The Best Makeup for Your Zodiac Sign: Cancer Edition

We’re now stepping into the second half of our Zodiac Beauty series, as we discover more radiant beauty inspired by the stars. This month we move from the playful bold lip for Gemini to a bronze smokey eye and berry lip look brought to you by our very own celestial Cancer babe and Senior Visual Designer, Annie. What better way to switch up our makeup routine than to rely on advice that was written in the stars?

Cancer Beauty Profile If your sign is Cancer or you have a Cancer close to your heart, then you know first hand how unwavering these souls are in their loyalty. Always the great listener and nurturing to those around her, she knows how to care for loved ones without losing sight of herself. Which is why her flawless radiant skin needs to be topped off with a subtle and sexy bronzed smokey eye and bold berry lip that embody just enough of that self-loving confidence.

Get The Look For Cancer: Bronzed Smokey Eye, Radiant Skin + Berry Lip

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Follow this tutorial here to get your flawless foundation to build the rest of this glowing look. The key component is to get glowing skin with a really radiant highlighter like Too Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo ($30). Apply with a fan brush to your upper cheekbones, slightly over your blush, up onto your temples, down the bridge of your nose, on your brow bones and finally right above your cupid’s bow.

Step 1: Bronzed Smokey Eye:This is all about a one-sweep application of a reflective bronzed shadow like Tarte Tarteist Metallics Shadow in Hussy ($14). Use your finger or a flat makeup brush to swipe on a layer of this highly pigmented shimmering bronze shadow.

Step 2: Bold Berry Lip: This shade is the perfect balance of a deep brownish red and a berry hue, suggesting a sweet self confidence when paired with an otherwise simple look. Annie is wearing Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Deep Brown-Red ($26).

Finishing Touches: Mascara Up: Finally, add a coat or two of your favorite mascara to complete this look.

Couldn’t help but jump in for a little moment with this bombshell!

Are you gonna check out any of these goodies? Tweet us @BritandCo!

Are you gonna check out any of these goodies? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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

Are you gonna check out any of these goodies? Tweet us @BritandCo!

Are you gonna check out any of these goodies? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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

(Photo via Wet n Wild)

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

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 with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Cats rule, dogs drool (or so says the internet, at least). It seems that we’re all secretly (or not-so-secretly) cat ladies, attending cat yoga classes, buying cat furniture, and Instagramming our kitties — it’d be a crime not to share those cute faces with the world. But there are some celeb-status felines who fetch major likes for their adorable mugs and silly antics. We all have our favorite internet cats, for sure, but you may be missing out on some serious gems. We paired each zodiac sign with a popular internet kitty just to give you options (you’re welcome in advance).

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

Maru: This intrepid feline knows exactly what he wants and how to get it — namely, boxes and being inside them. It’s this same type of resilience and bravery that makes us love you so much, Aries. Neither of you know how to take no for an answer and often find yourself in situations (or boxes) where the only way out is to fight through it. We admire your shared determined bravery (and Maru’s adorable facial expressions too).

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20)

Shironeko: Lazy mornings, curled up in bed with a big cup of coffee, a good book, and a cute cat — sound like paradise to you, Taurus? You’re a confirmed homebody who prefers to be surrounded by beautiful things (who doesn’t?!) and enjoys spending time with loved ones. Shironeko is known for his happy-go-lucky, sweetly laid-back personality, seemingly always dosing in the sun or spooning with a friend. Sounds like the life to you!

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20)

Bonnie and Clyde: As an inquisitive, energetic soul, you totally get it. Sometimes, curiosity does kill the cat. And these two Himalayan siblings know a thing or two about getting into mischief — just check out the daily videos their owner posts on Instagram for proof of their mischief. This pair also represents your own natural duality, offering that yin and yang you need to stay grounded. These two poufs are also particularly affectionate with their family, and we know how much showing your love means to you. Go ahead; give ’em a follow.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22)

Lil Bub: Have you seen a sweeter, more disarming animal than Lil Bub? Born with several genetic mutations that are responsible for her short legs and toothlessness (thus that perma-tongue), she put some serious Cancerian tenacity to the test as a baby to survive, and just look at her now. She’s a loyal, playful cat who loves her family and loves to eat. We figured this one would pull on those trademark heartstrings of yours, sensitive Cancer.

LEO (JULY 23-AUGUST 22)

Lola Emeline: You’ve got a big personality and a penchant for drama, and this internet kitty can definitely match you for both. Lola lives with four brothers and sisters and rules over them all with benevolent grace (and a perfected icy glare). She’s definitely got that Leo fire inside her, as neither of you like being told what to do and both prefer to be the center of attention.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22)

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The Queen is not pleased. Heads will roll.

A post shared by Smoothie the Cat (@smoothiethecat) on

Smoothie: The green eyes, those highlights, that poise — Smoothie cat is a physical embodiment of your perfectionist tendencies, Virgo. And from what we can tell from her owner’s Instagram, it seems this tiny fluff ball is quite the reserved, shy kitty, and you’ve got your own chilled-out vibe working for you.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22)

Snoopybabe: You’re a people-pleaser who feels happiest surrounded by your friends and family, forever the consummate hostess, Libra. Snoopybabe, with those big, sad eyes, cute little ears, and super fuzzy body is a people-pleaser too, in that literally, no one can resist his charms.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23-NOVEMBER 21)

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I'm sorry, whose bed did you say this was? 😹

A post shared by Lazarus (@goprofrozenkitten) on

Lazarus: There’s no one more resourceful and brave than you, Scorpio — except, of course, for Lazarus the cat. This incredible feline was found lifeless, buried under freshly fallen snow, when he was literally brought back to life by his now-forever family. To show his appreciation, Lazarus is the most loyal, true companion anyone could ask for, even keeping watch over his owner’s side while he was laid up by a broken leg. Yep, we know it sounds familiar!

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 21)

Honey Bee: Nicknamed “the hiking cat,” Honey Bee is an adventurer just like you, Sag. Honey Bee enjoys the great outdoors no matter the weather, bravely forging her own path (literally) through the forests of Seattle with her two humans, never letting the fact that she can’t see stand in her way. She’s an inspiration to anyone, but especially to you, since travel and freedom are at the core of who you are.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22-JANUARY 19)

Grumpy Cat: We’re not saying you’re always grumpy, Cap, it’s just that Grumpy Cat does not suffer fools — and neither do you. Yes, you both exhibit incredible self-control, with Grumpy Cat doubling down on that trademark frown, and your incredible focus on succeeding on every front. Thing is, both you and Grumpy Cat are actually loyal, family-oriented beings with mushy centers full of love. We see you.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20-FEBRUARY 18)

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Yay! ❤️😍😀😀😀

A post shared by Nyan Cat (@_nyan.cat) on

Nyan Cat: Nyan cat is an internet kitty in a league of its own (what with being computerized and all), which makes him a perfect complement to your quirky personality, Aquarius. Nyan is a cat with a Pop-Tart body and a rainbow-colored trail, flying through space. That’s basically the best metaphor for how you live your life, with free-wheeling independence and an appreciation for all things original taking center stage in your life.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19-MARCH 20)

Fukumaru: With one blue eye and one gold eye, this Japanese cat immediately gives off an other-worldly vibe. And once you learn that he just showed up out of nowhere on his now-owner’s farm and has stuck around as her loyal companion ever since, that meant-to-be feeling gets even stronger. As a spiritual empath yourself, it’s a feeling you know well, Pisces. We have a hunch you two would get along very well indeed.

Did we leave one of your favorite internet cats off the list? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know who you love.

(Featured photo via Luca Teuchmann/Getty)

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

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

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

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

Image via brands.