It's the first day of April, and we're celebrating it by sharing which Sephora birthday gift you can get this month. That's right — I'm talking about all the freebies you can find! Well, not all of them — just enough to help you find new makeup, skincare, or haircare products to add to your vanity. After looking at the options Sephora has to offer this month, we're sure you'll have a hard time choosing from all the great options.
Let's jump into the 6 glamorous Sephora birthday gifts you can get this month!
In order to redeem your birthday gift, you have to become a beauty insider. Signing up is completely free.
Some of them are, but some can be picked up in-stores. You'll want to look online to see if the birthday gift you want has the "Available online only" or "Available in Store only" label.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could have all the things? Unfortunately, you can only choose one birthday gift set.
If you recently became a beauty insider, you'll be in the 'insider' tier. Here's the requirements to reach the next tiers:
You'll have to continue spending those amounts to maintain your VIB or Rogue status. At that point, you'll be able to redeem a Rogue VIB birthday gift.
Other than that, you have free reign to choose from 7 other great options! Here's everything you can choose during your birthday month!
What's included:
Kosas is known for their skincare-friendly makeup which makes this birthday gift so exciting. You'll get one of the best lip oils that'll gives your lips a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and it'll make them look kissable. Additionally, you can give your eyebrows a little boost with Kosas' air brow gel!
What's included:
What's included:
Then again, you can decide to have an extra 250 bonus points added to your account. I reached the VIB rogue tier by choosing this option one year and my total accumulated points allowed me to save $10 off my next purchase. It's a win even if it's not a gift set.
What's included:
What's included:
While Sephora's other birthday gifts won't change in April, there's a new Rogue VIB option to look forward to! Sephora loves surprising their amazing customers with hydrating birthday gifts and this set is right on time for all your vacation needs. The air on airplanes can be drying so you'll need Summer Friday's jet lag mask for your face and their lip butter balm for your lips!
Which of the Sephora birthday gifts will you be taking home this month?
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post is updated each month to reflect new Sephora birthday gift deals.
Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department is on its way, and among the endless Easter eggs and library pop-up TikToks, one thing's for sure: Swifties want a Taylor Swift book badly. We know Taylor's writing the screenplay for her very first feature-length movie (for Searchlight Pictures, the company behind movies like Suncoast and Kinds of Kindness!!), and we'd love to see a novel too! Here's everything we know about the Taylor Swift book rumors.
Image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
There are no confirmed reports of Taylor Swift writing a book. However, with so many of her lyrics sounding like poetry, the final track on Midnights being called "Dear Reader," and the fact The Tortured Poets Department has so many library themes and tie-ins, Swifties are starting to wonder if a book is on its way. In fact, Reddit users are hoping for everything from a Selena Gomez cookbook collab to an art book.
@hjulrich on TikTok points out that the consistent number two references Taylor Swift has made since she announced TTPD in February could be another project instead of another album. "I think it’s a book as well," one comment agrees. "I think the book is coming out on May 2nd a fortnight after the album release." The first TTPD track is called "Fortnight" *and* Taylor's online cluesare starting to spell out "Post-Fortnight!"
Image via Taylor Swift/YouTube/UMG
In the music video short film for "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version)," Taylor (and Stranger Things' Sadie Sink) plays a fictionalized version of herself — one who grows up to be an author. The music video ends with Taylor publishing a book titled "All Too Well" and doing a special reading at the Housing Works bookstore in New York City.
Image via Amazon
Taylor Swift hasn't published a children's book, but you can buy a children's book about her! Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography is a super cute read for kids (or collectors of any age) that goes into some of her life, her songwriting, and why Swifties love her.
Image via Apple
Rumors were circulating that Taylor Swift was the author behind Argylle, a story about an author who loves all things cozy and all things cats. However, after it turned out to be false (along with a rumor Ryan Reynolds penned the book), the real authors turned out to be Australian novelist & screenwriter Terry Hayes and British author Tammy Cohen.
Image via Taylor Swift/UMG
Taylor Swift is famous for writing her own music, and has solo writing credits on her Tortured Poets Department songs "Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” and “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys.” She's also the only writer behind hit songs "Fifteen," "Red," "This Love," "Daylight," "Cornelia Street," "My Tears Ricochet," and the entirety of her Speak Now album.
What would you want a Taylor Swift book to focus on? Check out 29 Books From Reese Witherspoon's Book Club List Worth Reading for more book ideas.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Taylor Swift may be known for giving us hits like "Cruel Summer" and "Bad Blood," but fans also know her look isn't complete without red lipstick. Whether she's onstage performing, accepting an award, or supporting her boyfriend Travis Kelce at the Chief's games, her smudge-proof red lips are always in attendance. Although it may not seem like much, seeing her rock a bold shade reignited my love for bold makeup. But, I'd be lying if I said it was easy to remember makeup hacksthat'll help others find the best red lip stick for their complexion.
To help me get back on the right track, I reached out to the clever author Candice Brathwaite-Aboderin about her signature lip. Aside from having an appealing sense of style and an unforgettable way with words, her signature red lipstick also captures my attention whenever she wears it. She usually wears Fenty Beauty's Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in "The MVP" or Trish McEvoy in Red with MAC Cosmetics Nighmoth lip liner.
She said, "Funny enough, the inspiration behind wearing red lipstick was to be defiant. It had often been said that black women, particularly dark skinned black women, didn’t look good in red lipstick. I had already bucked the trend by shaving my head way before we knew who Amber Rose was so this felt no different."
Her decision to create a contrast that has a "perfect frame" for her lips is also intentional. "The idea to wear a darker lipliner (which creates an ombré effect) was definitely rooted in my love for 90’s hip hop and dancehall culture. All the female artists of that time leaned on a darker lipliner with a truck load of gloss on top," said Candice. Besides that, she prefers the way the lip liner helps her favorite shades not to look harsh on her.
Even though she and Taylor Swift have cracked the code for their complexions, we both know it's still not easy to find a shade you may love. To help simplify things, I spoke with veteran makeup artist and founder of premium makeup brush brand Artis(yes!) Matthew Waitesmith so you can find the best red lipstick that suits you. Also, keep reading to learn every shade Taylor Swift swears by!
Image via Sam Lion/Pexels
As the former VP of Artist Training and Development at MAC Cosmetics with consult work for Kiehl's, Lancôme, Nars, and La Mer, Matthew knows a thing or two about creating makeup looks that are specifically formulated different complexions. He said there are two things to consider when searching for the best red lipstick. "One is the value [lightness or deepness] of your skin's pigmentation. And the other consideration is the natural undertones occurring in your skin color.
The value of your skin is important to consider since how color looks is dependent on surrounding [colors]."
Matthew noted that a good example of this is by thinking about how the color blue may look different depending on the shade next to it. "...blue will look different if it is surrounded by a pale beige compared to a rich brown. The blue is the same, but it looks different because the surrounding colors influence how you see it in contrast."
Image via Patrick Smith / Staff / Getty Images Sport
There's been speculations about the exact shade of red lipstick Taylor Swift has been wearing to the Chief's game, but it can be argued that one of her favorite shades is by none other than makeup artist Pat McGrath. This is partly due to McGrath sharing how she made Taylor's "Bejeweled" music video looks come to life an interview with E! News last year. She said, "When I think of Taylor, I always think of a perfect red lip...I couldn't imagine not doing something with red lipstick."
Although the Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson is currently sold out, here's a few more of Taylor Swift's red lipstick picks as shared by Pop Sugar:
Image via Photo by Adrienne Andersen/Pexels
Contrary to what some may believe, deeper skin complexions are able to wear color well — including red lipstick. Matthew said, "A Person with a deep skin color value will be able to wear lots of different colors of red due to all the rich colors and undertones that surround the red lips."
This is the first shade of red lipstick I wore when I was granted permission to wear something bold. It definitely attracted a lot of attention in 2011, but I didn't care. I wore it every chance I got and purchased this many times over during my early 20s.
This is another beautiful shade for darker complexions that's not as bold as Ruby Woo. The color payoff is amazing and it doesn't budge as much.
In an effort for those with a deeper complexion to not feel excluded from wearing red lipstick, educator NaChé Thompson decided to create a shade that felt inclusive. Named after grandmother, she said "The right touch of blue makes Ruby the epitome of the perfect red lipstick to complement a wide range of skin tones. You can wear [Ruby] for up to nine solid hours without needing to reapply, and it defies the norm of dry and crusty matte lipsticks."
I've had a chance to wear it and find that the creamy texture is almost irresistible!
Image via Sephora
People with this complexion "generally have warm undertones that include golden or yellow as a part of the skin color composition. So, they should pick a red that includes them," said Matthew. He also indicated that medium complexions can include an olive undertone and that reds with warm undertones — like coral or even warm pink — will work for them.
Also known as Selena Gomez's favorite shade, "Inspire" is a bright-red that's hydrating despite it's matte finish. It literally glides onto the lips where it sits comfortably throughout the day.
Long before we know of Shonda Rhimes' Queen Charlotte, Ms. Tilbury was the one we bowed down to. Her matte revolution lipstick is considered a community favorite on Sephora and features the glorious "Red Carpet Red" shade that just looks like it belongs on the lips.
If you want to cause a commotion, you'll reach for Tom Ford's "Flame" matte lipstick. It's a bright red-orange that complements medium complexions like no other.
Image via Sephora
Patrick TA's Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in "That's Why She's Late" Cherry Red
On other hand, Matthew said, "A lighter skin person needs to be more thoughtful about picking a red that plays nicely with the subtle undertones — pink or cool — of their skin. Choosing a red that includes neutral/pink or cool undertones will look like it belongs on the skin."
While this can be considered a universal red lipstick, "400 Four Hundred" looks like it was made for fairer complexions. It's comfortable enough to wear all day and will give you a nice pout.
Rev up the drama with this rebellious shade of red lipstick by Yves Saint Laurent. It's made without parabens or sulfates, so you won't have to fret about harsh chemicals on your lips!
What's full of hydrating ingredients that don't skimp on rich color? This shade by bareMinerals that's set to become the best red lipstick for your fair complexion.
Image via Sephora
Lastly, Matthew said, "...the best final step is to try several reds on, and at look at the resulting color in natural daylight to see if the red plays nicely with your skin color." He doesn't believe there's ever a "wrong" red, but feels that there are reds that can blend in better with your skin.
"Either way, red is a great way to bring attention to your look and get reactions, "he said. In other words, have fun finding the best red lipstick that complements your complexion and don't be afraid to be bold!
If you've found the best red lipstick you swear by, let us know in the comments! Shop more of our favorite products in our Amazon storefront!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Image via Photo by Adrienne Andersen/Pexels
This post has been updated.
Taurus is the second sign of the zodiac, falling between April 20th and May 20th. It belongs to the Earth element along with Virgo and Capricorn. Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and money, rules this sign, which makes this sign notorious for sensuality, pleasure, and the desire for aromatic experiences. Taurus is associated with stability, sensuality, determination, and practicality. Like the bull, it loves to be in calm environments and indulge in the moment with the pleasures of life and luxury.
Taurus is a fixed sign, which means that individuals born under this sign tend to be stable and unwavering. They're known for their persistence, reliability, and resistance to change. Once they set their sights on a goal or a particular way of life, they are unlikely to steer off course easily – it may take a while. This makes them the most consistent sign of the zodiac, enabling them to see through their goals at their unique pace.
Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova / PEXELS
Taurus individuals approach life with a grounded and practical outlook, grounded in their values of stability, security, and appreciation for simple pleasures. They have a fixed understanding that success and fulfillment often come from hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Their practicality allows them to face challenges with resilience and determination. Fleeting trends or impulsivity do not easily sway Taurus individuals; instead, they prefer to take a steady and methodical approach to achieving their goals. They understand the value of patience and persistence, knowing that success is often the result of consistent effort over time.
At the same time, Taurus individuals have a deep appreciation for the beauty and pleasures of life. They take joy in the sensory experiences that life has to offer, whether it's indulging in delicious food, surrounding themselves with luxurious comforts, or immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. Taurus individuals understand the importance of savoring life's pleasures and finding moments of tranquility away from modern-day doom scrolling.
The bull sign approach life with a balanced perspective, valuing both stability and enjoyment. They understand the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving their goals, while also taking the time to appreciate the beauty and richness of the world around them. With their practicality, determination, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures, Taurus individuals thrive in life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Photo by Samson Katt / PEXELS
A Taurus embodies solidity and reliability, grounded in their unwavering nature and practical approach to life. With a deep-rooted connection to the Earth element, they exude a sense of stability and dependability that others find reassuring. Their personality is a harmonious blend of strength, sensuality, and steadfastness, reflecting the influence of their ruling planet, Venus.
They delight in the sensory experiences that the world has to offer, from the taste of sumptuous cuisine to the feel of luxurious fabrics against their skin. Taurus individuals have an innate ability to find beauty every day, infusing even the most mundane moments with a touch of magic.
One of the defining traits of Taurus is their determination and perseverance. When they set their sights on a goal, they pursue it with relentless focus and dedication, refusing to be swayed by distractions or setbacks. Their tenacity is matched only by their patience, as they understand that true success often requires time and persistence.
Despite their strong-willed nature, Taurus individuals are known for their gentle and nurturing spirit. They are fiercely loyal to their loved ones, offering unquestionable support and encouragement when needed. Taurus can be relied upon in times of trouble to provide a steady shoulder to lean on and a listening ear to confide in.
However, Taurus individuals can also be stubborn at times, unwilling to compromise or yield to the demands of others. While their persistence is admirable, it can sometimes lead to conflicts or dead ends in relationships. Learning to balance their determination with a willingness to adapt and compromise is an ongoing journey for many Taurus individuals.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto / PEXELS
Taurus individuals are known for their loyalty and devotion to love and relationships. They seek stability and security in their romantic partnerships, valuing honesty, trust, and dependability above all else. With Venus as their guide, they desire a picturesque yet genuine love story. Showering their lovers with gifts and physical affection is their primary love language. Getting involved with a Taurus can make you experience love in the moment and safe. It is sensual, extrasensory, and at times can feel primal. A Taurus can extend the space for you to appreciate a simple life. There is a catch, the courting phase may take very long.
Taurus individuals are sensual beings who enjoy physical intimacy and the finer things in life. They often express their love through gestures of affection and support. They are patient and committed partners, willing to invest time and effort into building a strong and lasting bond with their significant other. As mentioned before, it takes a lot for a Taurus to make a move or change a pattern in everything – especially in love-related matters.
However, Taurus can also be possessive and stubborn in relationships, sometimes struggling to adapt to change or compromise. Taurus individuals are drawn to partners who share their values and outlook on life, seeking someone who can provide them with a sense of security and emotional fulfillment. A hot, quick affair is not an ideal situation for them – or at least they do not visualize this kind of love as long-lasting. They value stability and may resist upheaval or uncertainty in their romantic lives.
Trust is crucial for a Taurus; once established, they are fiercely loyal and devoted partners. Although a Taurus may take a long time to put a ring on it, the wait can be worth it. If their heart has been broken before, it will likely take them a long time for them to pick up the pieces and begin again or rebuild.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS
Taurus individuals have a practical and cautious approach to money matters. They value financial stability and security, often prioritizing saving and investing for the future. While they enjoy indulging in life's pleasures, they are also disciplined when managing their finances, preferring to live within their means rather than succumbing to impulse spending. If this doesn’t apply to you or the Taurus you are dealing with in your life now, this can be a hidden gem of ability if you learn through due diligence.
Typically, Taurus individuals are skilled at handling money and keenly eye for opportunities to increase their wealth. They are patient investors who are willing to wait for long-term returns rather than seek quick gains. However, they can also be possessive of their resources and may tend to hoard or hold onto material possessions. So if you owe a Taurus money or need to give back that sweater you borrowed, now can be a good time to do so.
At the same time, Taurus individuals are generous to their loved ones, often willing to lend a helping hand or provide financial support when needed. They take pride in their ability to provide for themselves and their families and obtain a sense of security and fulfillment from their financial achievements.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS
For Taurus individuals, finding fulfillment in their careers is intricately tied to their values of stability, security, and tangible achievements. They are drawn to roles where they can utilize their practical skills and attention to detail, building something enduring and meaningful. Whether managing finances, cultivating the land, or creating aesthetic beauty, Taurus individuals seek careers that offer stability and fulfillment.
In their career ventures, Taurus individuals exhibit unwavering determination and perseverance. They are willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to achieve their goals, often taking a methodical and patient approach to their endeavors. This sign values tangible results and takes pride in seeing their earnings manifest through financial success, tangible assets, or aesthetically pleasing creations.
While Taurus individuals appreciate the material comforts and financial rewards that come with their chosen careers, they also derive fulfillment from the sense of purpose and accomplishment that their work provides. Whether it's helping clients achieve their financial goals, nurturing the earth and cultivating crops, or creating beautiful and harmonious spaces, Taurus individuals find meaning in contributing to something greater than themselves.
Ultimately, for Taurus, fulfillment in their careers comes from building a solid foundation of stability and security while making a tangible impact in their chosen field. They thrive in roles that allow them to combine their practical skills, attention to detail, and determination to create something enduring and meaningful. They find satisfaction in knowing their hard work makes a difference in the world.
Taurus souls bring a unique blend of traits to the table that define not just their personalities but also their entire approach to life. Grounded in the Earth element and influenced by Venus, they seek stability, security, and tangible achievements in everything they do. With their unwavering determination, keen appreciation for life's little pleasures, and steadfast loyalty to those they hold dear, Taurus individuals navigate their journeys with purpose and fulfillment. From indulging in sensory delights to building lasting bonds, managing finances wisely, and finding success in their chosen careers, Taurus individuals embrace life's adventures with a balanced outlook, cherishing stability, and joy along the way.
After you're done reading up on this zodiac sign, catch up on this month's Taurus horoscope. For a fuller look at your year, check out our astrologer's 2024 Taurus horoscope predictions.
What do you think of your May horoscope for 2024? Maybe it’s written in the stars, or maybe it’s... just a coincidence. Our resident astrologer is weighing in on *all* of YOUR big questions, from your career and personal development to your wellness and love life. Fill out this form to get the expert advice you’ve been dreaming of in an upcoming astrology feature!
Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation (don't worry, though, he's returning to the stage this year for Romeo & Juliet!), while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.
Image via Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel
While Marvel Studios has yet to confirm Spider-Man 4 is officially on its way, the movie is definitely in the works. Producer Amy Pascal tells Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."
It might feel like this report conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)
However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere that he's “been having meetings” about the next installment. If he's on board, I know it's going to be a great film!
Image via JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel
With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 is delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally plausible Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.
Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!
Fast & Furious director Justin Lin and OG Spider-Man director Sam Raimi are two names rumored to take on the new movie.
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
Spider-Man 4 will reportedly begin filming in September or October 2024, according to The InSneider. Based on the fact that Spider-Man: Far From Home began filming in July of 2018 and premiered in July of 2019, it's safe to assume we could see Spider-Man 4 as early as fall 2025!
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!
Image via Sony Pictures/Marvel
Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:
What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!
Lead image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
