Is it just us, or has this winter season been brutal? From braving a recent snowstorm to dealing with OTT brisk winds, Mother Nature isn’t messing around. And even though these winter conditions are out of our control, as beauty mavens, we have to make sure our pretty peepers are protected. That’s where hydrating under-eye creams come in. Whether you have dark circles or puffiness, these under-eye products will awaken the area beneath your eyes to keep them looking bright and fresh all winter long. Want to heal your delicate skin? Here are eight winter moisturizers for your eyes.
The chilly weather sparks serious comfort food cravings, and vegans don't have to be left out in the cold. With a slew of meat alternatives, convincing vegan cheese, and a lot of creativity from vegan cooks, eating a vegan meal can be every bit as satisfying as traditional comfort food fare. Whether you’re craving filling pot pie or rich mac and cheese, these 23 vegan comfort food recipes will deliver when you need something a little more indulgent.
Minimalist Baker
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
Jackfruit is that magical produce that seems to perfectly replicate meat in almost any dish. Thanks to its growing popularity, it's become relatively easy to find in grocery stores. Just make sure you buy a young green jackfruit in water, not brine or syrup. This is the key to achieving proper flavor and texture. Then all you need to do is sauté and add A LOT of barbecue sauce. (via Minimalist Baker)
Natural Girl, Modern World
Mushroom Stroganoff
Balance cozy carbs with nourishing vegetables in this mushroom stroganoff and you get the best of both worlds.
Ela Vegan
Vegan Chickpea Curry
When you mix chickpeas with eggplant, coconut milk, Indian spices, and rice you'll end up with the most satisfying vegan curry. When spicing your curry, be sure to select a blend that incorporates fresh spices to give you the maximum amount of health benefits and flavor.
Nutritional Foodie
Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos
It can be difficult to cut back on carbs when you’re vegan (or for anybody, really). Thankfully, sweet potato tortilla chips are here to solve that problem. Things get serious when you coat them in vegan cheese sauce and then pile them high with your favorite nacho toppings.
Hot for Food
Roasted Corn Chowder
Calling all ambitious chefs with leftover corn on the cob: This corn chowder is a bit involved to make but the results are 100 percent worth it. Corn kernels thicken the chowder that's scented with smoked paprika and thyme for a soothing bite with every spoonful.
Vegan in the Freezer
Dairy-Free Herbed Scalloped Potatoes
Potatoes baked into a casserole that's covered in a creamy white sauce is comfort food at its best. All you need to do is sprinkle a few herbs on top for a little somethin' extra.
Pinch of Yum
Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea Glow Bowl
This spiced bowl will soon be your new go-to for an ultra comforting, super nutritious, plant-based meal. There's so much deliciousness packed into this recipe that it'll be hard to pick your favorite part. Moroccan-spiced chickpeas are simmered in a sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and then spooned atop couscous that's cooked and fluffed to perfection. Oh yeah, and there’s cucumber salad, some lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs to the max.
Vegetarian Ventures
Creamy Vegetarian White Chili
By this point in winter you probably want soup for every meal, and that's where this white chili comes in. It’s warm, filling, tasty, and not average in any way. Pro tip: Add lots of toppings for a wide variety of texture in your bowl.
This Savory Vegan
Vegan White Mac and Cheese
If you dream about a mac and cheese without the taste of nutritional yeast, this recipe will make your dreams come true. It turns out that the answer is vegan cream cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Who knew?! Now that the secret is out, feel free to share — and don’t forget to make seconds!
Fooduzzi
Buffalo Chickpea Pizza
Buffalo sauce and chicken is a match made in heaven. Buffalo sauce with roasted chickpeas is pretty darn good too. With a buffalo hummus base that incorporates just the right amount of spice, and a crispy cheesy topping, this recipe is about to be your new obsession.
Lazy Cat Kitchen
Vegan Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the easiest dishes to veganize because it already comes layered with an array of crunchy vegetables and cubes of tofu. The tricky part is substituting the fish sauce, but this is actually easier than it seems. You can either buy a non-fish-based fish sauce, or simply prepare your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a bit of seaweed and dried mushrooms.
Feasting on Fruit
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recreate a comforting, nostalgic childhood favorite with these gluten-free, vegan treats. You may even find you like them better than the original.
Veggies Don't Bite
Vegan Pizza Burrito
You’ll thank us later when you realize that this vegan pizza burrito is pretty much heaven wrapped in a burrito and placed on a plate. It’s also handy to grab when you have to eat on the run.
Munaty Cooking
Baked Aloo Samosas
Indian food is great because so much of it is already vegan. And samosas might be the ultimate choice because they can be an appetizer, a finger food, or a meal. Plus, they're concocted with a host of spices and dipping sauces that will keep your taste buds intrigued and wanting more.
Minimalist Baker
Vegan Sloppy Joes
If you never had sloppy joes growing up, there's no time like the present to give them a try. This warm sandwich is sweet, smokey, and savory all at once, and it can be made with everyday pantry items. This vegan version uses lentils instead of beef and is no less satisfying for it.
The Fitchen
Vegan Pot Pies With Cornbread Crust
Creamy veggies hide beneath a crispy cornbread crust in this quintessential comfort food dish. There will be nothing more satisfying than breaking through the cornbread with a spoon to enjoy that perfect filling-to-crust ratio.
The Works of Life
General Tso’s Cauliflower
Just when you think that everyone and their mother is tired of cauliflower recipes, General Tso’s cauliflower is here to revive the obsession. The cauliflower is marinated and then dusted in cornstarch and sesame seeds to form that crispy crust we all love. Now vegans and carnivores alike can get in on some of that General Tso’s action.
No Recipes
Vegan Spinach Dip
A blend of soft tofu with raw cashew nuts creates a satiny texture that's complemented by the spinach for an appetizer that tastes indulgent but won't have you regretting your snack choices.
Peas & Crayons
Vegan Grilled Cheese
Something about that ooey-gooey yumminess of grilled cheese is simply unbeatable. But the best part of this sandwich isn't even the cheese; it's the ability to be a blank canvas onto which you can add an array of herbs, spices, chutneys, pickles, and jellies. The world is your oyster here — go wild!
Karissa's Vegan Kitchen
Vegan Meatball Subs
When you wrap chickpea meatballs in carbs, smother them with marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of vegan Parm, the result is irresistible. If you make a huge batch of meatballs and then freeze them, this recipe becomes so simple that there's a high probability it will become your fave Friday night staple.
Gluten-Free Vegan Pantry
Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
There's almost nothing better than veganized mac and cheese. This cheesy delight is a hug in a bowl and the exact thing you require on those days when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.
Minimalist Baker
One-Hour Vegan Pot Pies
This blogger says it all: “Delicious, flaky, veggie-packed vegan pot pies in less than one hour. That’s all you need to know."
Ambitious Kitchen
Lemon Blueberry Pistachio Cupcakes
Comfort food includes cupcakes. Opt for a magical combination like lemon, blueberry, and pistachio and watch the sparks fly.
If you can't get enough vegan comfort food in your life, follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!
This post has been updated.
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.
When I'm looking to see if a bougie skincare product is worth re-purchasing, I have a finely tuned (and slightly unique) barometer. I check how my skin reacts, feel out the longevity of the product, notice any immediate results — and see if my husband starts stealing it from me. He has the strongest opinions of anyone I know, so when I look in my skincare cabinet and see products moved around that I definitely didn't touch, that's how I know they're good. Do I wish he had more affordable taste? Yes, but the man gets quality, and I have to say I'm quite proud.
Wanna know what he — and I — can't get enough of right now? Here are the skincare products, from face mists to face masks, that are genuinely so good, you won't be able to stop your partner from stealing them.
Amazon
First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads
Starting off this list strong with my most-stolen product: the First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads. My husband uses these like they're candy, and at this point, I have to buy 3 boxes because of how quickly we both use them.
Exfoliating pads are a great way to cleanse your skin, especially if you get a lot of buildup from makeup, sweat, or your environment. These are great to use to make sure you've cleaned all of the dirt from the day off before you go to bed. And if you're greedy like my husband, you can also use these day and night for extra glowing skin.
Amazon
Innisfree Daily Mineral Sunscreen
You can never go wrong with sunscreen, but if you have sensitive skin like me (and my husband), then opt for this option from Innisfree! It's super light, and doesn't have lots of perfumes or random fragrance — super helpful when you're trying not to irritate your skin. It also has hyaluronic acid which is super moisturizing, so it won't leave you with textured or dry skin!
Amazon
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
This hand cream became my addiction over the past couple months — which means it also became my husband's. I even had to buy him his own, because I was so tired of hearing, "Hey, can I use that good-smelling lotion again?"
This hand cream that has the most soothing feel — and smell! — on the skin. Definitely stock up on this for the colder months and you, just like the over 10,000 Amazon reviewers, will love it!
Amazon
Caudalie Vinopure Clay Mask
Sometimes I like to convince my husband to have a nice, spa night in (I don't have to try very hard, he's clearly easily convinced), and this face mask is the first product I reach for. It seriously cleanses the skin, and practically eliminates visible pores from your skin. It's a very strange, detoxifying mask that I would recommend to anyone — but only to use about once every other week!
Amazon
Tatcha Deep Cleanser
I just had to re-stock this product because you-know-who has been using it far too much for my liking... And I have to say, I understand why! It's very lightweight, but it really gets into your pores and helps cleanse them thoroughly. Plus, a little really does go a long way — so even if you're sharing it with your own partner, it will last!
Amazon
It Cosmetics Confidence In An Eye Cream
This eye cream eliminates any trace of bags under your eyes...like it really makes them non-existent! So much so, that my husband noticed my bags were gone, and so naturally he's started using it too. It's honestly life-changing, and I'll always buy refills of this baby no matter how much we use it!
Amazon
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser
This has to be one of my most practical products that I didn't know I needed — or rather, we needed. If you get bumps on your skin from the sun, KP, rashes, or eczema, this product eliminates it all. It has 10% AHA which is extremely exfoliating, and basically works like magic on the skin. Such a good product!
Amazon
Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist
My husband would be furious if I shared this with you, but he's a face mist girly like me, through and through. As much as most men may not want to admit it, they like being pampered — and this mist truly makes you feel like you're at a spa! It's that good! I use this in the morning, because it just wakes me up with the most refreshing peppermint-like feeling. I adore this spray so much! And so does my husband...unfortunately for my bank account.
Looking for more skincare recs? Check out our storefront for all our faves!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
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!
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.