"Boyfriend Air" Is All Over TikTok, But What Is It?

Apr 25, 2023

Maybe she’s born with it — maybe it’s boyfriend air. According to a new TikTok theory that has garnered over 73 million views, you’re not the only one feeling the ick after spending time with your significant other. Apparently, it’s common to feel a little yuckier after spending consecutive nights with your partner. We can blame it on the fact that your good self-care products are at home, but what if it’s not you… what if it’s him?

Whatever it is, energy doesn’t lie and if thousands of women are validating this theory, then it’s probably worth looking into. And who better to go to than a body-loving sexpert who will tell us everything we need to know about the energy exchange? Let’s start with the facts:

What even is boyfriend air?

According to Laura Delarato, author of My Pleasure: An Intimate Guide to Loving Your Body and Having Great Sex, “boyfriend air is when a person looks less put together after spending time with their boyfriend.” So, you know when you spoon your man on his flattened pillow and wake up with a breakout on your chin? Then you hop in the shower and wash the oil out of your hair with his 3-in-1 body wash? Yeah, that’s what we’re talking about. That sort of musk in the air.

“Yes, of course, when you engage in any physical activity with a partner, the makeup, the hair, the look is not going to stay in place. But we’re talking about energy here, and a low amount of it can certainly dull skin, cause dark circles, flatten hair, etc.,” says Delarato — and she makes a great point. After a weekend of ordering out, steamy sex, and lounging on the couch, you’ll probably feel a little heavier, energy-wise, and your body could certainly show it.

Could an irregular skin and hair care routine be to blame — or something else entirely?

When you spend lots of time with your boyfriend, me-time turns into we-time, and you may find yourself prioritizing things that offer a mutual benefit over your own self-care. “It’s possible that once a person is comfortable in a relationship the baseline skin and hair routines fall to the wayside — and that’s okay,” Delarato assures us. “If those routines are important to you, or if you’re finding you’re not enjoying how you feel giving away so much energy, find ways to incorporate those back into your calendar.”

Is boyfriend air a threat to relationships?

You might feel physically worse after spending too much time with your boo, but boyfriend air shouldn’t impact your emotional connection. Delarato says there’s nothing to worry about: “I don’t believe boyfriend air is a threat to a relationship — if anything, it’s a fairly normal occurrence when a person is experiencing the same routine with their partner.”

However, that’s not to say that you’re completely off the hook. If there is something beneath the (smelly) surface that needs to be addressed, you should feel comfortable bringing it up to your partner.

“I find the threat here to be less about the effects of boyfriend air, and more about not checking in individually and as a couple to make sure you’re both getting what you need to feel good in your body,” Delarato shares.

So, how do you combat boyfriend air?

Now, I know we’ve made this out to seem like a pretty scary phenomenon (blame TikTok, not me!), but there are ways to combat the invisible ick. Delarato offers this: “The best way to combat boyfriend air is to have a check in with yourself about what you need to be the best version of you.”

Instead of harping on what we-time has done to you, think about what me-time could do for you. “If your look is important to you, take stock of your routine and make room for it when you’re spending time with your partner — this is a good time to chat about leaving a few items at their place so you can feel like your best self when you’re over. If you’re not getting enough sleep, have a conversation about your schedule and preferred bed times. Of course, it’s not always going to be perfect but the time you put into yourself will help support the energy you provide to your partner.”

Where do I start?

The best way to freshen the air is with a solid skin and hair care routine. We recommend these travel-sized beauty products for your next sexy sleepover:

Fenty Skin Start’rs Set ($45)

Fenty Skin Body Duo ($45)

Pattern Beauty On-the-Go Kit ($27)

Glossier Boy Brow + Balm Dotcom + Futuredew (Was $57, now $48)

Chill Tips Press-Ons ($16-$18)

What a relief it is to fiiiiiinally put a name to an experience so many of us share. Now that we’ve identified boyfriend air, let’s get to the bottom of it — and do away with it for good. 💪

What are your tips for fighting boyfriend air? Let us know on Twitter and in the comments!

Header image viaToa Heftiba / Unsplash

22 Gift Ideas From Target To Surprise Everyone On Your Holiday Shopping List

If you're playing Santa this holiday season, you'll want to pay extra attention to Targetbecause they've got so many goodies for every budget. From what we've seen, you can find a gift in just about any category, ranging from tech to beauty and wellness. Between us, some of our editorial team already has some good gets from this list in their carts — the gifts are that good. So whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, birthdays, or just because, I've rounded up plenty of options for you!

Scroll down for 22 great gift ideas from Target!

The Best Gifts For Your Beauty-Obsessed Bestie

Target

SLF LED Face Mask

Soon your beauty-obsessed bestie will be able to say she has an LED face mask in her possession thanks to this version that's only $100 at Target! So far it has 8 5-star ratings which means it's going to give you the same benefits as a pricier one. What benefits, you ask?

The 7 different light therapy colors target everything from circulatory to scarring issues over time, leaving one's face refreshed each time it's used. It also makes sure your skincare goodies do their job more effectively.

P.S. It comes with a rechargeable USB and accompanying bag so it can be easily stored when not in use.

Target

Osea Bestsellers For Face & Body Kit

Beauty sets are ever popular this year because they truly make for the best gift ideas! With Osea's bestseller's kit, you can surprise the beauty lover in your life with products designed for their face and body. From the cleanser to the hydrating body oil, someone may fall in love with Osea and look for ways to incorporate more products into their daily routine!

Target

Cantu Sleigh All Day Holiday Gift Set

Give your sister or bestie the gift of slaying the holidays and new year with this cute set! It includes the following:

Cantu Extra Hold Stay Gel
Cantu Edges Styler
Cantu Coconut Curling Cream
Eylure Luxe Marquise False Eyelashes
Elegant Touch Press On Nails in Cocoa Crush

Their Christmas hairstyle and nails will be on point if you decide they need this before December 25.

Target

Rael Blemish Essentials Care Gift Sets

Pimples won't be able to crush anyone's holiday plans thanks to this blemish kit. It has 54 pimple patches and two amazing tea tree face masks for anyone who doesn't have time for beauty setbacks. From spot covers to overnight treatments, there's something that tackles breakouts in a cinch!

The Best Gifts For Whoever's Booked & Busy

Threshold Wood Lidded Glass Wellness Calm Candle

An at-home spa day always requires things that will help set the tone. One of the best ways you can help that booked and busy person in your life is to gift them with a candle that smells like lavender & sage. Both are known to invoke a sense of calm which is often needed for the person who's always on the go.

Target

Oura Ring 4

Forget the beloved Apple Watch and surprise your sister or bestie with the Oura Ring 4! It has Smart Sensing that'll provide insights about their health in ways they'd never expect. With 30 biometrics, sleep, activity, stress, and heart health trends will be recorded in real time. Though it looks bulky, it have a comfortable fit for daily wear and can be used with apps like Apple Health, Flo, and more.

Target

Therabody Theragun Relief

Our affiliate writer Meredith Holser gave her honest reviews about the Theragun before so we can vouch for how well it works. If you know someone who does physical labor or complains of intense neck or shoulder pain from sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day, you need to surprise them with this. It's an investment that'll provide them with the relief they're looking for because chronic pain can lead to more stress!

It comes with:

3 massage attachments
Standard Ball
Dampener
Thumb
USB-C charging cable

Target

Sharper Image Portable Sauna

Forget booking another spa day and opt for something that'll always be in reach for the person who needs an intense sweat session. Its spacious design will allow the user to fit comfortably inside and receive the steam treatment of their dreams.

if you've ever been to a sauna then you know how amazing your body feels afterwards, plus it promotes a good night's sleep that rivals the benefits of sleepmaxxing!

Target

Green Inspired Guided Journal Softcover Sewn Today with Intention

Once that person's done pampering themselves, they'll love reaching for this intentional journal that helps them practice reflective self-care. Filled with different journal prompts that encourage practicing gratitude, it's the perfect gift for the person whose mind can't stop filtering from one task to the next.

The Best Target Gifts For The Book Lover In Your Life

Target

WITHit Quad Light LED Reading Light

This is for the book lover who won't stop straining their eyes to read at night when they're supposed to be sleeping. This LED reading light is secure enough to attach to any book and makes it easier to see the words on the page thanks to its 4-level brightness design.

Target

Threshold 2 Pack Marble and Wood Bookend Set

Has your bestie been raving nonstop about bookends to hold her books together? Look no further than this gift idea from Target.

Target

Brightroom Bamboo Bathtub Caddy

And if they insist on reading books while taking a bath, help them keep their latest read dry wit this bathtub caddy.

Target

DesignWorks Inc Book Lovers Journal

If 2025 is the year your bestie has declared she's going to track her reading habits, she needs a cute and compact book journal to help her do it. She can even write her own reviews of everything she's read — for better or worse!

Target

City Creek Prints

For the fun of it, gift your bestie with this canvas tote print and watch their eyes light up.

The Best Gifts For Anyone Obsessed With #FoodTok

Target

Gatherings

We all know that one person who can't stay away from #FoodTok and we get it. Help them start recreating meals in the comfort of the home with this casual-fancy cookbook.

Target

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard

We love Tieghan Gerard's recipes that she shares on her Half Baked Harvest site because they're flavorful and simple to make! She's got everything from cocktails to holiday-themed desserts that make our mouths water every time we see them.

Surprise the foodie in your life with her Super Simple cookbook in case they're on the hunt for quick and easy meals that'll happily fill their bellies.

Target

Hot Ones Hot Sauce Trio Pack

There's at least one person you know who's seen every episode of Hot Ones by now so we think you should surprise t hem with this hot sauce kit. They'll get to taste the mildest and hottest of flavors which may produce similar hilarious results as seen on the show!

Target

Figmint 7.5qt Enamel Dutch Oven in Blue

Target gift ideas often include a range of things - like this Dutch oven. Needless to say, it's mandatory for the cook in your life to have one.

Target

Hearth & Hand With Magnolia French Press Coffee Maker

Is there someone in your inner circle that won't stop chatting about French press coffee? It's a great idea for anyone who doesn't want to rely on a machine to brew their cup of coffee.

Target

Polder Twist Digital Kitchen Timer with Extra Large Black Display

I know it's seems lazy but a digital kitchen timer simplifies the cooking process.

Target

Ninja Luxe Café 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee, and Cold Brew

But, you can splurge and surprise them with this Ninja Espresso machine! It has all the bells and whistles that'll make anyone feel like they've been working evening shifts at Starbucks. We can't get enough of the coffee bean grinder and attached milk frothing option that gives us the warmest or coldest foam we've ever tasted!

Target

Threshold 4pk Coupe Ribbed Glass Set

We already know your bestie needs the perfect glassware set for your upcoming Christmas gathering so why not gift her with this fancy set? You'll love looking at your peppermint cocktail recipes floating in these pretty glasses.

Which Target gift ideas are you adding to your Christmas list? Share with us below and subscribe to our newsletter for more holiday inspo!

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

This post has been updated.

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

twitter.com

We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

twitter.com

Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

twitter.com

Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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The 7 Best Foundations For Acne-Prone Skin, According To Reddit Users

Acne-prone skin can be as moody as it is sensitive, and finding makeup that doesn't clog your pores can feel maddening. Luckily for us, some finely skilled Reddit users know how to weed through the BS and find just about anything you might need — including the best foundation for acne-prone skin. While other foundations seem to send out a bat signal to inflammation and breakouts, trust me when I say these won't.

Seriously, so many people had the best recommendations, from weightless to full coverage options. Still, it's important to note that not every option will work for everyone. If you want to best understand what foundation fits your skin best, this Master Esthetician (hi, Theonlytruesavage!) commented, "Only an isolated test of that one product can really tell you what works. And I mean 1 isolated product." They suggest trying a single foundation and changing "nothing else in your routine for 30 days at a minimum."

So, if you're looking to make a change and finally find the best foundation for acne-prone skin, look no further! From drugstore to more luxury options, here's what you should try, per our BFFs at Reddit.

Sephora

Tower 28 Broad Speactrum SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

As a huge Tower 28fan, I'm actually surprised I haven't tried this tinted SPF yet. But, after seeing how much the Reddit community loves it, I have complete confidence that it's safe for acne-prone skin. Some important things to note about this fan-favorite are that it's:

Fragrance-free
Non-Comedogenic
Marked safe for people who have acne
Has natural coverage and light finish

You're essentially getting a lightweight foundation that offers protection from the sun with ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, prickly pear extract, and white sage extract.

Sephora

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

This community-loved on Sephora — and Reddit — may be the best foundation for acne-prone skin because of it's weightless formula. Also, the botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and water lily ingredients treat the skin from the inside out. Other important things to note are that this foundation:

Offers medium coverage
Has a natural finish
Is great for oily, combination, and normal skin

Sephora

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Here's another weightless foundation you can pick up at Sephora. The formula is a little thinner than most because of it's "serum-like" finish, but that's nothing to be scared of! It has Vita-Serum Complex as well as Diamond Core Powder Technology in it — two things that not only champion hydration, but also creates a "burring, illuminated effect."

Sephora

Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation

This foundation is for my full-coverage girlies who want to get a glam look that doesn't irritate their skin. This option from Nars got SO many shoutouts on Reddit — probably because it doesn't have things like parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, or mineral oil in it, making it an optimal choice. The bio hyaluronic acid, micro-algae extract, and anti-oxidation complex make me want to give it a chance this weekend!

Sephora

Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation

Weightless foundations can be long-wearing, too — just look at the beloved Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation. It features light-diffusing pigments, blurring spheres, and more antioxidants that work overtime to keep your skin healthy. If you're still on the fence about trying it, a Sephora survey indicates 87% of people who tried it feels like it "gives a soft-focus finish." Yes please!

Sephora

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

This full-coverage foundation for acne-prone skin is going to keep things matte when you wear it. Apparently the formula was changed so that it became breathable and healthier due to not having any mineral oil in it. This option is:

Fragrance-free
Long-wearing
Matte

Plus, this contains hyaluronic acid — always a plus to get that sweet, sweet serum love!

Sephora

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Foundation

Out of all the foundations we've listed, none of them have claimed to be a "complexion booster" like Charlotte Tilbury's formula. Truthfully it's all in the name — with milled powders and porcelain flower extract, you'll appreciate the glow this foundation adds to your skin.

If you need more beauty recs, follow our Amazon Storefront for everything we love to keep stocked.

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

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Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.