2021's Holiday Beauty Releases Are Here. Here's What To Grab.

makeup releases holiday 2021

Every year, beauty lovers everywhere look forward to the season's special holiday releases from their favorite beauty and makeup brands. From limited-edition eyeshadow palettes to new colorways of your favorite products, this year's releases are *everything*. For obvious reasons, beauty hasn't been our top priority in 2021 (or 2020), but now that 2022 is almost here, we're are ready to get dressed up again. Get ready to dazzle with these beauty releases perfect for your bestie's stocking (or your own makeup drawer).

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Eye Palette in Smokey Eyes Are Forever ($75)

Charlotte Tilbury's annual holiday palette launch always pulls together the softest, most gorgeous colors you can imagine. This particular iteration features petal pinks, subtle olive hues, and striking dark brown and black to help you create the ultimate smokey eye.

Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Bubble Bath & By the Fireplace Fragrance Set ($120)

Get cozy with this delightful duo in the most warming holiday scents ever. Replica's Bubble Bath and By the Fireplace fragrances combine to give you a hygge-inspired signature scent that will last you all winter long and beyond.

Kosas Most Loved Lip Box ($35)

Kosas's lipsticks and lip oils are some of the best clean beauty formulas around, and have garnered the brand a true cult following. Slather on the gloss or go for a classic lipstick-stained look — or layer them together for a completely bombastic take.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit in Universe ($80)

Every year, Hourglass releases its latest update to the Ambient Lighting holiday palette. This year's edition is just as gorgeous as ever, featuring five different tones that give your skin a subtle glow and hint of color for true pore perfection.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit in Universe Unlocked ($80)

That's right, Hourglass has released TWO Ambient Lighting palettes this year! Choose this one if you want a palette that packs a bit of color, since Hourglass palettes are more about creating a candlelit texture than adding any major hue.

Sephora Favorites Bestselling Beauty Must-Haves Set ($54)

Want to try a little bit of everything? This incredibly useful sampler from Sephora will allow you to try all the beauty community's cult faves. It also happens to be the perfect stocking stuffer for the beauty lover in your life.

Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials Set ($60)

Olaplex's unique formula helps repair the bonds in your hair strands, making them healthier, stronger, and less frizzy. Try out the much-loved brand with this sampler of essentials, including shampoo, conditioner, a leave-in bonding treatment, and a hair oil.

Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP MEGA: Celestial Odyssey Eyeshadow Palette ($78)

All aboard the Mothership! Pat McGrath's limited-edition Celestial Odyssey palette brings you 18 jaw-droppingly gorgeous eyeshadow shades that sparkle, shine, and stun.

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Blush Palette ($58)

If you're a fan of Patrick Ta's beloved Major Sculpt cheek palettes (as are we), you're going to LOVE this new blush palette. With pinky-purple, peachy-coral, and nude-brown shades, it's versatile enough to pair with all your favorite makeup looks.

Too Faced Cinnamon Swirl Eyeshadow Palette ($41, was $49)

A palette reminiscent of gingerbread houses, cinnamon buns, and nights in front of a cozy fire, Too Faced's latest limited-edition palette has us feeling ALL the holiday vibes.

Ouai Better Together: Detox Shampoo Set ($39)

The brainchild of celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, Ouai is a brand that tends to have a permanent effect on people: Once you experience Ouai's combination of elevated fragrance and incredibly effective hair products, you'll never go back. Try the brand out with this limited-edition duo.

Lime Crime Blushing Holiday Unicorn Hair Mist Set ($6, was $25)

Talk about finding a unicorn — this two-piece hair mist set is currently just SIX dollars.

Dyson Supersonic™ Limited Edition Set ($429)

On the opposite end of the budget spectrum, if you've been wanting to try Dyson's supremely popular haircare products, now's your chance. Get it in this gorgeous new colorway while you can.

philosophy season of bubbles 4-piece full-size shower gel set ($54)

Treat yourself (or a loved one) this season with philosophy's latest shower gel set in holiday scents like Snow Angel, Frosted Snowflakes, and Snow Globe.

Danessa Myricks Lightwork Volume III (+ Mini Lightwork Volume III Bonus) ($125)

Danessa Myricks is quickly becoming one of our favorite MUA-owned beauty lines, and this new palette is the perfect testament to why. With shimmery, other-worldly colors for the eyes and cheeks (and anywhere else you want to add a little ethereal light), this palette is one you'll use all year round.

tarte give & gift sweet tarte™ bundle ($39)

Give one, keep the other! Or keep both of these affordable, everyday essential palettes from tarte — we won't tell.

IT Cosmetics Love Your Skin With Confidence Anti-Aging Skincare Gift Set ($55)

IT Cosmetics is well known for their beauty lover-approved neck cream, and now, you can try ALL of their skincare in one convenient set.

Mario Badescu Meet the Mists Set ($12)

These best-selling mists from Mario Badescu make it easy to customize your skincare routine. Spritz one on whenever you need a mist, and keep one in your bag for a mid-day refresher. As for the other three? That's up to you.

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Dreams & Secrets Advent Calendar ($200)

Treat yourself to a beautiful and luxurious holiday season with this advent calendar of goodies from Charlotte Tilbury. We simply can't imagine a more exciting holiday tradition than opening up a new beauty goodie every day.

Lush Christmas Bathtime Favorites ($85)

Draw yourself a different bath for each of the 12 days of Christmas — and if you feel like it, save a few for later, so it can feel like Christmas all year long.

What makeup and beauty releases are you most looking forward to? Tweet us at @BritandCo and tell us!

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

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

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

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

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

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.

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

Looking for more reading recs? Be sure to check out our storefront for more of our fave books!

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

Lead image via Amazon

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale began May 15 and will end on May 20, so you still have time to add very discounted books to your TBR list!

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

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The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Are Kindle books included in the Amazon Book Sale?

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Yes! You'll be able to find a plethora of discounted kindle books during the Amazon Book Sale. The best news is that you can access three months of Kindle Unlimitedfor $0!

Shop Book Editors' Picks During the Amazon Sale

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Alix Summer and Josie Fair quickly become friends after a chance meeting on their birthdays. They seem to have things in common which leads Alix to feature Josie on her podcast. But the closer they get, the more Alix feels conflicted about her new friend.

Before she can piece together her concerns, Josie has found her way into every part of Alix's life and it's only after she disappears that Alix realizes how much danger she's in.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Jen Weinstein and her friend Lauren Parker are ever popular in Salcombe, Fire Island during the summer season. They seem to have a hold on anyone that comes in contact with them, including their husbands. However, there's no denying that grudges have been steadily building over the years due to things unspoken. And Rachel Woolf? Well, she's just there to have a great time even if it's at someone else's expense.

However, who knows more than they're willing to share and who would be so angry that they'd commit a murder?

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward is a moving novel that alternates between various timelines and involves a family's mystical powers.

In the present time of 2019, Kate takes refuge at her great-aunt's cottage that's worlds away from the person she's afraid of. She's not entirely sure, but she can't shake the feeling that there was more to her great-aunt than was outwardly presented.

The timeline of 1619 is then introduced and readers get to know Altha, a woman who's accused of having something to do with a farmer's death. The thing is Altha truly does know magic associated with the world around her, but people are on edge and will do anything to have a witch trial.

Then in 1942, we meet young Violet who feels trapped in more ways than one. She wants nothing more than to live a life that's not confined by hiding behind society's expectations of women. Her only connection to her mother and her past is finding the word 'weyward' in her bedroom, thus setting off a chain of events that lead back to 2019.

Stock Up On #BookTok Favorites

It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us Box Set by Colleen Hoover

For the first time ever, get your hands on the limited edition box set of Colleen Hoover's finest, It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us!

It Ends With Us begins with Lily believing that Ryle couldn't be more perfect for her despite his tendency to be rough around the edges. There's also the fact that he's not 100% open to dating. But, they somehow form a sort of love dance that becomes a romantic relationship. However, this is challenged when her first love Atlas comes back into her life.

It Starts With Us finds Lily and Ryle divorced, but they still communicate on friendly terms. But when Atlas comes into the picture again, Lily doesn't hesitate to let him into her world. It shouldn't feel complicated, but she knows that Atlas is the last man Ryle wants around. The ending is just as shocking, poignant, and beautiful as It Ends With Us.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Still excited that the movie adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue is getting a sequel that'll premiere on Amazon Prime? Me too, but we'll have to wait for more news to drop about it! Until then, we can revisit our favorite couple by Casey McQuiston's book that's on sale for $15!

House of Ash and Shadow by Leia Stone

Fallon Bane spends a great deal of her life being untouched because of a lethal curse she was born with. Despite her acceptance, she still yearns for intimacy. To make matters worse, her father's own health becomes comprised which leads her to seek out help from a healer fae — Ariyon Madden.

He not only begins helping her, but he always touches her in a way she's never experienced before. Fallon is shocked that she's still ver much alive and things finally seem to look bright for her. That is until Ariyon tells other powerful fae about her.

From there, Fallon learns the truth about who her family is and why her curse exists..

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Young Feyre commits an offense agains the immortal and very powerful fae that sends her to their magical world. Though she's away from a life of poverty and tension, she misses her family.

Still, she resides in the home of the 'beast' who allows her to live in his home — Tamlin. What she quickly realizes is that he's actually one of the powerful faes and that she's not the kind of prisoner she thinks she is. Even more, she begins questioning everything she'd learned about the Fae world because it's not quite like what mortals say it is.

As the hostility between Feyre and Tamlin dies down, an ancient evil continues spreading through his world and it'll be up to Feyre to help stop it.

Shop More Amazon Book Sale Deals!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (Only 2 Left in Stock)

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

Discounted Kindle Book Deals

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel and runs a tight ship that makes sure the hotel maintains a flair that guests have become accustomed to. All is going well until successful author J.D. Grimthorpe suddenly collapses and is pronounced dead.

This lands Detective Stark — someone Molly doesn't exactly get along with — back on the scene as it's realized there's something terribly wrong going on. Anyone could be a suspect, including Molly. It'll be up to her to revisit things she's kept secret — like the trip she took to Grimthorpe's property long ago.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Emily Henry knows exactly what it takes to write a moving novel that's filled with friendship, laughter, and romance. That's why it's not surprising that Happy Place is well loved by #BookTok and #Bookstagram.

It's all about how a once happy couple — Harriet and Wyn — find themselves embroiled in an interesting ruse so their friends don't suspect something's wrong with them. The fact is that they're no longer together and can barely stand being in the same room anymore.

It would be find if they weren't expected to happily show up to the cottage that's become the yearly hub for them and their friends. Still, they begrudgingly decide to make an appearance.

What's the worst that could happen?

For the first time, you'll be able to read Happy Place on Kindle for $5!

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

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

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This post has been updated.