The Darkest Shade: How Beauty Brands Can Be More Inclusive *And* Which Actually Are

Growing up in the age of YouTube beauty vlogs, there weren’t many women of color talking about makeup. Jackie Aina, Nyma Tang, and Alissa Ashley were some of the first to talk about this industry from a Black woman’s perspective, and Tang pioneered the conversation by creating content where she found the darkest shades of makeup, and comparing it to her darker skin tone. Many Black women related to her struggle — the inability to find any beauty product that could extend past the names mahogany, mocha, or dark chocolate was frustrating to say the least.

When Fenty Beauty released their extensive shade range in 2017, the industry finally crept up to the cusp of something new. For the first time on both ends of the spectrum, women of color were represented fully by a complexion line. Other brands followed suit, but not fast enough. To this day, many brands still aren’t inclusive of darker shades in their products.

Unfortunately, colorism is extremely prevalent in the beauty industry, despite the cries for brands to do better. Luckily, a generation of Jackie, Nyma, and Alissa fans are now old enough to raise their voices about inclusivity. More and more creators continue to point out the hypocrisy of only using certain models, or only inviting certain influencers to events. TikTokers Golloria and Anayka She are part of the new generation, raising the torch to call out beauty brands that actually are inclusive, and those that…really aren’t. Golloria often repeats that “tone inclusivity is the bare minimum," reminding us that there's always room to grow.

Brands should be listening closely as they could be missing out on an entire market that wants to sing their praises. Here are some beauty houses that I love, featuring extensive range and true quality. Let’s sing said praises:

Fenty Beauty

Image via Fenty Beauty

While Fenty Beauty isn’t the first, the Rihanna-led brand is a pioneer in extensive shade ranges. The hype surrounding their first launch was well worth the lines. I’m a fan for life, not only because the products are amazing, but because there’s something for the fairest to the deepest among us.

Favorite Fenty Products

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($40)

This foundation comes in 50 different shades. Yes, you read that right!

Match Stix Contour Skinstick ($32)

You'll find these contour sticks in 10 different shades.

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Image via Danessa Myricks Beauty

As a makeup artist, Danessa Myricks found that not all products were found equal between her clients. Her makeup line is focused specifically on multi-use for all skin types. Myricks’ site has the best realistic examples of her products on each skin tone type.

Fave Danessa Myricks Beauty Products

Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder ($36)

You'll find this oil balancing balm in 11 different shades.

Colorfix Foils ($18)

These bold colors are safe to use on your eyes, lips, and face!

Maybelline

Image via Maybelline

This drugstore brand took the long way to finding extended shade ranges across products. However, being the old reliable comes with growing pains, and Maybelline eventually made inclusivity more of a priority. The first foundation I ever bought with my own money was from the FitMe line. At the time (and to this day), the beauty brand created something for everyone at an affordable rate. I still go back to it because while it’s nostalgic, it also gave me great skin days. (Special nod to the 15 baby lips I also bought.)

Fave Maybelline Products

Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder ($9)

Maybelline offers eight different shades in this powder to top off your foundation with.

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($9)

Out of the 40 different shade options here, I love the warm coconut best!

Ami Cole

Image via Ami Cole

Ami Cole is a newer brand on the scene but it’s made a large splash in rethinking the classic beauty routine. The brand started with just three products and is expanding every day. Stay with me — the original skin tint has a limited shade range, but it focuses specifically on women of color. The skin tint is my favorite product and somehow feels universal with only six shades. It’s perfect for the no makeup makeup look so I highly recommend for anyone with a deeper skin tone.

Skin Enhancing Tint ($32)

The six shades of this tint are meant to show off your skin, not cover it up.

Lip Treatment Oil ($20)

Not only does this look great, but it also nourishes your lips! Win-win!

What inclusive beauty brands do you love? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter for all the latest beauty news!

Header image via Ami Cole.

You don't have to look far to find celebrity beauty brands these days. From social media to brick-and-mortar stores like Sephora and Ulta, we're in an age where celebrities are no longer confined to simply entertaining us on screens and in songs. Instead, they're venturing onto our vanities and into our medicine cabinets, shaping our skincare and makeup routines, seemingly growing by the day.

According to a study by NIQ, celebrity beauty brands have amassed $1 billion in sales — which is pretty monumental, TBH. Because there are so many to sift through, I put together a cute little guide to understanding the best celebrity makeup and skincare brands — including the top products to try — for you! Who knows, you may find your next staple product from a celeb you've loved all your life!


The Best Celebrity Makeup Brands We've Tried

Image via Haus Labs

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga launched Haus Laboratories in 2019 in partnership with Amazon — the only major beauty brand to do so at the time — and it's grown to become a trusted cosmetics line after relaunching in 2022. Committed to being a clean brand, Haus Labs' products are formulated without "2,700 questionable ingredients including but not limited to: PEGs, Phthalates, Parabens, and more potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and environmental toxins."

I'm pretty wary of using new makeup thanks to one too many allergic reactions, but I decided to bite the bullet and try Haus Labs' Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation when my tried and true brand didn't restock my shade. Let's just say Lady Gaga's foundation has changed the base of my makeup routine. It blends beautifully, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and it works well with Fenty Beauty's Match Stix Contour Skinstick, which I use a contour.

Image via Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Launched in 2017, Rihanna set the tone for more inclusive foundation shades when the brand launched in 2017. For the first time, 40 shades and undertones were available for everyone and that immediately made it one of the most innovative makeup brands the beauty industry had seen. Now the brand has increased it's shade offerings to 50 — can you believe that?

From its Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation to its Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, Fenty Beauty is that girl.

Image via Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

"Being rare is about being comfortable with yourself. I've stopped trying to be perfect. I just want to be me," is the note from Selena Gomez that's found on Rare Beauty's 'About Us' page. The brand offers face, lip, and eye products that have universal colors that work for every complexion — trust me.

Image via Ulta

About Face Beauty by Halsey

Launched in 2021, About Face is a brand that speaks to Halsey's makeup artistry and creativity as a performer — hence why it offers high-performance makeup. The brand is also vegan and cruelty-free (love it), and is made for people to express themselves. I do love a nice soft, matte makeup look, but I also miss when people used to have fun with makeup without caring about what others thinks.

That's the feeling About Face evokes, making it a tried and true staple in the editorial team's makeup bags.

Image via r.e.m. beauty

r.e.m. beauty by Ariana Grande

Per Allure, Ariana Grande collaborated with Forma Brands to bring r.e.m. beauty to life. Known for her dream-like vocals, it's fitting that the name of her makeup brand is a nod to the deep sleep phase many of us enter each night. The best part about r.e.m. beauty is that Ariana wasn't afraid to start her own cosmetics line. She told Allure, "I love and I’m [a] huge fan of my peers that do both, and I think that it’s just another way to tell stories. Because you can never have enough makeup, just like you can never have enough music."

Celebrity Makeup Brands: Honorable Mentions

Image via Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner

Kylie Cosmetics was founded in 2016 by Kylie Jenner and has developed a following for its products beginning with the popular lip kits. Prior to that that, not many brands had this innovative offering so this helped set it apart from competitors.

Image via Flower Beauty

Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore

One thing about Drew Barrymore is that she's going to create products that are cute and functional. Besides her amazing cookware line found at Walmart, she's also into all things related to beauty. It's an incredibly affordable line with most of the cruelty-free products having high reviews.

Image via WYN BEAUTY

WYN Beauty by Serena Williams

Serena Williams has always put her signature twist on everything she does on and off the court so it comes as no surprise that she's ventured into beauty. She's differentiating her brand from others with a signature chartreuse color that's similar to a tennis ball because it represents "energy and determination" per the 'About' page.

Perhaps best of all is how dedicated WYN BEAUTY is to ensuring women receiving proper maternal care during and after pregnancy.

Image via Pleasing

Pleasing by Harry Styles

Harry Styles got the look from his tousled locks to his unforgettable concert outfits and now he's backing them up with his own beauty brand. Setting our screams aside, we can't but feel like Pleasing's products are very Harry-coded. From it's big lip moisture balm to it's silky-smooth pearlescent illuminating serum, you'll be able to easily incorporate the brand's beauty finds into your everyday routine!

The Best Celebrity Skincare Brands

Image via The Outset

The Outset by Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has been on our radar for years and so has her skincare brand The Outset — we just didn't make the connection until now. That mistake's on us, but we know for sure that this is one of the best celebrity skincare brands we've come across. It's an award-winning brand that has a clear focus on providing hydrating products that are meant to gently cleanse your skin while still tackling your problem areas.

If you ask us, it sounds like Scarlett Johansson and her partner Kate Foster are the skincare advocates this industry needs.

Image via Keys Soulcare

Keys Soulcare Clean by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys has perfected the art of embracing skin and made a statement when she didn't wear makeup to the VMAS in 2016. Though she now prefers a "no makeup" look, she achieves it with the help of products from her skincare and wellness brand Keys Soulcare Clean.

"I love this idea of soulcare — nourishing our skin and nurturing our soul at the same time — because I realize now that it's everything together that makes it work. That helps unlock the beauty that is already inside us," the singer says on the brand's About Us page.

Image via YSE Beauty

YSE Beauty by Molly Sims

Molly Sims is one of the OG models whose signature walk and photoshoots take up space in our thoughts, but I was surprised to learn that even she dealt with skin issues that many of us do. "It’s true: from cystic acne to melasma to dark spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, my skin gave me hell for decades," she says on YSE Beauty's 'About Us' page.

I always say creating a skincare brand based on trying to find products that don't irritate your sensitive skin is always one way to go about things!

Image via Rhode

Rhode by Hailey Bieber

Models know that their face is essentially their canvas for the nature of their careers, so it's refreshing to see that Hailey Beiber also has a skincare brand — I want my face to be a well-taken care of canvas like hers! Her own journey to have skin that's healthier led to the formulation of Rhode's products like the Glazing Milk that's meant to prep skin before finishing your routine.

Image via OAM

OAM by Ciara

Ciara's skin is as celebrated as her pop hits and incredible dance moves so we trust that she knows what she's doing with OAM — an acronym for 'On A Mission.' Her basis for creating a skincare brand is simple. "I founded OAM as a clinical collaboration with a team of skincare experts, research scientists, dermatologists, and an MIT engineer. We're on a mission to create a simple routine for all skin tones," she says on the brand's 'About Us' page.

Image via CAY Skin

CAY Skin by Winnie Harlow

Winnie Harlow's skin always looks like it's glowing and now we know why. She's the founder of CAY Beauty, a brand that knows suncare is skincare. Not only is it dermatalogist-tested, but the products are vegan, free of silicones, and oxybenzone, and octinoxate. And for those who love minimal packaging that'll look good on their bathroom counters, CAY Beauty's aesthetically designed with you in mind.

Image via Kora Organics

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr

This certified organic and climate neutral certified brand has all the goods that your skin needs. "After three years of partnering with some of the best chemists in the natural space, I launched a range of skincare that followed both the strictest global standards of safety and the highest levels of clinical performance for healthy, glowing skin," founder Miranda Kerr says on the brand's 'Our Story' Page.

Image via Honest Beauty

HONEST Beauty by Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba was one of the first celebrities to offer makeup, skincare, and baby care products in one brand which is why Honest Beauty continues to be so innovative in 2024. This award-winning brand offers clean and sustainable products that are gentle enough for everyday use.

Image via JLO Beauty

JLO Beauty by Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is an ageless queen who's adamant about taking care of her skin and wants others to enjoy doing the same. "Our tagline is, ‘Beauty has no expiration date’ because to me, ageless isn’t just a mindset — you can feel youthful at any age and feel great, not just great for 50," she says on JLO Beauty.

What's your fave celeb beauty brand? Let us know in the comments and follow the convo on Facebook!

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

Lead images via r.e.m. beauty, Rare Beauty, The Outset, Fenty Beauty

Dear readers, if there's on thing that's certain, it's that we're just brimming with excitement for Bridgerton season 3(which premieres on Netflix May 16). The gossip amongst The Ton tells us that this next installment is absolutely worth giving a toast to – or even prepping an entire Bridgerton brunchspread! There are 8 whole episodes to indulge in, so you'll want something to sip on as the show unfolds. Take these Bridgerton-inspired cocktails with you for your season 3 watch party!

Garden Gimlet

This floral gimlet is perfect for an outdoor get-together, similar to how the Bridgerton cast strolls down the promenade. Simply mix 2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup in a coupe glass, then top things off tastefully with a lavender sprig. (via Empress 1908 Gin for Brit + Co)

Reprinted from The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining. © 2023 by Netflix. Published by Random House Worlds, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.

London Fog Latte

These London Fog lattes are also traditionally made non-alcoholic, but you can always add in a splash of your go-to spirit! To make one, steep 2 Earl Grey tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes, then add ¾ cup steamed (or warmed) milk and 2 to 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup or honey for sweetness. Yum! (via The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining for Brit + Co)

Rumor-Stirring Blueberry Lavender Fizz

These fizzy sips come sans-alcohol, but you can always spice things up with your favorite vodka or gin. To make one of these cocktails, muddle 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers in a cocktail shaker before adding 1 tablespoon blueberry jam, 1⁄2 ounce lemon juice, 1⁄2 ounce lime juice, 1⁄2 ounce heavy cream, and 1 large egg white and shaking vigorously (without ice) until texture changes to a foam. Next, add some ice and shake again until chilled. Strain the mix into a Collins glass and top it off with sparkling water and lemon zest! (via Brit + Co)

Alpine Wildflower Old Fashioned

Floral notes are key, and this Old Fashioned is a master at including the best flavors. To make it, muddle 2 oz Stranahan’s Original, 1 brown sugar cube, and a pinch of grated cinnamon in a rocks glass before adding 2 dashes Angostura bitters and stirring to combine. Add a big ice cube and garnish with edible flowers for full effect! (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

Paloma Tea Party

The ton might've not been drinking tequila, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a tequila cocktail for the season 3 release! This one takes on the flavors of a paloma, and it's scrumptious. To make it, mix 6 oz 21Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Infused Tequila, 2 oz simple syrup, 2 oz lime juice, and 6 oz grapefruit juice in a pitcher – or better yet, a tea kettle – with ice, and serve! (via 21Seeds Tequila)

Caviar Dreams

Remind yourself of all things fancy and elegant with this slow-sipper. To make it, shake 2 oz Stranahan's Original, 0.25 oz dry vermouth, 0.25 oz sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes aromatic bitters over ice. Strain into a cocktail glass, then garnish lavishly with olives, caviar, and a potato chip on the side. (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

Orange Honey Smash

This sweet, citrusy smash reminds us of the stunningly bright visuals in the show, and it's sure to be a hit. To make it, stir 2 oz Stranahan's Original, 0.5 oz sweet vermouth, 0.25 oz honey liqueur, 0.25 oz Amaro, 1 dash Angostura bitters, and 1 dash Orange bitters over ice. Then, strain into a coupe glass and garnish with an orange twist. (via Stranahan’s Original Single Malt Whiskey)

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

Goodbye tomato girlmakeup — we're here to talk about sunset blush! The sky's the limit with this fast-growing beauty trend, and we mean that quite literally! It's a soft, gradient blush look that you can achieve with a few, simple products. We're taking inspo from a tropical vacation walk on the beach, but we're not stopping there! We reached out to beauty guru and content creator,Malvika Sheth, and legendary makeup artist, Stephanie G-M, for the best advice on what to buy and how to get the look. Here's what the pros think about this glowy summer beauty moment!

What is "sunset blush"?

Image via Malvika Sheth/TikTok

Sunset blush is a trend going viral on the internet for its multi-blush, gradient technique. It's when you take multiple shades of blush, and highlighter in a light-to-dark order with a touch of highlighter. Thus, making you look like a summer sunset on a Hawaii tropical night. This look is perfect for the daytime or nighttime, and we will definitely be trying it all summer long!

How do you achieve this look?

Image via Malvika Sheth/TikTok

Malvika Sheth gave us her expert advice on how to achieve this trend. She says, "In my opinion, the best way to achieve the trend is to use 2-3 different shades of cream based blush products in addition to a dewy highlighter. For blush, I'd opt for an orange, pink, and (optionally) a plum shade as well." She adds, "The goal is to get a gradient, so be careful not to blend all the colors into one big mass of a single shade, and rather focus on blending one section, then the other, then the other, and finally adding any finishing touches to connect and blend each section into the next. I wouldn't use powder blushes to create this trend since those tend to be a bit tougher to blend into one another, and generally aren't as easily buildable. Creating this trend is almost like a painting technique, so using products that mimic paint is your best bet!" We love these helpful tips!

Stephanie G-M says, "Apply 2 colors, a peach color and a more red color on the outside creating an ombre effect with the color. The highlight/shimmer goes on the top of the cheek bone. It's a great way to spice up a neutral summer look." Palettes also make it super easy to touch up your look throughout the day!

What products should you use?

Photo by Ana Daza/PEXELS

There are so many different products you can use to achieve this look! One thing to remember is that it's all about color, so in order to sticking with sunset colors, you want to use pinks, oranges, and highlght. Malvika Shethsays, "To create this trend on myself, I used Gen See's Clean Sheen Cheek + Lip Color in Apricot 02, Apple 01, and Plum 03 in addition to a metallic product that is meant for the eyes as highlighter, and blended from light to dark — near the bottom of the cheek to the top of the cheekbone, letting the highlighter blend slightly into each section."

Stephanie G-M adds, "A palette like this [RMS Flirtation of Color] is a great way to achieve the sunset blush look." What I love about palettes, is that they make it super easy to touch up your look throughout the day! So don't worry about the look fading by night — you can simply touch up!

What I love about both of these recommendations is that there's a lot of room to play beyond one specific product. So here are some of my fave finds for trying out the sunset blush trend yourself!

Shop Sunset Blush Products Here!

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Blush Stick

This blush stick is perfect to achieve a dewy, sunset blush glow! Layer this with another blush in your regime to give some additional color and gradient aspect!

Benefit Blush Palette

Like we said before, a palette is ideal when going for the sunset, sun kissed look because it will have all that you need! With this one, you have a blush and highlighter in one to help you with the radiance and shine!

Charlotte Tilbury Palette

Charlotte Tilbury is the QUEEN of blush, so anytime I need a blush product I run straight to her products, and tutorials for help. Her looks are ideal for sunset blush so I would really recommend any of her products!

Smashbox Blush Palette

This is the perfect compact to throw in your purse and take with you on the go. It even is organized to the order you can use it in! I will be adding this to my cart immediately...

Kaja Bento Palette

I am obsessed with these bento palettes because, not only are they compact, they are also so fun to use! You simply pull out the side that you need, and voila! You have a whole base for your face in one product!

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Stick

I love using stick products because you're able to blend them into the skin with the warmth of your hand. This technique helps to create a much more natural look. Plus, this bright pink shade is so good for the look we're trying to achieve.

Anastasia Blush Trio

For a darker sunset blush look, then I would recommend this one because it would look amazing on darker skin tones. I love the magenta mixed with the coral colors.

Iconic London Full Palette

This is one of my favorite brands because of how long-lasting they are! They are also pretty affordable for how much product you end up getting! Definitley recommend this one!

Ciate Highlight Blush Palette

Sunset blush but with only highlight? Sounds fabulous to me! I love this idea, just make sure use a lighter hand. It's also under $30, which is an amazing price for so many shades.

Chubby Stick™ Cheek Colour Balm

This chubby stick is a great option for a glowy, dewy base and we love that it's an affordable option to gain this look. We'd recommend shades Roly Poly Rosy and Robust Rhubarb for this sunset, sun-kissed look with bright pinks.

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

Header photo by Malvika Sheth.

We love to celebrate and support all different types of fabulous AAPI founders, and one way to do so is by shopping their incredible products! I know I'm not alone when I say I love coming across new brands, especially if they're BIPOC or women-owned. And while I'm sure you don't think you need a cute new slip dress or hand-poured candle, I'm confident you'll find something to snag from one of the below AAPI brands!

AAPI Fashion & Beauty Finds To Shop

Ming Wang Knits Midi Slip Dress

This cute slip dress is full of summer colors like flamenco and pale marigold that make it impossible to look away from. The pleated detail adds depth and dimension to the dress while the smart color blocking style gives it a versatile appeal. Have a cute summer soiree or daytime wedding to attend? This dress has your name on it.

Misook Midi Fit & Flare Dress

Black dresses will always be trendy because of their chic factor. Misook's fit and flare dress has a button-front design that has exposed stitching on the front, but don't let that deter you. If anything, that's what helps this dress stand out from the crowd.

The other thing that I absolutely adore about it is that it features hidden side pockets. They may not be needed, but they're certainly welcomed here!

If you want to look like the ultimate "it girl" this summer, add this midi dress to your shopping cart ASAP!

Pistola Denim Aria Jumpsuit

If you're not sure if you want to wear denim dresses this summer, give jumpsuits a chance! They're the epitome of cool and make you look stylish with minimal effort.

Pistola Denim designed their retro denim jumpsuit to have comfortable stretch (so important) so you can move around without feeling like you're being restricted by the fabric. Whether you want to pair it with cowboy boots or a cute pair of heels is up to you!

Maile Kitty Heel in Black Canvas

Since we're on the subject of how the color black makes things look good, Maile's black canvas heels have stolen the heart of the fashionista that lives in a portion of my mind. They're the epitome of 90s style and will look good with Misook's midi black dress.

Since the heel height is under 4 inches, you'll feel comfortable sauntering from place to place.

Behno Tina Baguette Mini Pebbled Ruched (Buttercream)

Butter yellow is the color of the summer and Behno's tiny baguette basically confirms it. The exterior is designed with supple leather and it comes with a chain crossbody strap in case you get tired of holding it in your hand.

I happen to love that it comes in a dust bag to signal the luxurious quality of it. Although it's a mini bag, your cellphone, wallet, keys, a pair of sunglasses, and lip oils can fit inside without an issue!

Ming Yu Wang Orbita Earrings

There are a ton of earrings on the market, but this pair stands out with their orbital design. They're rhodium plated and recycled with cute multicolored resin objects that line the inside of them. Whether you want to wear them daily or reserve them for a special date night, these earrings are sure to be the center of attention wherever you go.

These earrings are sure to sell fast during AAPI month so make sure you order a pair today!

BONBONWHIMS Heart Gumdrop Tennis Necklace (Deep Red)

Haven't you heard? Tenniscore is in and we have the Challengers film to thank for that. I love that this necklace has featured on the TODAY show according to BONBONWHIMS' site and is 18K sterling silver-plated.

Those of us with sensitive skin know that we have to be careful when we wear certain jewelery because certain things trigger allergic reactions, but BONBONWHIMS isn't hearing any of that with this hypoallergenic necklace.

It's also available in different colors should you find that you're not a fan of the deep red color.

AMYO Tiny Starburst Earrings

These 14K earrings are a perfect buy during AAPI Month due to their dainty design. Featuring cubic zirconia stones in the center of the dangly shapes, you won't lose the back of your earrings because they also have a click close design that makes putting and taking them off super easy.

Notte Amore Mio Charm Necklace

I can safely wear statement necklaces again now that my son is almost four so I'm proud to say Notte's Amore Mio charm necklace is a bias pick.It has a thick gold-plated moon-cut chain and several charms that will make any outfit you wear feel stylish.

You can also customize one of the charms to feature your Zodiac sign and it's a handmade necklace.

YENSA AAPI Month Kit

In honor of AAPI Month, YENSA has curated a collection of their skincare staples! You'll find the brand's Super Glow Radiance Polishing Mask, Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream, and their Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Eye Creaminside of the kit.

ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray

If there's one person whose makeup judgement I trust, it's Patrick Starrr. Known for creating memorable makeup looks on YouTube, Starrr founded ONE/SIZE as a way to celebrate underrepresented cultures and voices.

This is just one of the standout products that I not only stand by, but it even has Beyoncé's stamp of approval! Besides being waterproof, it offers up to 16 hours of protection from the elements.

Seriously, you need this setting spray if you're looking for something that'll keep your makeup intact without irritating your skin.

Avatara The Simple Shield Balancing Moisturizer + SPF 30

Need a balancing moisturizer that also protects your skin from the sun? Avatara wants to introduce you to The Simple Shield!

Made with SPF 30, you'll also find things like hyaluronic acid and ceramides inside. While one works to add moisture to your skin, the other locks it in place. In Avatara's words, think of this like a "skin-balancing Kombucha."

No wonder it's one of their bestselling products!

Apothékary Glow Getter Starter Set

Sometimes we all deal with dullness regardless of our skin type, but Apothékary has a solution that all but banishes that: their Glow Getter Starter Set. It's full of collagen-boosting and skin-restoring goodies that are meant to have lasting effects on the skin. Included in the set are:

  • Firm Believer: a collagen-boosting herbal formula that helps produce glowing skin
  • You Dew You: a skin-restoring formula that's antioxidant-rich and soothes skin inflammation
  • Formula Frother
  • Gold Daily Remedy Spoon

DAMDAM Skin Mud Pure Vitamin C Brightening Mask

Vitamin C has been a game changer for my skin so I always look for products that include it like DAMDAM's Skin Mud Pure Vitamin C Brightening Mask. If you have oily or combination skin like me, you'll love that it helps minimize pores, tackle any elasticity issues you're facing, and help balance your skin's natural oils.

While I could rave about Vitamin C all day, this mask also has kaolin clay in it and is certified as being plant aware at Sephora!

AAPI Home, Kitchen, and Lifestyle Brands To Shop

Aerangis No. 40 LIvraria Antiga

This candle is so book-lovers coded because it's scent is described as 'sandalwood and old books.' It's meant to offer a grounding experience with a hint of romance whenever lit, making it the perfect companion to your new "romantansy" book. The full notes are:

  • Top: Ceylon Pepper, Saffron, Lemon Peel
  • Middle: Rose, Patchouli, Sandalwood
  • Base: Vanilla, Birch Resin

You'll also get 50 hours of burn time without inhaling toxic fumes!

Copper Cow Coffee Vanilla Ground Coffee

This coffee may make you breakup with Starbucks beyond AAPI Month. You can trust that you're getting 100% Vietnamese coffee that's a delicious blend of robusta and arabica, and is also sustainably sourced. The vanilla beans are very real and ground into absolute perfection so you can serve coffee however you want at home.

Want to make a cold brew or rely on your french press? Copper Cow Coffee makes it easy for you to follow your coffee-loving heart's desires.

Blume Matcha Coconut Blend

Blume has a yummy Matcha Coconut Blend that's going to replace your favorite morning drink soon. Instead of giving you coffee jitters, this organic blend from the Shizuoka region of Japan will give you the flavor and boost of energy you need.

It's a nice blend of stone-ground, hand-picked matcha and antioxidant-rich moringa that'll make you want to stand on your balcony or patio in the morning while sipping it. It's also balanced with L-theanine which is why you won't experience the usual side effects of drinking coffee.

And get this: you'll be able to make 30 lattes with this blend!

Potluck Combo Set of Gochujang and Ssamjang

Tired of relying on the same rotation of seasonings and flavorings when cooking? Well, it's time to introduce your kitchen to Potluck's combo set of Gochujang and Ssamjang! They're sweet and spicy Korean pastes that'll help you create an excellent marinade to use on whatever light lunchmeal you're eating.

There are no additional sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives in these yummy tastes you'll be glad you discovered during AAPI month.

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

If you're not familiar with Fly By Jing yet, now really is the time to find your new fave sauce! Founded by Jing Gao, she sought to reclaim her original name — instead of going by Jenny like she had for years — and introduce the flavors of her hometown (Chengdu) to others. This viral condiment comes in six different flavors, with the Sichuan Chili Crisp being the most popular. The other options you have are:

Muu Wearable Breast Pumps

Since Mother's Day should be everyday IMO, it wouldn't be right if I didn't include something for breastfeeding mamas. Founded by first-generation Korean-American Janice Gott, Muu is an affordable, mom-designed wearable breast pump that makes pumping easier. Although wireless breast pumps have become popular, this is another option if you're worried about whether you've charged it enough when you're on the go.

That's where rising AAPI product designer Tiffany Tao steps in. She specifically designed Muu to be hands and fuss-free so you can pump whenever you need to.

Have a board meeting to attend that coincides with your pumping schedule? Muu will be right there. Out with your friends and realize you're overdo for a pumping session? Muu will be in your purse ready to spring into action when you're in need.

What are your favorite AAPI brands to shop? Let us know in the comments!

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

Lead image via Copper Cow Coffee

This post has been updated.

Few books have made an impact on BookTok like Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us. The story follows a woman named Lily who is intrigued by a new relationship with Ryle, but an encounter with her first love Atlas — and the reminders of her past that Atlas carries — complicates everything. This movie based on a bookwill be one to remember.

We had high hopes for this summer movie, and when it was announced that Justin Baldoni would develop the film in 2019, we knew the story was in good hands. Baldoni won us over with his role as Rafael in Jane The Virgin, and his feature directorial debut Five Feet Apart made us cry our eyes out. If you're a Colleen Hoover fan, keep reading for everything you need to know about It Ends With Us. Check out the rest of this year's 2024 movies too!

Watch the It Ends With Us trailer now!

www.youtube.com

IT ENDS WITH US - Official Trailer (HD)

The way I IMMEDIATELY slapped my hand over my mouth at the first notes of "My Tears Ricochet" from Taylor Swift's Folklore. What a song choice! This is the one trailer we have been waiting for all year, and it totally captures the emotion, heart, and drama of the book.

When is the It Ends With Us movie coming out?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us will hit theaters August 9, 2024. With so much color, plus the fact Blake Lively's Lily runs a flower shop, a summer release is perfect! Because of the writers' strike and actors' strike, production on the film paused over the summer of 2023, meaning the movie got delayed from its original February 9 (then June 21) release date.

Who plays Lily in the It Ends With Us cast?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (who's also directing) are set to star in the film as Lily and Ryle, respectively. On April 20, 2023, it was announced that 1923 star Brandon Sklenar would join the duo as Atlas, and on May 1, Jenny Slate joined the cast as Ryle's sister Allysa. Hasan Minhaj joined the film on May 25 as Alyssa's husband Marshall.

Baldoni also posted a TikTok confirming that after an open casting call, they've found young Lily! Thanks to IMDb and some on-set TikToks, it looks like we'll be seeing Isabela Ferrer starring as the younger version of Blake Lively's character.

Fans were initially unhappy with Blake's casting, because in the book, Lily is supposed to be in her early 20s. But author Colleen Hoover explained a bit of the intention behind the casting with the TODAY Show, explaining that the "new adult" genre at the time favored characters in their early 20s — and that the point of the book is its message, not its cast or costumes.

“As an author, we make mistakes,” she says. “There’s no 28-year-old neurosurgeons, you know? You go to school for 15 years. And so to make corrections to what I messed up in the book, we aged the characters up somewhat...I love that there’s discourse surrounding it, I do. I think that people are going to be very pleased. I’m very pleased.”

What is It Ends With Us about?

It Ends With Us follows Lily Bloom after she moves out of her small town to start a flower shop in Boston. When she meets Ryle on a rooftop and quickly falls head over heels, it seems like fate. That is, until she comes face-to-face with her first love Atlas. It's a story of strength, deep-rooted relationships, and identity that made waves on social media.

Where was It Ends With Us filmed?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

It Ends With Us has been filming in New Jersey. The first set images from It Ends With Us are from a scene that takes place between Lily and Ryle. While Baldoni is wearing a simple black sweater, Lively is wearing two different shades of pink over a brown dress. I love the way costumes highlight all the ways characters are different, and this is the perfect example!

On January 6, 2024, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni were finally spotted in Jersey City again. While the costumes have gotten some backlash, I really love the texture and visual interest in this patchwork jacket + jeans combo! It feels creative and bright — just like Lily :).

And on April 30 we FINALLY got the first official images from the movie and everything looks incredible! The colors are just as bright and yet still have some emotional weight behind them to match the story. I'm particularly obsessed with this Blake Lively outfit — I'm a sucker for a jeans + tank + cardigan combo.

What scenes have the cast filmed?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

On January 15, 2024, a video of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni filming another It Ends With Us movie scene went viral on TikTok, and users are convinced they know which scene we're seeing in the video. Blake and Justin are walking around outside of a restaurant, which leads fans to believe this is Lily and Ryle's confrontation after they see Atlas in his restaurant for the first time.

Is Colleen Hoover making a movie out of It Ends With Us?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Yes, we're getting a movie adaptation of It Ends With Us! Filming began in New Jersey the first week of May 2022 and is expected to wrap in early 2024. But after a recent leak from the movie set, one question that's top of mind is whether we're actually getting two movies. The scene, which features Blake Lively's Lily pushing a baby in a swing, doesn't take place in the original novel and fans are wondering whether the film will also use elements from It Starts With Us, the 2023 sequel Colleen Hover published.

"It Ends With Us doesn't have this scene," one TikToker wrote in the comments. "This is definitely It Starts With Us," another added. Now that there are two books, it's totally plausible that they've added elements to the end of the film that set up a sequel movie — and we are totally here for it!

Who else is working on the film?

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

According to Deadline, Lively, Baldoni, Hoover, Steve Sarowitz, and Andrew Calof are all serving as executive producers, while Alex Saks, Christy Hall, and Jamey Heath are producing. Hall is also penning the script for the film.

Follow us on TikTok and Twitter for the latest entertainment updates, and check back here for new info on It Ends With Us! Feel free to rewatch all of Blake Lively's movies too ;).

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

Lead image from Savages via Universal Pictures/IMDb

This post has been updated.