Forget the Selfie Stick. Meet the Selfie Drone.

Katelan Cunningham
Dec 06, 2014

We’re still exploring all that can be done with drones. We know that they can take amazing video footage, potentially deliver packages and be built out of LEGOs. But one of its untapped capabilities is the selfie. And trust us, once you start taking selfies with drones, that selfie stick will become a thing of the past.

This is the ZANO micro drone, and beyond the selfie, it can capture so much more from great heights. The camera is built right into the sleek drone that fits in the palm of your hand. From your smartphone, you can steer the drone, instruct it to hold a position or have it return to base… which is you and your smartphone.

In this little bitty drone, there’s a gyroscope, mic, speaker and GPS sensor, making it super simple to steer. Right now this project is raising funding on Kickstarter. For a $217 pledge, you can get the Super Early Bird ZANO in black or white, with charging cable. You can donate to ZANO through January 8.

What would you capture with the ZANO drone? Let us know in the comments!

Why the “Selfie Effect” Is Causing People to Request Nose Jobs

Nowadays, selfies are everywhere — from Apple’s latest ad campaign to profile photos to the full “selfies” folder on your iPhone, close-up photos of our faces reign supreme. A recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgerydisclosed that even a few years ago, back in 2014, people were snapping 93 billion pictures of themselves on Android phones each day; it’s mindboggling to guess how many selfies we’ve taken over the last half-decade. While selfies can be glamorous, funny, memorable, and even used as your password, researchers have also proven that they can cause unhealthy dysmorphia.

Do you like your facial features when you look in the mirror but feel like they look a little funky or not as attractive to you on your phone screen? If so, you might be observing something the researchers coined the “Selfie Effect,” which primarily causes noticeable distortion to the nose. The effect can be so dramatic that it can make your nose look 30 percent bigger than it actually is. Dr. Anthony Youn, a leading holistic plastic surgeon, explains this modern phenomenon in more detail. “Selfie dysmorphia is a term that describes an unrealistic obsession that many people have with taking selfies, getting rid of their perceived flaws with filters, and then having plastic surgery to try to look like their filtered selfies,” he schools us. “Patients actually bring their filtered and edited selfies to plastic surgeons’ offices and ask them to change their appearance to look like their altered photos.” Boris Pashkover, an assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Otolaryngology and co-author of the study, cites patients coming in with selfies and asking specifically to make their noses smaller. Find this to be sad and unfortunate? Dr. Youn agrees and expresses his concern. “This is unsettling for me (as a board-certified plastic surgeon) because most millennials don’t really ‘need’ anything done.”

“People, especially millennials, need to understand that selfies are not accurate representations of how they look,” he continues. “To be honest, selfies are more like a carnival funhouse version of yourself than an accurate representation — and it all has to do with the distance between your face and the camera.” According to Dr. Youn and the study, the closer you position your face to the camera, the more you might perceive your appearance as altered. “Portrait photos are typically taken from a distance, unlike selfies, which can be captured as little as 12 inches from your face. Portrait photographers have known this for years and take their photos accordingly,” he says. “Selfies aren’t a totally accurate depiction of what a person’s face looks like, and they shouldn’t influence the decision to undergo plastic surgery,” he reiterates.

Good news, though: If you’re not thrilled with how your face or nose look in close-up pictures, moving the camera farther away will definitely help — whether you set it up somewhere and use a timer, or get yourself a selfie stick. And there’s always the option of having someone take a photo for you; the extra distance will give you a better picture that accurately depicts how flawless you really are.

What do you think about the “selfie effect”? Sound off on Twitter @BritandCo.

selfie

6 Reasons 'Nobody Wants This' Wasn't Actually That Good

Okay let's just address the elephant in the room: no, I didn't love Nobody Wants This, despite the fact I'm a massive rom-com fan. (Don't worry, I absolutely still jumped on the Adam Brody Hot Rabbi train). After its premiere on September 26, 2024, the show racked up 10.3 million views in its first week, and quickly got renewed for season 2. But despite the insane popularity, I really didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

That's not to say I hated the show. There were definitely moments that gave me butterflies (hello INSANE first kiss!), and I enjoyed moments with Joanne and Morgan almost more than the rest of the series because they reminded me how much chaos my sister and I get into. Plus, as a victim of the abysmal online dating scene, I did appreciate the way the show emphasized how much dating can suck right now.

And that's the best thing about art — it's supposed to make you think and analyze and feel. And I definitely came away from Nobody Wants This with some interesting feelings.

Here's my very-subjective take on Nobody Wants This...and why I don't really get the hype.

1. ​I don't really see myself in Joanne.

Netflix

As someone who took solace in books and TV shows from an early age (a silver lining to the isolation of homeschooling), I've always felt drawn to characters that simultaneously make me feel seen and inspire me to be a better version of myself. But Kristin Bell's Joanne in Nobody Wants This left me feeling alienated rather than included.

I'm naturally quieter and more timid in large social situations so Joanne's brash, sharper edges caught me a little off guard — and honestly reminded me of past party environments I really didn't enjoy. "In my opinion Joanne is a generic, predictable character of a baddie who hides her insecurities behind the attitude," @niemownikomu says on Reddit.

But even though Joanne and I are so different, I was very touched by the contrast between her larger-than-life personality and her fear that romantic partners would be turned off by her independence. I definitely get that.

2. ​Teasing a romance between Morgan & Sasha is totally inappropriate.

Netflix

One detail that honestly pissed me off about Nobody Wants This was the will-they-won't-they between Morgan and Noah's married (!!!) brother Sasha. Romanticizing cheating on your spouse is never hot or spicy to me, and I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief when creator Erin Foster announced season 2 was ditching that would-be relationship.

3. ​It's way too early for Noah to be in a new relationship.

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

@the_yv_edit on TikTok made an entire video about Noah's red flags, revolving around the idea that a back & forth and up & down romance might be entertaining, but it'll drain you in the long run. And one opinion that kept coming up in the comments was that Noah shouldn't even be thinking about starting something with Joanne. "Him jumping into the relationship was the first and biggest red flag," one user says.

​4. Noah either doesn't do that much in 'Nobody Wants This'...

Netflix

One more thing that @the_yv_editpointed out was that Noah doesn't actually do anything that extraordinary for her. He walks her to her car after the dinner party in the pilot, and they have great communication (thank goodness, I'm all for romanticizing great communication), but that should be the bare minimum people!! Plus did we just gloss over the fact he literally hid her when she came to camp?!

5. Or he goes WAY overboard.

Netflix

And when Noah does ditch her at camp, and Joanne leaves for her work dinner, he winds up at the restaurant (sweet)"but then HE SHOULD HAVE LEFT. Not pulled out candles, commandeered a table, and done the Shabbat ritual in front of her CLIENTS," lizzardmuzic says on Reddit. "I was cringing the whole time and thought it would be an issue, but I guess it was supposed to be a huge romantic gesture? I'm pissed. Everyone in this sub thinks Noah is too perfect, but I don't like him much. If anything, I think they wrote Joanne too perfect."

6. The 'Nobody Wants This' ending left me more stressed than hopeful.

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

This is probably my Type-A oldest daughter realism kicking in, but I can't stop thinking about the end of Nobody Wants This. Considering romantic chemistry only lasts a few years, giving up your life-long dreams to see if a relationship works out really stressed me out. "It was very enjoyable. I just think in reality when the heat cools down as it inevitably does in these kind of relationships somewhere in his life he would truly regret his choice!" Reddit user Artistic_Incident569 says.

But that's what Nobody Wants This is all about right? Taking huge risks and turning your life upside down for love. And I'll admit that that in and of itself is pretty romantic.

What did you think about Nobody Wants This? Let us know what you're excited to see in season 2 on Facebook and read up on 5 Shows That Are (Almost) As Good As Nobody Wants This for even more.

entertainmentpop culturetv

Stassi Schroeder Posted a Makeup-Free Vid to Support Fans With Psoriasis

Stassi Schroeder may look picture-perfect when appearing on her reality series Vanderpump Rules, but beneath that seemingly flawless complexion, she wants us to know that she’s every bit as human as the rest of us.

The Straight Up With Stassi podcast host took to Instagram stories over the weekend sans cosmetics to let fans in on a little secret: She actually suffers from psoriasis. “The psoriasis situation is not on fleek,” she said in the accompanying post video. “If anybody else suffers from this and gets it on their face, I’m with you.”

She reiterated her statements with her caption, saying, “If you suffer from Psoriaris, you ain’t alone. Sh*t sucks.”

It’s not the first time she’s opened up about the topic: Back in 2015, she shared a similar selfie while letting fans in on her big beauty secret: Ultra HD Make Up Forever Foundation ($43).

“So many of you ask what makeup I use because It “looks” like I have flawless skin,” she wrote at the time. “I don’t. And these patches are an f-ing b*tch to cover up and make me feel ugly all the time… Feel beautiful today, girls. We all have our issues.”

View this post on Instagram

Having one of those days where Psoriasis is taking over my life. So many of you ask what makeup I use because it "looks" like I have flawless skin. I don't. And these patches are an effing bitch to cover up and make me feel ugly all the time. So here ya go, a no make up selfie. Feel beautiful today, girls. We all have our issues. PS. I use HD make up forever foundation ;)

A post shared by Stassi Schroeder (@stassischroeder) on

As she told Bravo in a subsequent interview, it’s important for her to be open with her viewers about her looks. “Because I know if I go on another girl’s blog or if I’m looking at her Instagram — I stalk tons of female celebrities too — I don’t like feeling bad about myself,” she shared. “I don’t like when people pretend everything’s perfect, it’s not… And I don’t like when women feel insecure, and I don’t want them to ever look at me and feel that way so that’s why if I need to talk about my psoriasis or the fact that I’m wearing pairs of Spanx, fine.”

Her sentiments echo that of Lorde’s, who shared her own struggles with acne just last week. Kudos to both ladies for showing us all that even with our perceived “flaws,” we’re still beautiful in every way!

What do you think of Stassi’s makeup-free selfie? Share over @BritandCo.

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

(Photo via @stassischroeder + Dia Dipasupil/Getty)

makeupselfieskinspirationalcelebrities

I Just Watched 'Love Actually' For The First Time & I Have So Many Questions

When people hear I've never seen Love Actually, the reactions are all generally the same: genuine shock. It's not that I purposefully avoided the beloved Christmas movie — I just never really got around to watching it. I had to make room for my annual The Holiday rewatch! But this year? This year, I decided to change all that by finally popping on this pop culture phenomenon. And honestly, I was left with so many questions...

Here's every unhinged thought and question I had while watching this cult classic Christmas movie — Love Actually fanatics, please send answers ASAP!

Scroll down to see the 25 questions I had while watching Love Actually for the first time!

Universal Pictures

1. Is it just me, or is it totally wild to mention 9/11 at the very beginning of a Christmas movie?!

I understand this came out in 2003, so it's not too far removed from 9/11, but there's something off about bringing that up at the start. The message is sweet — people reached out to those they loved on that terrible day — but it's also incredibly sad. I'm not saying every moment of a holiday movie needs to be happy, but goodness gracious this is a depressing way to set the tone.

2. Why is Jamie's girlfriend wearing a turtle neck in bed?

Oh...oh, that's why. I mean she had to think that would be a dead giveaway that she didn't plan on resting during her "cold." I've never once put on real clothes when I was sick — I'm in pajamas 24/7! Although, I guess she also didn't plan on wearing much of anything later on...regardless, weird choices all around.

3. Who would honestly think it's a good idea to call a total stranger their "future wife" out of nowhere?

Listen, I get that Colin Frissel is supposed to be the erratic, kooky character who just wants to find love here, but I really don't understand his tactics. Instead of actually trying to get to know any of these women, he fires off these wild comments without a second thought. And then he has the audacity to say that British women are too stuck up to like him? Sorry, dude, but maybe you're just too inconsiderate and unaware to pull any British women — and most women in general.

4. Could Keira Knightley be any more beautiful?!

Okay, I know this isn't a plot point or anything, but holy moly! She looks truly angelic when she walks in for the wedding. No wonder Mark is head over heels for her!

Universal Pictures

5. Does it feel like people are dressed awfully casually for a wedding? (I'm looking at you, Sarah)

Maybe 2003 was a more casual time, maybe daytime British weddings are super chill. I'm not sure what the reason would be, but I couldn't get past how casually dressed the wedding guests were for Juliet and Peter's wedding. Sarah's hat alone was enough to throw me off, TBH.

6. Wait, was this one of the first flash mobs? I'm not even kidding.

I actually had to Google this, but apparently flash mobs did really get started in 2003. So while Mark's surprise for Juliet and Peter isn't the first, it's certainly on-theme for the time!

7. Did he actually just put that food he ate BACK on the tray?

This is genuinely a germaphobe's nightmare — it's me, i'm the germaphobe. Seriously, though, Colin has got to work on his manners if he really wants to find someone to date him. I'm very confused how he thinks this behavior would attract anyone.

8. Have Liam Neeson's eyes always been this blue?

Again, not a plot point, but very distracting. I mean those babies are bright!

Universal Pictures

9. What is Professor Snape doing here?!

I kid, I kid. But seriously, his voice takes me back to Harry Potter immediately.

10. How is it okay for Harry to ask Sarah about her love life — and royally interject in it like that — as her boss?

Don't get me wrong, I know people make friendships outside of work and talk frankly with their coworkers. But suggesting she tell Karl she wants "lots of sex and babies" with him? Yeah, that's definitely HR-report worthy in any workplace literally ever. Rein it in, Harry.

11. Are they allowed to say whatever they want on British radios?

Speaking of just saying inappropriate things at relatively inappropriate times, Billy — and the hosts for that matter — really are pretty crass! I'm not a prude by any means (ask my friends), but I was shocked at what they said on live air. I guess it keeps things interesting?

12. WHO flirts with their boss so blatantly like that?

Mia, most simply put, is BOLD AF. She openly flirts with Harry in the office, literally spreads her legs in front of him at her desk, and asks to dance during a slow song at their company holiday party while his wife is literally right there. I wanna know her backstory because these are wild choices. She doesn't even try to be secretive!

Universal Pictures

13. Why don't Karen and Daniel end up together? They seem to share the most real, authentic love.

Honestly, I love platonic love, so I don't wanna take that away from them. However, there is a part of me that things Karen and Daniel could be the best couple. They seem to truly get each other in a way most of the other actual couples don't. But I guess that's on the purity of friendship?

14. At what point are we supposed to care about Billy?

This singer just really seems like a jerk, and he truly isn't compelling in the least. (And this is coming from someone who loves Bill Nighy!)

15. Oh my god, did they actually just say what I think they did about those dolls?

Needless to say, we would never get a line like this today. I'll leave it at that.

16. Would Jamie's book actually be salvageable at all after flying into the lake?

I need someone who used typewriters a lot to tell me how durable those typed pages would actually be. Would the water totally ruin the ink? Wouldn't the pages stick together irreparably after you took them out of the water? Literally what is he gonna do to finish this thriller? As a fellow writer, I'm stressed on his behalf.

Universal Pictures

17. Why didn't Mark just tell Juliet he was filming these shots as a gift for his best friend?

Boom, problem solved. Instead, he acted like such a weirdo and made it so clear he was in love with her.

18. Did Mark actually tell Juliet just to show herself out of his apartment?

As if he couldn't make it weirder...

19. I'm not trying to be rude, but how is Harry hot enough for Mia to be throwing herself at him like this?!

Who you find attractive is so subjective, but to risk your job and someone's marriage for Professor Snape? Maybe it's his power, maybe it's his elusive (very clearly Scorpio) nature. Whatever it is, I'm just not seeing it. Sorry girly!

20. How many times will Laura Linney play a woman with a brother named Ben in the midst of a mental health crisis?

Ozark, anyone?

Universal Pictures

21. What happens AFTER Juliet kisses Mark?!

I seriously don't know how they move forward normally after this confession and subsequent kiss. First of all, the confession was totally unfair to Peter. How is Mark gonna hold this in all this time, only to blow it all up after they're already married? And then for Juliet to kiss him? Is she giving him a false hope? Does she really like him? Do they keep this a secret? Is this all they need? Honestly, this left me with more questions than answers.

22. Is Billy trying to come out? Or is he saying he platonically loves his manager?

I'm honestly so confused. He called Frank the love of his life, and I just can't tell. (Especially after that awkward hug?)

23. Isn't it a little wild for Jamie to ask Aurelia to marry him? Couldn't they just date first?

I am definitely not blaming him for his girlfriend cheating on him, but I'm sure that level of quick intensity landed him here to begin with. Like come on dude, maybe get to know a girl first! (Still, these two are very sweet — one of the actually compelling couples in this story!)

24. Is that Denise Richards?!

At least her jacket's on correctly here... 😂

25. Why is this movie so SAD?

While I loved seeing Sam and Joanna, John and Just Judy, and the Prime Minister and Natalie find their happy ending, for a Christmas movie, there's ultimately not a lot of happy holiday spirit here... Maybe it's just me, but it feels like a total bummer for most of the movie! BRB while I pop on The Holidayinstead.

Looking for more pop culture hot takes? Be sure to follow us on Facebook for more!

christmas moviesentertainmentmovies

The Best Face Wipes For Sensitive Skin That Actually Remove Waterproof Mascara

There's no worse feeling than going through your entire skincare routine just to realize the products meant to cleanse your skin and remove makeup actually didn't do anything at all. Because leftover mascara is truly the bane of my existence, I've tested tons of face wipes that really get the job done.

These are the best face wipes for sensitive skin (and all skin types!) that effectively clean your complexion from dirt, grime, and any pesky makeup.

Amazon

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleansing Towelettes

These face wipes are my absolute go-to, especially when I'm traveling and don't have room in my carry-on for an entire bottle of micellar water. They leave my skin feeling so fresh. Plus, they deliver tons of moisture since they're formulated with hyaluronic acid – no stripped skin around here!

Amazon

Of course, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Facial Cleansing Towelettes are impressively effective at removing every single trace of makeup, from foundation to eyeliner and mascara. I find that I only really need one wipe to fully clean my face!

Target

up&up Unscented Facial Wipes

B+C Head of Content, Ali, adores these face wipes from Target because they're capable of wiping stubborn mascara right off and don’t ever leave her skin feeling stripped of its moisture. They're formulated without fragrance, making them one of the best face wipes for sensitive skin. They're friendly around the eye area, too. The best part is they're super affordable at just $3 a pop!

Amazon

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Face Wipes

Cetaphil is the bomb when it comes to skincare products for sensitive skin. Their fragrance-free, makeup-removing face wipes are made with aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea that help further soothe the skin after your makeup's gone. They are also amazing at removing dirt, excess oil, and other impurities.

Amazon

Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes

I am capital 'o' Obsessed with these face wipes from Ursa Major. The pack comes with 20 individually-wrapped wipes, which are perfect to take on-the-go for a little refresh. I use them most frequently after the gym, especially if I have somewhere to be right after a workout.

Amazon

The Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes simultaneously clean, exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate using Ursa Major's 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, which is lightly infused with uplifting scented notes of orange, lavender, and fir. They're truly a treat for the skin.

Amazon

Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes

These face wipes are as gentle as can be. The formula is certifiably hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, and non-comedogenic. Plus, they don't dry out the skin!

Amazon

What I like most about the Honest Beauty Fragrance Free Cleansing Makeup Remover Facial Wipes is the cheerful packaging – day or night, using them feels like a dream and offers the perfect dose of self-care.

Target

up&up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

B+C Head of Content, Ali, also loves these Target face wipes and can't leave the store without grabbing 4 at a time. The gentle, calming scent allows for such a luxurious wind-down experience when it's time to remove your makeup at the end of the day. They're so good at removing long-lasting makeup — including waterproof mascara. Score!

Amazon

Burt's Bees Rose Water Face Wipes

Since I typically rely on micellar water to remove my makeup when I'm posted up at home, I really love these Burt's Bees face wipes infused with it. They get the job done super quick, while the rose water helps soothe my skin so it's not dry or inflamed at the end of the day.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more beauty faves!

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

beauty productsskincareskincare essentialsshopping roundupeditecombeauty