8 Simple Beauty Hacks Straight from the Victoria’s Secret Angels

Nov 11, 2015

Though the models backstage at the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which airs December 8 on CBS, literally had an army getting them runway ready — 32 hairstylists, 32 makeup artists and six manicurists to be exact — the elaborate prep (and those final covetable looks) actually included some pretty basic beauty tips. As in, you can totally steal a VS model hair or makeup hack for your next big networking event or hot date (but you can leave the giant wings at home). Here’s the inside scoop on the products + tricks to keep in your beauty arsenal straight from your imaginary besties Alessandra, Kendall, Gigi and more.

1. Make Mauve Your New Everyday Lip Shade: For that more muted lip shade, makeup artist Dick Page applied a mauve color and then lip gloss to Alessandro Ambrosio’s pout. For a similar look, try Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft ($21) + blot your everyday gloss on top. (via Glamour)

2. Prep Your Skin by Going Makeup Free: In the days before the show, many of the models didn’t wear makeup to keep their faces fresh and clean for the big night, which actually takes all day to film. If you want to take a similare route before a big event, make sure you’re on top of your skincare game to get a natural glow sans your typical daily coverage. A touch of serum there, a spritz of face mist here, a lip mask to really hydrate those lips and you’re golden. (via Glamour)

3. Forgo Your Normal Foundation: To give the models a sun-kissed look, makeup artist Dick Page applied a little bit of foundation in a slightly warmer tone than the models’ complexions and used a wet Beautyblender to blend it in and create a more natural effect. Next time you re-up on your foundation, double up to try this makeup hack. (viaPeople StyleWatch)

4. Don’t Forget the Corners: Model Rachel Hilbert spilled that to make her eyes really sparkle and lashes pop, she always adds a touch of eye shadow to the corner of her eyes. Use a highlighter for daily wear or if you really want to take it to the next level, apply a metallic shadow like this bronzy Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color ($25). Party-ready eyes like that. (viaWWD)

5. Have #BeachHairGoals All Year Round: Think mermaids when it comes to copying VS Angel hair. Hairstylist Sarah Potempa used the Beachwaver Iron ($189) to add those glamorously tousled waves (Pro Tip: curl in the same direction to get runway-worthy locks). If the time + price tag aren’t in the cards (we’re looking at you, lazy girls), a few spritzes of sea salt spray ($14) will give you instant texture. (via PopSugar)

6. Take a Wine Hiatus: Model Constance Jablonski said she cuts back on the wine before a big show because sugar isn’t good for your skin (womp, womp!). We can think of a few other things you and your gf could dobesides chilling at the bar on weeknights… (via Glamour)

7. Don’t Skimp on Blush: According to the Angels, the perfect companion to a bronzy glow is a bright pop of pink on the apples of your cheeks. The stunning shade models like Kendall Jenner wore comes from the Kryolan Blusher Palette ($32), a five-shade palette that’s just daring you to mix up your next look. (via Vogue)

8. Get. Some. Sleep!: Yes, beauty sleep is key to the flawless skin and pep in the steps of a VS model (raise your hand if you need to re-work your before-bed routine). Make it a screens-off, tea-kettle-on (with herbal potions at the ready) and relaxing tunes kind of night, all in the name of beauty. (viaPeople StyleWatch)

Are you going to watch the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

(Photos via @victoriassecret, @alessandraambrosio, @kendalljenner)

Kirsten Dunst’s Makeup Artist Uses This Hack to Take Off Glittery Makeup

We love glittery makeup just as much as the next gal, but we're not huge fans of the mess. Turns out, Kirsten Dunst‘s makeup artist Mary Wiles has the easiest, quickest way to remove all that glitter, and it’s a household tool you’ve probably got already lying around the house! Whether you’re into a silver glitter beauty look or are going for an out-of-this-world sparkly unicorn style, this hack is great for all your glam looks.

Wiles, who has worked on other famous faces like Naomi Watts and Elizabeth Olsen, told Elle in 2017 that she uses a lint roller — yes, a lint roller! — to get rid of glitter, or else “you will be finding it all over for weeks!” Genius. Why haven’t we ever thought of that? In case you don’t already have this handy, multitasking tool, you can get a five-pack of Scotch-Brite Lint Rollers ($15) on Amazon.

The beauty guru says she uses a silicone brush to “pick up and stamp” glitter onto the skin, before setting it with a mist likeMake Up For Ever’s Mist and Fix Setting Spray ($28) to keep it all in check for a fun night out. And when you’re ready to say farewell to all that shimmer at the end of the night, use Wiles’ trick to easily remove it so you don’t wake up looking like your entire bed was glitter bombed.

Have you tried this Kirsten Dunst-approved hack? Tell us @BritandCo!

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

Featured image via Mar Bustos/Unsplash

This post has been updated.

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

relationship advice wellness friendship relationships holidays

4 Celebrity Bridal Beauty Looks to Copy for Your Wedding

When it comes to bridal makeup, no one does it quite like celebrities — and their teams of fairy godmothers (AKA glam squads), of course. Just take Mandy Moore’s pink eyeshadow that matched her pink wedding dress for example; or Kaley Cuoco’s seriously dreamy highlight (more on that below). To help inspire your own wedding beauty, we chatted with the makeup artists behind four celeb bridal beauty looks. Keep reading for the exact products the pros used, plus their inside tips to achieving your most radiant #MOTD yet.

Danielle Fishel

The Boy Meets World actress approached her big day with glowing skin, an understated dramatic lid, and the most flawless dusty rose lip. Celebrity makeup artist Julie Cuomo began by prepping with a hyaluronic acid and rose facial mist, layered with La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream ($175) to help lock the hydration in. (Photo via Julie Cuomo)

Cuomo used a damp beautyblender ($20) to prime Fishel’s skin with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow ($55) topped with Chanel Vitalumière Foundation in 3.5 Bisque ($60). Prior to sealing the base makeup with a dusting of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in #2 ($45), Cuomo concealed and highlighted Fishel’s face (specifically under her eyes, along her cheekbones, across her brow bone, and at the center of her cupid’s bow) using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer ($32).

To warm up the Girl Meets World star’s complexion, Cuomo used Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Light ($52) and followed a three shape starting at her forehead, sweeping down towards her cheek, and ending along her jawline. As for the natural rosy flush, Cuomo dusted Jouer Cosmetics Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette ($30) across the apples of Fishel’s cheeks.

To define her lids, Cuomo traced MAC Prolongwear Fluidline Gel Liner in Black Track ($18) along the upper lash line, followed by Ardell Lashes in Demi Whispies ($12). Next, she popped open the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42) to add depth to the bridal statement eye. “I applied concealer on the ball of the eyelid and set with a neutral powder, then I swept Orange Soda on the crease and intensified the outer corners of the crease with Rustic to add more drama,” Cuomo explains. Lastly, she traced over the eyeliner with Cyprus Umber and swiped on a coat of Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara ($29).

“Danielle wanted kissable luscious lips for her first kiss at the alter, so we prepped with Fresh Sugar Lip Balm ($26), then applied Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner ($22) and Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34) and topped with Jouer Cosmetics Lipgloss ($17),” Cuomo explains.

For the final touch, Cuomo gently swept two colors from the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette ($80) on Fishel’s cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and collar bone. “I then tapped a little of the La Mer Moisture Cream with my fingertips over it to give a natural glowy finish,” she says.

Ashley Greene

The Twilight star’s wedding day beauty was all about barely-there makeup and a defined brow with an ethereal highlight that played into her fairytale theme. Makeup artist Emma Willis prepped Greene’s complexion with Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($72) and Becca Cosmetics Backlight Priming Filter ($39). “You only want to apply a few drops of the oil and I like to warm it on my fingertips and then press the residue over the entire face,” she notes. (photo via Emma Willis)

To create Green’s base, Willis used Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation ($46). “Apply the foundation with fingertips or a brush and then with a very wet (but slightly squeezed out) beautyblender, pat and buff into the skin,” Willis says. “For even more of a dewy glow, I also love to spritz my blender on top with Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48).”

For bronzer and blush, Willis relied on Malibu Soleil from the Becca Cosmetics Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette ($46) to develop a warm contour. In addition to the hollows of the cheeks, she suggests applying bronzer to the forehead and temples too. “It will give structure to the face and balance it out,” she explains. Next, she applied Hibiscus Bloom (from the Becca x Chrissy Teigen Palette) to the apples of the cheeks and Beach Nectar to create a glowing highlight. “For added highlight, I used Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Opal ($41),” Willis says. “Add some water or mixing medium to apply wet. It will give an incredible glassy highlight.”

Greene’s subtle burgundy and rose lid look was mastered with Surratt Beauty Artistique Eyeshadow in Marron and Ingenue ($20 each), accentuated with lots of individual eyelashes.

On Greene’s lips, Willis got creative with Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Crush ($18) mixed with Tom Ford Blush Nude ($55), sealed with Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink ($27).

Willis completed the Greene’s glam with a light dusting of Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder ($48) and NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder in Translucent Crystal ($37).

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore turned to makeup artist and longtime BFF Jenn Streicher to perfect her pretty-in-pink bridal beauty. “I knew I wanted the makeup to be timeless yet not boring, and her to literally look like a blushing bride,” says the co-owner of Beverly Hills beauty studio STRIIIKE. “We had been obsessing over this Tom Ford single eye shadow called Fuchsia Foil ($36) and [were] waiting for the right time to use it and thought this was the perfect time.” She applied the color sparingly with her finger to add the lightest dusting of shimmer and color across the This Is Us actress’ lids. For a monochromatic effect, Streicher dusted Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush ($40) on her cheeks and Dior Lip Glow in Raspberry ($34) on her lips. (Photo via Jenn Streicher)

Kaley Cuoco

Bold brows and an inner eye highlight were the standout stars of The Big Bang Theory actress’ bridal beauty. But before those accents were applied, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg began with Cuoco’s complexion. Greenberg started with Skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30) and La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream, then focused on Cuoco’s arches, using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($23). (Photo via Jamie Greenberg)

“We wanted the lids to be a little bit natural so I took these Shimmer Veils ($28) from Cover FX in Celestial and Magic, because that’s what the night was all about,” Greenberg notes in a post on YouTube. While Magic was reserved for the lid, to add an extra touch of sparkle to Cuoco’s glam, Greenberg dotted Celestial in the corner of each eye and made it all pop using 24K from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette ($39). “I went over the corner where Celestial was and just buffed it out and did a little bit of this on the whole eye,” details Greenberg. “What it does is it kind of fuses the two textures so you have no beginning and no end to the textures — it’s just kind of a wash on the eye.”

To fill in Cuoco’s lash line and give her flutter a little extra oomph, Greenberg reached for Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner in Soft Black ($10) and Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara in Classic Black ($10). “Kaley wanted [to look very] natural so instead of doing eyeliner on the top, we did it underneath in the lash line,” Greenberg explains. “We filled in the lash line, made it really dark, and that just defined her eye area.” For additional flair, Greenberg cut Ardell Eyelash Demi Wispies ($7) into three sections for more control, then fused them with her natural lashes with another coat of mascara.

Once Cuoco’s eye makeup was complete, Greenberg applied Cover FX Blurring Primer ($38) to her complexion, followed by the Cover FX Power Play Foundation ($44). “We used three different colors. We did the darker colors on the outside and then the lighter colors on the inside,” Greenberg points out. “This is something you can do when you want things to be a little bit more 4D in your pictures. It’s like contouring but not as obvious because she has to look just as good in person as she does in the pictures so it’s a very faint play on [the shadowing technique].” To blur any lines, Greenberg blotted a damp beautyblender across Cuoco’s complexion. Next, she went in with Cover FX Power Play Concealer ($30) under the eyes and over any imperfections.

On Cuoco’s cheeks, Greenberg blended Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Rose Gold ($42). She followed up with the 24K and Rose Gold shades from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette and finished off Cuoco’s face with Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder in Translucent Light ($35), as well as a spritz of Cover FX Mattifying Spray ($31).

To seal her statement beauty look with a kiss, Greenberg layered Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands ($9) and Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Liquid Lipstick in Niagra Nude ($10) across Cuoco’s pout.

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

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Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.