awkwardness and keep the friendships intact, one “non-loaned” dollar at a time!

Alexander Grey/Unsplash

Tori says, "It's so important to have transparent conversations about money, set clear boundaries, and ensure that relationships are prioritized in any money exchange." Here are a few things you can try:

  1. Communicate about your budget with a “gratitude sandwich.” Say you’re invited to an outing—a dinner, or a sports game—that isn’t within your budget right now. You can respond with the “gratitude sandwich.” The “pieces of bread” are positive, and the “meat” is the money thing you’re scared to say. Thank that person for the invite, let them know it’s not within budget right now, and then offer a cheaper alternative, reassuring them that you’d really love to see them. Offering an alternative reminds that person that declining their invitation isn’t about them, and you still care about them. In doing so, you prioritize your budget AND your relationship in the process.When in doubt, remember that no is a complete sentence. You don’t need to overcomplicate things, and sometimes a simple “no” is all you need.
  2. Set expectations early. When planning trips with friends, discuss the budget and how costs will be split upfront. Having these conversations ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings. It creates a supportive, stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy the experience together without any added worries!

The Final Verdict:

Emil Kalibradov/Unsplash

Once you've weighed your options and considered what you need, you can decide to loan your friend money. However, Irwin wants you to consider being formal about it. "You can absolutely draft a promissory note or loan agreement so that your friend knows how serious you are about your boundaries. If you want, you can also put an interest rate on it," she says.

It's not to hurt your friend's feelings, but it is a boundary you can put in place so they think to themselves, "This is truly a loan because I'm borrowing money with the intent to pay it back," Irwin says. It could change the dynamics of your friendship, but it's more about being "purposeful about the language being used" so you and your friend can both move in the "right direction," according to Irwin.

If the idea of creating a 'loan agreement' sounds icky to you, Dunlap wants you to seriously consider it as "an extra bit of protection." She says all you need to do, again, is "try setting up a simple contract to outline repayment terms" because it "can help both of you stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings down the road."

Her ultimate piece of advice? "Only lend what you're comfortable giving and potentially losing, and keep open communication to maintain trust and respect in the relationship."

If you set clear financial boundaries and still find that your platonic relationships are weird, we have tips to help you navigate a potential friendship breakup.

Miley Cyrus and boyfriend Maxx Morando are extremely elusive, TBH. We've gotten snippets of their relationship status here and there, from them moving in together to their adorable appearance at the Grammys, but not much more than that. Thankfully, Miley opened up to Harper's Bazaarabout her budding relationship, making rare comments about her curly-haired beau.

Here's what Miley Cyrus had to say about Maxx Morando!

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Like most millennials, Miley needs help staying up-to-date on all things Gen Z, including (and maybe especially) when it comes to memes. Luckily, apparently Maxx keeps her in the loop by sending her what he sees online — a time when their eight-year age gap really seems to come in handy. She told Harper's Bazaar, “He looks at life really differently than I do. He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters."

The Grammy-winner went on to explain that Maxx even uses his Gen Z-ness when it comes to their dog (OMG they have a dog together?!). She said, "Honestly, he’s raised our dog off Reddit. I’m like, Are you sure we’re supposed to be doing this? And he’s like, On Reddit it says blah, blah, blah."

She went on to explain that Maxx is "very similar" to her. She said, "We just don’t take life too seriously." This all plays into their ability for the two musicians to collaborate on creating, meshing their personal and professional lives pretty seamlessly. According to the article, Maxx helped write the song "Something Beautiful" on her upcoming album, which is apparently the title track...I'm not crying, you are!

While so many couldn't intertwine their careers with matters so personal, Miley clearly feels differently. She said, “I worked with my dad forever. That’s how me and my ex-husband met each other. I’ve always worked with the people that I love. And Maxx just inspires me so much.”

BRB while I anxiously await this new album...and any other updates on these two love birds!

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Budgeting for the year is the last thing most of us *want* to do, but it's probably the most important in order to achieve your life goals. "Whether you want to pay off debt or build wealth, the budget’s entire job is to increase your net worth," says Erin Skye Kelly, author of Get the Hell Out of Debt: The Proven 3-Phase Method That Will Radically Shift Your Relationship to Money. "A budget says that you matter, and your dreams matter — and when we take care of ourselves first financially, we are in a better position to help others." Here are some of the most-Googled questions about debt answered, plus realistic ways to get out of debt in 2025 and starting living your best life.


How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

If you're serious about reducing your debt, you'll have to cut back on your nonessential spending by setting a realistic monthly budget for expenses like dining out or entertainment. Come up with a payment strategy that works best for you and your current financial situation. For example, focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on others. Once the highest-interest debt is cleared, roll that payment into the card with the next highest interest rate. This approach reduces the overall interest you pay and can help you become debt-free faster.

What Is A Debt Snowball?

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A debt snowball is a debt repayment method where you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate, while making minimum payments on larger debts. The debt snowball method is popular because it builds momentum and motivation, giving you a psychological boost as you see debts disappearing one by one. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you take the amount you were paying on it and apply it to the next smallest debt. This creates a "snowball effect," where your available payment amount grows as each debt is eliminated, helping you pay off larger debts faster over time.

How Do I Get Out Of Debt?

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When it comes to getting out of debt, the method that works best for you might be different than what works best for someone else. To get started, list all your debts, including balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. This gives you a clear picture of what you owe. Analyze your income and expenses to see where you can cut back and direct any extra funds toward your debt. Avoid new debt: Shift to a cash or debit-only system to prevent accumulating more debt while paying off what you already owe.

There are a variety of factors, from financial situation to income to dependents, but no matter what your life look like right now, here are some realistic ways to help you conquer your debt.

Create An LBD (Little Budget Library)

Photo By: Kaboompics.com

A little budget diary is a way to take stock of all your monthly and annual expenses, such as subscriptions, streaming services, and groceries — and write them all down in your LBD, says Brit + Co's Money School instructor Nicole Lapin. "You'll reference this all year — weekly is best — so you'll want to start off on the right foot with an easy-to-reference LBD. Don't make it hard. It's an easy task that will help you get organized quickly," she says.

Be Realistic About Your Expenses

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"Do not be aspirational with your numbers," says Skye Kelly. "Pay attention to how you ACTUALLY live and how you ACTUALLY spend and work from there." Track your expenses for a month to create an accurate budget, review your paycheck and follow the 50-20-30 rule. These are the percentages you should spend on essentials, your future, and your lifestyle (non-essentials) with the goal to live within your means and eventually start saving and investing.

Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something Newpodcast with finance pro Tonya Rapley for breaking out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

Set Your Sights On Big Goals

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Whether it's that dream bucket-list trip or a buying your first home, think about what your long-term goals are and think big when planning a budget. "When we are committed to a massive financial goal (retiring early and traveling the world with your life partner) suddenly the decision between roses or calla lilies as a wedding bouquet seem meaningless, and we are more inclined to find ways to spend less so we can meet our long-term financial goals," says Skye Kelly. She adds: "Create a budget for the milestone, stay resourceful and use points, seasonal sales, and help or hand-me-downs where you can."

Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something New podcast with The Points Guy for credit card tips and travel hacks.

"Spring Clean" Your Finances

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Take a moment to organize your expenses. Dedicate a weekend afternoon and delete unused subscriptions, close and consolidate accounts, check in with your savings and retirement plans to make sure they're working for you, reduce auto-renewals, and unload credit card debt byconsolidating them into a single low-interest personal loan. It will feel as good, if not better, than spring cleaning your house, plus think about the money you'll have saved in that afternoon.

Find Your Side Hustle

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Beyond just reducing your expenses, look at ways you can increase your income so you can start saving andinvesting to grow your wealth. "Increasing income might look like side jobs, part-time employment, creating an income stream, selling clutter around the home, or creating a product or service that meets the demands of the marketplace," says Skye Kelly. Look at selling clothes on resale sites, having a garage sale come spring, selling books online, starting an Etsy shop if you have a creative interest... anything that will add some extra cash in your pocket each month.

It's OK If It's Not Perfect

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"Because budgets are rooted in math, we tend to see everything as right or wrong, which *shudder* brings up a lot of grade-school math class shame for many of us," says Skye Kelly. "If you plan your budget at the beginning of the month and at the end of the month it was only 80% accurate, you are likely killin’ it financially. I’ve asked hundreds of financial experts over the years ‘how many times did you get the budget exactly right?’ and every single answer has been ‘zero times.’"

Avoid Making Money Decisions During Hard Times

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Mental wellness plays a big role in how we view our expenses and often we can make decisions in order to make us feel better (retail therapy, anyone?) instead of making healthy long-term financial decisions. "Having a line item in the budget for guilt-free spending is critical if you can afford it," says Skye Kelly. "This guilt-free spending money is there for times you want to splurge even though you might not be able to justify it."

Skye Kelly says it's best to avoid major financial decisions if you can for at least 6 months:

  • After a significant death or when you are grieving
  • While you or a loved one are experiencing a critical illness or at the onset of a new disability
  • After a major breakup or divorce
  • When you’ve entered into a new romantic relationship
  • If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you have a mental illness and are awaiting treatment

"During these times we are highly likely to make emotional or impulsive decisions. Give yourself time to regulate some of the higher intensity emotions that might be driving the urge to spend."

Curious about crypto? Check out Brit + Co's Teach Me Something Newpodcast with finance pro Nicole Lapin for a primer on how to make your first crypto investment.

How are you getting out of debt in 2025? Let us know on Twitter and check out our email newsletter for the latest tips on saving money.

This post has been updated.

Signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable as we, well, age. But age does not dictate whether or not you can rock a stunning makeup look! When it comes to applying foundation to mature skin, you can still achieve a smooth, glowy base.

The best practice for finding foundations for mature skin is avoiding thick, high-coverage foundations – they can look cakey and sink into those pesky fine lines, accentuating them even more. Instead, opt for thinner, more buildable foundations. Bonus points for formulas with hydrating and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and SPF!

If you’re getting glam on a budget, I’ve tracked down the 8 best drugstore foundations for mature skin. The best part is they’re all relatively affordable, but oh-so effective in providing coverage so you can step out with confidence.

The best drugstore foundations for mature skin in 2024:

Scroll on for the best drugstore foundations for mature skin, starting at just $9!

Amazon

Best hyaluronic acid formula: CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

Pros: Infused with Olay skincare like niacinamide, a hyaluronic complex, and vitamin C, good coverage, smooth application

Cons: Customers have noted that the shades can run darker than what's noted on the packaging

Promising review: "This product is amazing. It truly provides full coverage. It makes my skin look flawless. No cakeiness and foundation seems creamy and good quality. Not super lightweight but that's ok with me."

Amazon

Best SPF formula: L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation

Pros: Higher sun protection than other options at SPF 50, includes vitamin B3 and a hydrating serum to better complexion

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily

Promising review: "I found my holy grail. Years and years, probably hundreds of dollars later, my Goldilocks foundation is cheap, available and even includes a high SPF. Why I waited so long on this L’Oréal winner, I don’t know. My mature dry skin loves this one. Never settles in lines or texture and lasts all day. Medium coverage and so easy to apply with brush, fingers or sponge. Very natural finish but not dewy."

Amazon

Best antioxidant formula: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation

Pros: Includes vitamin E, feverfew (known for calming properties), and natural soy to enhance skin

Cons: Poor shade range, formula can be thicker than others but "dries right away and covers very well."

Promising review: "Finally found a foundation that looks natural with a good match to my skin. I read an article on a celebrity who uses it so I decided to give it a try. I dot it all over my face and use a makeup brush to stipple it first and then swirl. It’s buildable so you can start slow. I love how it looks on my mature skin. Doesn’t settle or look dry."

Amazon

Best on-the-go formula: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation

Pros: Packaging makes it easy to travel with and apply, buildable coverage, blurring applicator

Cons: Some users noted the formula can feel oily, leading it to fade quickly

Promising review: "So easy to apply, can be blended with fingertips or makeup brush, really excellent coverage! No strange smells and doesn't irritate my skin (and I'm very sensitive, in the past had to use hypoallergenic brands). Have reordered and will not try any other brands going forward. It's funny because it's been 55 years since I used a Maybelline product, spent years paying for upscale brands, and now they've finally got it right!"

Amazon

Best long-wear formula: Revlon 3X Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Claims to work as a moisturizer, serum, and primer all in one, easily buildable

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 20, poor shade range

Promising review: "I have dry mature skin. This is perfect for me. I like how it looks natural... I don’t use my moisturizer when I use it…it’s like using moisturizer. I cleanse, tone and then apply with a kabuki brush. A+"

Amazon

Best dewy formula: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation

Pros: Adds a luminous finish, oil-free formula

Cons: Sun protection is very low at SPF 18

Promising review: "An older friend with beautiful skin told me she used Maybelline Fit Me Dewy, so I tried it. It works better with my aging skin than many more expensive brands of foundation I’ve tried. Despite being light as a feather, it has fairly good coverage for blending out dark spots or splotches, [so] I sometimes use a concealer for under eye circles, too. There is a great range of colors, so it’s easier to get a good match."

Amazon

Best buildable formula: Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age Defying Foundation

Pros: Reduces fine lines and imperfections, cruelty-free formula

Cons: Some customers have noticed discrepancies between this product's shade names and the rest of Covergirl's foundations and that it can be cakey on the face, but only with a heavy hand

Promising review: "When I started to develop fine lines around my eyes I found the mineral powder foundation settled into them and made me look older. (I'm now mid 40s). This foundation provides a medium to full coverage (depending on amount used) which I like but still looks natural. It is very creamy, feels light, and does not settle into my fine lines. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing makeup."

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Best subtle splurge: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream

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As 2024 slowly comes to a close, it’s safe to say that this year has given us some pretty entertaining TV shows. While there were some shows that made us laugh, cry, and want to date a hot rabbi (I’m looking at you, Nobody Wants This, which is getting a season two, btw), the internet can't stop talking about other Emmy-award winning shows like Shōgunand Baby Reindeer, plus Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

However, there are some shows that just weren't well reserved by audiences and critics (*coughs* Echo *coughs*). Whether you loved watching every second of these shows or hated them with a burning passion, these shows just didn't make the cut.

Keep reading to see if you agree with the worst TV shows of 2024 (so far), according to viewers and critics.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Roku

Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, this modern retelling follows the Grace family as they move from their longtime home in New York to their ancestral home in Michigan, where they discover an enchanted secret about the Spiderwick Estate.

Despite its whimsical premise and talented young cast (in addition to a cameo by longtime Hollywood actor Christian Slater), the first season of this Roku Channel series received an IMDb rating of 5.3 out of 10 and a 42 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Yikes.

A Good Girl's Guide To Murder

Netflix

Another book adaptation that let some fans down came this summer when A Good Girl's Guide To Murder dropped on Netflix. The series follows Pip, who's determined to prove Sal Singh isn't responsible for his girlfriend Andie's death — and that the real murderer is still out there. Eek!

Even though BookTok couldn't get enough of the novel, the show received a 6.8 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 69 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But don't worry, Holly Jackson fans! The show just got renewed for season 2.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Netflix

As she's confronted with a secret from her past, Lara Croft puts herself in danger once again to retrieve a historical artifact that's been stolen. Although some critics commend the Netflix series for its animation style and its ability to be a solid continuation of the beloved game series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft didn’t quite hit the mark for viewers, earning an audience rating of 33 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.4 out of 10 score on IMDb.

But it appears that Netflix has decided to give Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft one more shot to impress audiences because the streaming service announced back in October that a second season has been officially greenlit.

Chicken Nugget

Garage Lab/Netflix

As someone who loves watching a cute K-drama every now and then, I’ll be honest: When I first read the premise for Netflix’s Chicken Nugget, I thought it was a little strange. Here’s the SparkNotes version: Inspired by the popular webtoon of the same name, the ten-episode comedy series follows a young woman who enters a mysterious machine and—get this—turns into a chicken nugget. Her father and a secret admirer ban together to turn her back to normal.

Despite receiving a perfect score from Tomatometer-approved critics, Chicken Nugget was only fairly received by audiences, receiving a 73 percent audience score on RT and a 5.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. Oh boy…

Megamind Rules!

Peacock

Unfortunately, when it comes to the worst TV shows of 2024, kids' series took a hit too. Megamind is a beloved movie for lots of Gen Z, but its TV adaptation only received a shocking 2.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb. It recovered a bit with a 77 percent audience rating on RT.

Echo

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios

Just when we thought nothing could top Sony's Madame Web and its poorly-received execution on all fronts, Echo surely takes the cake for worst show of 2024 for some longtime fans of the comic book universe. The series follows Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who's pursued by Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) nefarious operation. This causes her to return home, where she's confronted with her family history and past.

Though the show has a bad—ss titular character and an exciting premise, it was just a hard “no” for some Marvel fans. In addition to its 6 out of 10 rating on IMDb, one fan on Reddit shared their thoughts on the series, writing, “There was no flow at all and it was seemingly set up more like a movie than a TV series. I didn’t feel excited at all and everything felt incredibly anti-climactic.” As they go on to note that this is their honest opinion, the Redditor emphasized that they “truly did not like that show at all.” So much for Echo season two.

The Acolyte

Disney+/Lucasfilm

Serving as a prequel to the Star Wars franchise, The Acolyte follows a Jedi Master investigating a string of murders that leads him to encounter a sinister foe from his past.

Despite its inclusion of characters from diverse backgrounds and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, the show was not only canceled after one season due to low viewership, it was also rated poorly by viewers, with a 4.2 out of 10 rating on IMDB and a 18 percent audience score on RT. Either way, I will always be an Osha + Qimir shipper 4LIFE!

Good Times

Netflix

Netflix's animated series Good Times might have geniuses like Steph Curry and Seth McFarlane behind the scenes (and Marsai Martin!!) but it still only raked in a 4.1 on IMDb — and a 10 percent RT critics' score alongside a 25 percent audience score.

What do you think about these shows? Are there any other series you think were the worst TV shows of 2024? Let us know in the comments below and before you get too sad, read up on 13 TV & Movie Adaptations That Are Just As Good As The Book (Yes, Really).