How a Beauty Addict Shaved Her Makeup Routine from 45 Minutes to Only 7

Kimberly Wang
Feb 07, 2017

Hi, my name is Kimberly and I’m a beauty addict. Whew. Feels good to say it out loud. I have shoeboxes upon shoeboxes of products stashed all over my one-bedroom apartment; I have memberships at Sephora AND Ulta and when my girlfriends have makeup crises, I’m their beauty Dear Abby. I believe 100 percent in the #PowerofMakeup movement. I love the self-care that’s practiced when I “put on my face.” I love the creativity and trial-and-error process when you’re attempting to nail a new look. I love all of it.

Although every YouTube guru worth their mascara has a five or 10-minute routine tutorial, I’ve never found mine. Instead, I have that one that takes 45 minutes — and this is true for any occasion. For 2017, I made it my resolution to shave some valuable time off of my everyday makeup regimen. And when Charlotte Tilbury released her Quick ‘N’ Easy Daytime Chic Makeup Kit ($75), I felt like Char (that’s just what I like to call her — we’re on a first name basis) had me in mind.

I snagged the Natural Glowing kit, which came with a lip-and-cheek stick, cream shadow stick, lipstick, mascara and her signature Wonder Glow Beauty Flash all housed in a cute makeup bag. (There’s also a Quick ‘N’ Easy Natural Glowing Kit option.)

The streamlined products are perfect if your skin is #flawless, but unfortunately for me (and the mountainous zit that decided to show up around the time of this experiment), that’s not the case. Wonder Glow provides minimal coverage, so I supplemented with a couple of products in my arsenal. I used IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness ($32) as a base, Makeup Forever Full Cover ($34) in 10 for concealer and Makeup Forever Lift Concealer ($26) for my under eye. Oh, and a light dusting of NYX HD Finishing Powder ($10).

Once my skin was evened out, I applied Charlotte’s Colour Chameleon pencil in Amber Haze all over my lid, concentrating it closer to my lash line. Then, using my finger (we’re going low maintenance here), I smudged it out. I applied two coats of her Legendary Lashes mascara to finish. To be really honest, this might be one of the best mascaras I’ve ever tried. And it’s buildable too, so my scrawny lashes get a serious boost.

Next, I popped some of her Beach Stick in Moon Beach on my cheeks and rubbed it in. It was really smooth and easy to blend with my fingers. I added just a bit of the Wonder Glow on my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose as a highlighter.

I finished with the lipstick shade Very Victoria, and I must say, it’s very creamy, with a balm-like texture. The rose-nude color is flattering but seemed to fade fairly quickly. Also, while I appreciate Charlotte going with a unique shape for her lip color, I kind of missed the sharp points of the classic lipstick because it’s easier to draw on quickly.

Lastly, to finish my look, I used Senna Powder Brow Styling Pencil ($22) in Taupe Brown, because I’m almost positive Charlotte wouldn’t want me leaving my house with no brows on.

Total time? Seven minutes. Okay, okay. So It’s not quite five, but hey, it’s a serious improvement from 45, amirite?

Here’s another look at my quick handiwork. Also, Charlotte filmed a tutorial for my particular kit. Check that out below.

What do YOU do for your morning routine? Tweet us @BritandCo!

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

(Photos via Kimberly Wang/Brit + Co)

6 Sephora Birthday Gifts You Can Score On Your Big Day In April!

It's the first day of April, and we're celebrating it by sharing which Sephora birthday gift you can get this month. That's right — I'm talking about all the freebies you can find! Well, not all of them — just enough to help you find new makeup, skincare, or haircare products to add to your vanity. After looking at the options Sephora has to offer this month, we're sure you'll have a hard time choosing from all the great options.

Let's jump into the 6 glamorous Sephora birthday gifts you can get this month!

How do I redeem my free birthday gift?

In order to redeem your birthday gift, you have to become a beauty insider. Signing up is completely free.

Are birthday gifts only available online?

Some of them are, but some can be picked up in-stores. You'll want to look online to see if the birthday gift you want has the "Available online only" or "Available in Store only" label.

Can I redeem more than one gift?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could have all the things? Unfortunately, you can only choose one birthday gift set.

Am I able to redeem a VIB or Rogue birthday gift if I haven't reached those tiers?

If you recently became a beauty insider, you'll be in the 'insider' tier. Here's the requirements to reach the next tiers:

  • VIB: Spend $350 in one year
  • Rogue: Spend $1000 in one year

You'll have to continue spending those amounts to maintain your VIB or Rogue status. At that point, you'll be able to redeem a Rogue VIB birthday gift.

Other than that, you have free reign to choose from 7 other great options! Here's everything you can choose during your birthday month!

Kosas Lip & Brow Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss in Shade 'Unbuttoned' (Soft Warm Blush)
  • Air Brow Clear + Clean Lifting Eyebrow Gel with Lamination Effect

Kosas is known for their skincare-friendly makeup which makes this birthday gift so exciting. You'll get one of the best lip oils that'll gives your lips a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid and it'll make them look kissable. Additionally, you can give your eyebrows a little boost with Kosas' air brow gel!

Youth To The People Cleanse & Hydrate Skincare Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser
  • Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
  • Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Night Cream + Mask with Vitamin C
We stan a good skincare set that features different options for us to try. If you choose this birthday option, you'll get to sample Youth To The People's goodies that can easily be incorporate into your morning or nighttime regiment. From a pH-balancing cleanser to a Vitamin C-infused mask, your skin will appreciate this moisturizing birthday gift.

Moroccanoil Ultimate Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil
  • Hydrating Shampoo
  • Hydrating Conditioner
  • Hand Cream
Give your hair some TLC with Moroccanoil's ultimate hydrating set. Each product is infused with argan oil so you can trust that your strands will receive hydration that results in sleek hair.

Sephora Birthday Gift 250 Bonus Points

Then again, you can decide to have an extra 250 bonus points added to your account. I reached the VIB rogue tier by choosing this option one year and my total accumulated points allowed me to save $10 off my next purchase. It's a win even if it's not a gift set.

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Matte Revolution Lipstick in shade Pillow Talk
  • Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
  • Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
If you've reached the VIB or Rogue tiers — congratulations! You'll get to take home this Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Look birthday set! If the pretty packaging doesn't catch your eye, then the gorgeous packaging and award-winning products will!

ROGUE VIB

Summer Fridays On-the-Go Hydration Birthday Set

What's included:

  • Jet Lag Mask
  • Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine in Shade 'Vanilla'

While Sephora's other birthday gifts won't change in April, there's a new Rogue VIB option to look forward to! Sephora loves surprising their amazing customers with hydrating birthday gifts and this set is right on time for all your vacation needs. The air on airplanes can be drying so you'll need Summer Friday's jet lag mask for your face and their lip butter balm for your lips!

Which of the Sephora birthday gifts will you be taking home this month?

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post is updated each month to reflect new Sephora birthday gift deals.

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PlantYou’s Food Hacks Can Save You Over $1K On Groceries

It's no secret that groceries feel more expensive than ever right now, and compounded by the fact the average American home throws away 322 cups of food a year, I'm determined to use up every bit of the food, sauces, and other cooking basics I buy. That's how I found Carleigh Bodrug. Her PlantYou page, and her Scrappy Cooking series (plus her new cookbook!), makes creating delicious recipes easier, and more fun, than ever.

What is scrappy cooking?

Image via SB Creative Studio

"Scrappy Cooking is the concept of transforming the world’s most commonly wasted foods into delicious recipes — and starting is as easy as chopping up a broccoli stem into a stir-fry," she tells me over email. "Seriously, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Look at the plants you have that you bring into your home every week, and see if there are ways to repurpose them."

With the help of Carleigh's Instagram page, I turned some broccoli stems into French fries and used up the last of my peanut butter for a noodle salad sauce. If you want to turn your groceries into a one-of-a-kind meal but aren't sure where to start, Carleigh recommends looking at every single aspect of the plant.

"Whenever I bring a plant into my home, I think about what part of the plant is discarded, and then I research whether or not it’s safe to consume (this part is important)!" she says. "Once I identify it’s edible, that’s where the fun begins. A great example of this is something like celery, which I buy often. I was discarding the celery leaves for years, only to find out they taste almost exactly like parsley and make a great base for a tabouleh style salad."

Is PlantYou vegan?

Image via SB Creative Studio

Yes, a lot of PlantYou's recipes are vegan, and they're all plant-based! Some of Carleigh's favorite recipes include mocha chocolate granola with spent coffee grounds, "chips" made out of beet greens, and pickle juice as a marinade (which is something I learned Chick-Fil-A does!). These recipes might sound intimidating or time-consuming, but that's exactly why Carleigh's PlantYou social media exists.

I can speak from experience that the videos are easy to both understand and put into practice. (Plus, the recipes are super versatile, because "when you’re cooking with just plants, if you screw something up, you can almost always fix it!"). But there are a few steps that always make these scrappy processes easier.

"The low hanging fruit to reducing food waste in your kitchen actually starts before you grocery shop," Carleigh says. "I always recommend people sit down for an hour one day a week, and make a really basic meal plan, outlining what they plan to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then, before they head to the store, shop their fridge and pantry to avoid duplicate buying. Now it’s time to compile a shopping list, and only buy what you have a plan for! Done right, this will take care of 80 percent of your food waste."

What can I buy to save money on food?

Image via SB Creative Studio

In addition to meal prepping (check out our favorite apps to reduce food waste, too!), the PlantYou chef + author recommends having a few recipes that use up a bunch of ingredients in one go. "It’s really important to lean on staple recipes that allow you to 'clean out the fridge,' which is really what my new Scrappy cookbook is about," Carleigh Bodrug says. "I wanted to arm people with great base recipes (like stews, curries and stir fries), where they can interchange the vegetables and produce items they have on hand every week to reduce waste and save money."

"By using up leftovers, repurposing ingredients, and being more mindful about the food you’re bringing into your home, you'll notice a decrease in your grocery bill," she continues. "The average American family of four wastes over $1700 worth of groceries per year — which is like a phone bill every month! Not only does being Scrappy benefit your wallet, but it also feels great knowing you're making healthier choices and contributing to a more sustainable planet."

Okay, so you know what you want to eat, and you've budgeted for groceries, what now? "I look for ingredients that are versatile and can be used in multiple recipes to minimize waste," Carleigh says. "Quality, longevity, and sustainability are key factors in my purchasing decisions."

What is the proper way to store food?

Image via B+C

After you've whipped up recipes like the Fiesta Fries below, it's important to store them properly to ensure they're fresh for as long as possible. "Use quality food storage and meal prep containers, and keep fruits and vegetables separate to prevent them from spoiling," Carleigh tells me. "Different types of food will require different conditions for optimum long-term storage. This applies to fresh produce, as well as dry and canned foods."

We all have days we don't want to cook (PlantYou's Carleigh Bodrug included), which is the perfect opportunity to support a local business. "On days when I don't feel like cooking, I usually rely on quick and easy options like smoothie bombs from my freezer, which are in my new cookbook," she says. "I also often have homemade soup ready to go that I’ve made in advance or have frozen in the freezer. Sometimes, my husband and I opt for ordering in from local restaurants in our small town in Ontario, especially on Friday nights after a long work week. It's a convenient way to support our favorite vegan small businesses while enjoying a hassle-free meal."

PlantYou's Fiesta Fries — Delicious Loaded Fries You Can Make Today!

Image via SB Creative Studio

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium-size Yukon Gold potatoes, sliced to desired size, around 1/2 to 3/4 inch recommended
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 cups Vegan Ground Beef or your favorite vegan ground beef substitute
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, pinto beans, or red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 yellow or red onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons water or extra-virgin olive oil

Suggested Toppings:

  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced Handful of fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Cream Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and line a baking sheet with a reusable baking mat or parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, combine the sliced potatoes with the garlic powder and salt and toss until coated.
  3. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine the ground “beef” with the black beans, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and the water. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the onion starts to turn translucent.
  5. Assemble on a serving platter with the fries on the bottom, topped with the ground beef mixture and your desired toppings.

Excerpted from PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet by Carleigh Bodrug. Copyright © 2024. Available from Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

Carleigh Bodrug is the CEO and Founder of PlantYou, a New York Times Bestselling cookbook author and self-taught plant-based chef, famous for her simple take on low-waste and vegan recipes. Boasting over ten million followers between her social channels, Carleigh has gripped social media with her simple and delicious low-waste recipes that make plants the star of the show.

Her latest book, PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based Zero-Waste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet, is out NOW!

Check out our Weekend Scroll for more delicious recipes!

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

Lead image via SB Creative Studio

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The Best Red Lipstick To Mimic Taylor Swift’s Signature Chief’s Game Look

Taylor Swift may be known for giving us hits like "Cruel Summer" and "Bad Blood," but fans also know her look isn't complete without red lipstick. Whether she's onstage performing, accepting an award, or supporting her boyfriend Travis Kelce at the Chief's games, her smudge-proof red lips are always in attendance. Although it may not seem like much, seeing her rock a bold shade reignited my love for bold makeup. But, I'd be lying if I said it was easy to remember makeup hacksthat'll help others find the best red lip stick for their complexion.

To help me get back on the right track, I reached out to the clever author Candice Brathwaite-Aboderin about her signature lip. Aside from having an appealing sense of style and an unforgettable way with words, her signature red lipstick also captures my attention whenever she wears it. She usually wears Fenty Beauty's Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick in "The MVP" or Trish McEvoy in Red with MAC Cosmetics Nighmoth lip liner.

Image via Candice Brathwaite-Aboderin

She said, "Funny enough, the inspiration behind wearing red lipstick was to be defiant. It had often been said that black women, particularly dark skinned black women, didn’t look good in red lipstick. I had already bucked the trend by shaving my head way before we knew who Amber Rose was so this felt no different."

Her decision to create a contrast that has a "perfect frame" for her lips is also intentional. "The idea to wear a darker lipliner (which creates an ombré effect) was definitely rooted in my love for 90’s hip hop and dancehall culture. All the female artists of that time leaned on a darker lipliner with a truck load of gloss on top," said Candice. Besides that, she prefers the way the lip liner helps her favorite shades not to look harsh on her.

Even though she and Taylor Swift have cracked the code for their complexions, we both know it's still not easy to find a shade you may love. To help simplify things, I spoke with veteran makeup artist and founder of premium makeup brush brand Artis(yes!) Matthew Waitesmith so you can find the best red lipstick that suits you. Also, keep reading to learn every shade Taylor Swift swears by!

What should I consider when looking for red lipstick?

Image via Sam Lion/Pexels

As the former VP of Artist Training and Development at MAC Cosmetics with consult work for Kiehl's, Lancôme, Nars, and La Mer, Matthew knows a thing or two about creating makeup looks that are specifically formulated different complexions. He said there are two things to consider when searching for the best red lipstick. "One is the value [lightness or deepness] of your skin's pigmentation. And the other consideration is the natural undertones occurring in your skin color.

The value of your skin is important to consider since how color looks is dependent on surrounding [colors]."

Matthew noted that a good example of this is by thinking about how the color blue may look different depending on the shade next to it. "...blue will look different if it is surrounded by a pale beige compared to a rich brown. The blue is the same, but it looks different because the surrounding colors influence how you see it in contrast."

What red lipstick does Taylor Swift wear?

Image via Patrick Smith / Staff / Getty Images Sport

There's been speculations about the exact shade of red lipstick Taylor Swift has been wearing to the Chief's game, but it can be argued that one of her favorite shades is by none other than makeup artist Pat McGrath. This is partly due to McGrath sharing how she made Taylor's "Bejeweled" music video looks come to life an interview with E! News last year. She said, "When I think of Taylor, I always think of a perfect red lip...I couldn't imagine not doing something with red lipstick."

Although the Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson is currently sold out, here's a few more of Taylor Swift's red lipstick picks as shared by Pop Sugar:

Patrick TA Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick "That's Why She's Late"

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color "Uncensored"

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil "Dragon Girl"


Tips For Finding The Best Red Lipstick For Every Complexion:

Deeper Complexions

Image via Photo by Adrienne Andersen/Pexels

Contrary to what some may believe, deeper skin complexions are able to wear color well — including red lipstick. Matthew said, "A Person with a deep skin color value will be able to wear lots of different colors of red due to all the rich colors and undertones that surround the red lips."

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Deeper Complexions

MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo (Taylor Swift's Fave)

This is the first shade of red lipstick I wore when I was granted permission to wear something bold. It definitely attracted a lot of attention in 2011, but I didn't care. I wore it every chance I got and purchased this many times over during my early 20s.

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick "Bawse Lady"

This is another beautiful shade for darker complexions that's not as bold as Ruby Woo. The color payoff is amazing and it doesn't budge as much.

NaChé Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick "Ruby"

In an effort for those with a deeper complexion to not feel excluded from wearing red lipstick, educator NaChé Thompson decided to create a shade that felt inclusive. Named after grandmother, she said "The right touch of blue makes Ruby the epitome of the perfect red lipstick to complement a wide range of skin tones. You can wear [Ruby] for up to nine solid hours without needing to reapply, and it defies the norm of dry and crusty matte lipsticks."

I've had a chance to wear it and find that the creamy texture is almost irresistible!

Medium & Olive Complexions

Image via Sephora

People with this complexion "generally have warm undertones that include golden or yellow as a part of the skin color composition. So, they should pick a red that includes them," said Matthew. He also indicated that medium complexions can include an olive undertone and that reds with warm undertones — like coral or even warm pink — will work for them.

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Medium & Olive Complexions

Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick "Inspire"

Also known as Selena Gomez's favorite shade, "Inspire" is a bright-red that's hydrating despite it's matte finish. It literally glides onto the lips where it sits comfortably throughout the day.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick "Red Carpet Red"

Long before we know of Shonda Rhimes' Queen Charlotte, Ms. Tilbury was the one we bowed down to. Her matte revolution lipstick is considered a community favorite on Sephora and features the glorious "Red Carpet Red" shade that just looks like it belongs on the lips.

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipstick "Flame"

If you want to cause a commotion, you'll reach for Tom Ford's "Flame" matte lipstick. It's a bright red-orange that complements medium complexions like no other.

Lighter Complexions

Image via Sephora

Patrick TA's Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick in "That's Why She's Late" Cherry Red

On other hand, Matthew said, "A lighter skin person needs to be more thoughtful about picking a red that plays nicely with the subtle undertones — pink or cool — of their skin. Choosing a red that includes neutral/pink or cool undertones will look like it belongs on the skin."

Brit + Co's Best Red Lipstick For Fair Complexions

Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick "400 Four Hundred"

While this can be considered a universal red lipstick, "400 Four Hundred" looks like it was made for fairer complexions. It's comfortable enough to wear all day and will give you a nice pout.

Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Matte Liquid Lipstick "N12 Rouge Rebel"

Rev up the drama with this rebellious shade of red lipstick by Yves Saint Laurent. It's made without parabens or sulfates, so you won't have to fret about harsh chemicals on your lips!

bareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick "Inspiration"

What's full of hydrating ingredients that don't skimp on rich color? This shade by bareMinerals that's set to become the best red lipstick for your fair complexion.

Matthew's Final Piece Of Advice

Image via Sephora

Lastly, Matthew said, "...the best final step is to try several reds on, and at look at the resulting color in natural daylight to see if the red plays nicely with your skin color." He doesn't believe there's ever a "wrong" red, but feels that there are reds that can blend in better with your skin.

"Either way, red is a great way to bring attention to your look and get reactions, "he said. In other words, have fun finding the best red lipstick that complements your complexion and don't be afraid to be bold!

If you've found the best red lipstick you swear by, let us know in the comments! Shop more of our favorite products in our Amazon storefront!

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

Image via Photo by Adrienne Andersen/Pexels

This post has been updated.

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27 Mother's Day Gifts Every Mom Will Actually Enjoy

Before I became a mom, I had no idea which gifts for Mother's Day would actually make a mom feel appreciated. I've often heard that it's the thought that counts, but how many cards and homemade meals can moms get? The unfiltered answer to that is "Keep them coming," but there's also the desire to receive something that feels personalized. Gifting her something that speaks to who she is outside of being a mom is the chef's kiss she's probably waiting for.

But, what about when you're shopping for your sister, bestie, or even yourself if you're pregnant? Chances are the moms you know aren't all alike, so it's safe to assume they don't want the things...unless we're talking about sleeping in 👀. Aside from that, here's 27 gifts for Mother's Day that'll speak to all moms in your life. Take it from a real mom, it's time to get a little more personal this year.

Gifts For Mother's Day That'll Move Your Grandma To Happy Tears

Vivee Home Alexis Blue Vase

Visiting your grandparents' homes as a kid usually meant you were going to see some cool and quirky home decor choices. From bright color schemes to odd-shaped vases, you could count on your grandma to be the happy culprit behind whatever you saw. That's why it's important to make sure the gifts for Mother's Day you choose for her are a nod to her quirks and not-so-secretly cool taste.

Vivee Home's Alexis Blue Vase immediately comes to mind when I think about my maternal and paternal grandmothers. For some reason, both of them gravitated towards the color blue and often found ways to incorporate it in their lives daily. If your grandma fancies this color and has a thing for having fresh flowers in her home, she'll adore this pop of porcelain.

Its design is meant to invoke creativity and daydreaming while housing everything from sunflowers to tulips. Plus, you'll feel good knowing that 5% of your purchase goes to The Art Therapy Project!

Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Wood Cookbook Holder with Metal Ledge

Chances are that your grandma has a plethora of cookbooks that she references and lets you know she's passing down to you. If she doesn't have a way to look at them without bending over to peer at the small text in them, gift her this beautiful wooden cookbook holder by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia!

The slanted ledge is angled so cookbooks are eye-level for most cooks while the metal stand reinforces the sturdiness of the holder. Overall, the design has a farmhouse rustic feel to it that may trigger happy memories for your grandma if she grew up on a farm.

And guess? This cookbook holder is only $20 at Target!

Caraway Cookware + Set (Sage)

Does your grandma have a hard time parting ways with things even if they're beyond worn? Welcome to the club! Seriously though, our grandparents are from a time where it wasn't necessarily easily to buy new things just because they wanted them so it's not hard to understand why they're reluctant to let go of things.

If your grandma's beloved pot set is beyond repair, surprise her with Caraway's Cookware Set! The pots and pans are super easy to store, and they can withstand up to 500 degrees of heat! Prayerfully your grandmother doesn't cook her meals on that high of a temperature, but this still should give her a piece of mind that her new shiny pot set won't burn even if she still has a gas stove.

You can snag this beautiful set for less than $200 at Caraway.

Image via Compartés

Compartés Pink Chocolate Covered Oreos

Grandma still has a sweet tooth doesn't she? I know because my grandma does too. She was known for keeping packs of gum, peppermint and Werther's caramel candy in her purse so I'm sure you grandma had her snacks of choice too.

If your grandma has a thing for Oreos no matter how they're packaged, she'll love Compartés Pink Chocolate Covered Oreos. She'll got a dozen in this cute little box and will giggle with delight once she sees how pretty the pink chocolate frosting is.

This is a limited edition box so you'll want to make sure you order these for her in time for Mother's Day!

Gifts For Mother's Day That Prove To Your Mom You Do Pay Attention To Her

Udreamer Vinyl Record Player (Wireless)

Chances are that your mom grew up listening to her favorite records on a record player like mine and she may often reminisce about that time if she no longer has one. Surprise her with a more compact version of the one she remembers like this wireless design! It has built-in speakers that'll give any record she listens to a retro sound, but it also has an RCA outlet so she can connect external speakers to it.

One of the best features IMO are the three input options — bluetooth, USB, and AUX — that are also included with the record player. This means she choose songs to play from her iPad, CD player (if she still has one), her laptop, and more! Have no fear though! If she prefers to keep it old school by listening to actual vinyl records, she still has the option to do so!

The grand beauty of it all is that you'll be spending less than $100 to bring a piece of nostalgia to your mom's home.

Eileen Fisher Selle Suede Ballet Flats (Cassis)

If your mom is spending less time in her high heels these days, surprise her with a new pair of ballet flats by Eileen Fisher! They're classically chic so your mom will be able to pair them with anything — jeans, dress slacks, dresses, you name it.

They have a leather outsole with a rubber pod that makes for an extremely comfortable fit despite the appearance of the squared toe areas (they're padded). This is great if you mom works a 9 to 5 job that requires her to be up and down throughout the day.

Armitron The Tilly Bracelet Set

This is one of those gifts for Mother's Day that makes my heart skip several beats because my mom wore a very similar watch similar to the one in this Armitron set for years. When I used to watch her get dressed for work in the morning, I'd always know she was ready for her day when she slid her watch on.

Aside from the vivid memories I have of my own mother wearing a watch, this bracelet maintains a timeless appeal that I've always loved. It has the perfect two tone blend of gold and silver that adds to the overall sleekness of the duo. As much as modern advances are welcomed in fashion, the Roman numerals on the watch's face will never go out of style.

When it comes to aesthetics, a two-toned watch and bracelet set that can be passed down from generation to generation.

You'll spend less than $100 too!

Gifts For Mother's Day To Surprise Your Mother-in-Law (Yes, It Matters)

Made By Mary Birth Flower Stacker Necklaces

Whether you have a good relationship with your mother-in-law or a neutral one, finding gifts for Mother's Day that make her feel appreciated is a pretty nice gesture. It doesn't have be super big or expensive either!

If you've noticed that your mother-in-law tends to wear dainty gold jewelry, follow her lead by gifting her with Made By Mary's hand-drawn stacker necklaces. You have the option of personalizing them or you can order as is. They're tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for daily wear.

You won't have to worry about putting a huge dent in your wallet because you can buy them for only $58.

UrbanStems The Pink Champagne

Not into the idea of gifting your mother-in-law jewelry for Mother's Day? I get it and think there's always another option. You can't go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Aside from roses, she'll find mini calla lilies, hypericum, and ruscus flowers in her new pretty spread that's sure to brighten any surface she places them on.

Gifts For Mother's Day That Reminds Your Sister She's *Still* That Girl

Old Navy EveryWear Graphic T-Shirt

If your big sister is like mine, chances are she's a few kids in and works hard in her career. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's possible she doesn't always get time to pour into herself. Sometimes moms need a reminder that they're not doing anything in vain, especially after rough seasons in their lives.

I'm not saying that your sister is going to turn into superwoman if she wears this graphic t-shirt by Old Navy, but it'll help her remember that she's still that girl because your sister is not just a mom; she's a cool mom.

And you'll be an even cooler sister since you'll only spend $10 for this cute shirt.

Gigi Pip Sal Crochet Bucket Hat

The sun has been sharing it's glorious rays with us which means your sister needs something to shield her already tired eyes. This cute bucket hat is one way she can do that on top of adding an extra appeal to her casual mom outfit of an oversized tee, leggings, and new samba sneakers.

Longchamp Sunglasses (Red)

Did your sister recently lose her favorite pair of sunnies and has been having a hard time recovering from her loss? Make a mental note and see if it's in your budget to gift her this pair of Longchamp sunglasses. They're bold, but she'll especially love them if she has a thing for red frames.

They'll bring a pop of color to her casual outfit and serve as the perfect cover if she's out running errands but doesn't really want to talk to many people. There's something about shades that serve as a perfect deterrent in public sometimes.

Clevr Coffee Superlatte

Coffee is life when you're a mom because you it seems like you need as much energy as you can get. If your sister has older sister syndrome, maneuvers motherhood daily, and puts out fires at her job, she needs Clevr's Coffee Superlatte!

It has all the features of an oat milk latte except it also includes adaptogens, mushrooms, and probiotics that make for a soothing drink. No one wants to drink coffee and feel extremely wired later because that can add to unnecessary stress that your sister may want to get rid of.

For just $28, your sister can enjoy 14 lattes that just two grams of sugar in them! What's not to love?

Rhode Skin Lip Case

One thing I know is that my sister believes in keeping her phone case on and a moisturizing lip product nearby. She's never said they're mandatory things but I've yet to see her without both of them. I'd be lying if I said it's easy for her to keep up with her lip balms or glosses, hence why I included this innovative gift.

Pair it with Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment so your sister doesn't feel frustrated when she realizes her other lip products don't go with this particular case. As far as we're concerned, she won't think twice after trying the peptide treatment because her lips will be the softest they've ever been.

Candier Girl, Make Waves and Turn The Tide

Your sister's been dreaming of going on vacation again hasn't she? *Sigh* So has the editorial and social team at Brit + Co.

This candle deserves a spot in your sister's room, bathroom, or reading nook because it's sure to make her feel like she's on vacation each time she takes a deep breath. It smells like fresh ocean air, citrus, musk, and pink sea salt — hence the candle's title.

Since your sister is sure to fall in love with this candle, it's important that you tell her it's made without carcinogens, parabens, and phthalates.

Did I mention that its $29 at Ulta?

Gifts For Mother's Day That Book Lovers Won't Get Enough Of

Amazon Kindle 6" E-Reader

I know you have at least one friend that loves reading books and would spend her entire day reading if she didn't have anything else to do. I'm secure enough to say that I'm that mom friend and would absolutely love if someone gifted me a kindle for Mother's Day.

I love physical copies of books, but sometimes I wish I had something that didn't take up so much space. One thing I know is that kindles allow you to comfortably read books without worrying that you're going to fall asleep and lose your place because you dropped your book just as things were getting good.

With Kindle Unlimited, I'd get access to over 2 million books and I wouldn't feel overwhelmed because they'll all be on this compact device.

This version is $100 at Target!

Kate Spade New York Canvas Tote Bag with Interior Pocket

Book lovers need something to carry their essentials in books in like this cute canvas tote bag by Kate Spade. It's fairly reliable despite how lightweight it is and that's always a great sign. It also has an interior pocket to store small essentials like gum, pens, and more.

For a Kate Spade design, the $28 price tag feels like a steal!

Papier "The Little Things" Reading Journal

Your solo book club isn't complete with a reading journal! You'll be able to review 32 books with plenty of space to write as many details per review. You'll also be able to write down your TBR list on 8 different pages, document the books you've borrowed or let others read, and answer journal prompts.

I almost forgot but the team at Papier has also included their book recommendations in it! I feel like this is one of the most thorough reading journals I've come across.

It's currently in-stock for $38.

Mystery Book Owl Blind Date With a Book

Do you know a mom who loves books and wouldn't mind being surprised because she received a mystery read? She'll love this gift by Mystery Book Owl Blind Date With a Book. Each package comes wrapped with an external pocket that has a space for your pen, a reading log, stickers, and more.

You'll be able to pick the genre for her and the rest will be history as they say!

Gifts For Mother's Day That Wine Lover Will Savor

Sophie James Wine Co Sparkling Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir

It's wine. Of course your wine drinking mom friend will love this sparkling rosé! It's perfect for the mom who appreciates women owned businesses that are sustainable and are 100% organic! She'll immediately smell sweet blends of white strawberry and white flowers that have a hint of mandarin peel along with briche. And the texture? You can bet she'll thoroughly enjoy that too!

The Bamboo Abode Pink Wine Glasses Gift Set

Keep the pink theme going with The Bamboo Abode's pink wine glasses to complement your rosé wine bottle. You'll get a gold metal wine opener as well as wine stoppers to keep your wine stored in style. And what's wine and cute wine glasses without a charcuterie board set to go along with it?

YETI Wine Chiller

Okay, the wine lover's gifts for Mother's Day aren't complete with a wine cooler! The mom you gift this too will probably giggle heartily when she realizes you're keeping her love for wine in mind. Don't be surprised when she brings it along during your next brunch picnic!

Gifts For Mother's Day That The Beauty-Obsessed Will Reach For Daily

Kosas Wet Lip Trio

I'm biased so Kosas stays on my radar with their skincare-driven makeup products. I've even shared the brand with my older sister because we tend to swap beauty finds with each other. If you have a similar relationship with you sister, be sure to buy this lip gloss trio for her.

They're full of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, lip-plumping peptides, and evening primrose oil that protects lips from icky environmental smog. Trust me, your sister will have a hard time choosing which shades are her favorite because all of them work well on any complexion.

Get this limited edition trio for $59 at Kosas!

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches

We're in our eye patches eras ladies and that means the beauty-obsessed mom in your life probably is too. I'm a fan of Peter Thomas Roth's products because he understands that one's skincare routine should feel luxuriating. His Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are infused with real 24K Gold and Colloidal Gold to help improve the under eye area, but that's not all!

They're great for all skin types and are anti-aging as well. Basically they're the top tier beauty products that a mom needs if she's been dealing with a few sleepless nights lately.

Grab a pack of 30 for $75!

Sonäge Skincare Bare Essentials Duo

Gift this skincare duo to a mom who's been looking to find her glow again. She'll appreciate the soothing hydration she'll get from the Hydrating Cleanser that easily removes makeup and other debris from her face. Once she follows up wit the Glow To Go Glycolic Acid Peel Pads, her skin will feel nice and exfoliated. The pads also treat large pores and dark spots so if she's been looking to heal her hyperpigmentation, do her a big favor please!

You'll spend less than $75 when you buy this duo from Sonäge Skincare!

Dermstore Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Mineral SPF 40

There's a reason why this sunscreen keeps making rounds! It's literally the best sunshine protection you'll get in a bottle and it's universal. It has a weightless, cloud-like formula that doesn't feel tough to rub into the skin and it works well for those with really sensitive skin. If the mom in your life who can't seem to find a good sunscreen or primer is like me, she'll appreciate that this sunscreen doubles as both.

Let's give a huge shout out to the bamboo extract found in this amazing bottle.

Mermade Hair 1.25" OG Waver

Tell your mom friend that her favorite hair curler has met it's match with Mermade Hair's OG Waver. It's designed specifically for those who are looking for a boost of curls and volumes that they usually have a hard time achieving. Since summer is right around the corner, this is a perfect Mother's Day gift for the mom you know will be going on vacation soon. She'll get effortlessly beachy and glam curls that'll completely the shag hairstyles she's been eyeing.

And get this — it's celebrity hairstylist-approved for $79.

Which gifts for Mother's Day are you thinking about adding to your list? Let us know and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping inspo!

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

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Lucy Boynton’s “The Greatest Hits” Is Like “About Time” Meets “A Walk To Remember”

In spring movieThe Greatest Hits, Harriet loves vinyls — just like actress Lucy Boynton! "At home, I have a turntable," Lucy tells me. "My dad got me this really cool red record player, so it's like my pride and joy. And my dad and I — music has been the center of our relationship, so he's been giving me loads of his old vinyls since getting it. And the sound quality on vinyl is like nothing else. You hear the crunch of what it was supposed to be, and the sound in the room. So, yeah, that's where my heart is."

She's currently listening to Sam Cooke, but there's another artist who has a special place in her heart: Bob Dylan.

"Dylan's lyrics throughout the history of his career have spoken to young people and their restlessness," she says. "I remember always knowing that and enjoying his music aesthetically, and then hearing 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' when I was in my late teens. In that restlessness when you're trying to be a full person, you feel like an adult, but you're obviously still so young and so in denial of that. And I heard the lyrics to that and just felt so seen and...suddenly it's like I have someone far more eloquent than myself articulating exactly how I feel."

The same can be said for contemporary artists like Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift, whose music consistently tops charts because it makes listeners feel seen. And in The Greatest Hits, music isn't just an emotional experience, it's a physical one too.

What is The Greatest Hits about?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

The Greatest Hits follows Lucy Boynton's Harriet, who can travel back in time by listening to specific songs — and who's hunting for the one track that will help her save her late boyfriend. Think of it like About Time with some of the relationship devastation that comes from A Walk To Remember. (For her part, Lucy was inspired by everything from Like Crazy to My Girl to The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion). This movie has got everything you need from a good rom-com: incredible actors, memorable makeup from Euphoria's Donni Davy, and quirky details like a silent disco and the fact Harriet always wears headphones.

But the movie is also incredibly grounded. While Harriet is focused on her past relationship, a brand new one begins to blossom in the present, throwing an unexpected (if welcome) wrench in Harriet's plans. As a self-proclaimed "nostalgic, sentimental person," Lucy Boynton says The Greatest Hits made her think about living in the present in a whole new way.

"I knew it was better to live present and forward-looking," she says. "But this job calls for you to be so in tune with your past and feelings, and it's so useful when you can draw from your own experience. So I kind of kept one foot in the past deliberately...seeing the way that prohibits Harriet from being aware of what's happening in her present tense because you just miss opportunities. Something that could catch your eye if you're open to it won't happen if your peripheral is clouded by the past."

"I think it's such a temptation, I don't know how I would be able to resist if given the opportunity to go back," she continues. "But I don't know that it's fate so much as relinquishing the power. Where it's like, you don't know what the other road looked like...You don't know what option B was and yeah, something terrible could have happened [but] you might not know the people that you know now. And so I think as painful as things can [be], I don't know any other road and I would choose the safety of the road I know now and can learn from."

Who's in The Greatest Hits cast?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

In The Greatest Hits, Lucy stars opposite Justin H. Min and David Corenswet. She's worked with Will Poulter on Why Didn't They Ask Evans and Emma Watson on Ballet Shoes, but in 2023, she also had a role in the biggest movie of the year: Barbie!

While we only see her onscreen for a brief moment, Lucy says being a doll in Weird Barbie's (Kate McKinnon) house was a dream. "It was wild just to be in the room with those brains," she says. "It's undeniable. Greta is brilliant, but Kate McKinnon is a comedic genius...Just like hearing her riff, hearing her improv line after line was heaven. It was like being front row at SNL or something, and that's the joy of being on any kind of set. It's the experience in the moment. So yeah, that was a comedy show that I loved."

Lucy's also looking to the future and would "just love to be in anything written by Michaela Coel," she tells me. "I think she's an extraordinary, completely unique voice. And just brilliant. So, yeah, anything penned by her. I think Andrea Riseborough is a really extraordinary actress, Brit Marling. You know, the list is extensive."

Rapid Fire With The Greatest Hits' Lucy Boynton

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Brit + Co: I love seeing all the dates Harriet goes on with her new love interest David. What's your idea of the perfect date?

Lucy Boynton: I think anything that's spontaneous. My best dates and my best memories have been days that [have] just unraveled as you go along them.

B+C: As much as I love dates, I also love having nothing to do. When was the last time you canceled plans?

LB: Embarrassingly recently. I feel like this press tour has kept me in line and kept me in check with the schedule. But it'll probably be tomorrow.

B+C: What is your on-set must-have?

LB: A book and mints because you're in really close proximity with people. So mints are a must-have and then a book because you're inevitably waiting around between set changes and it's always longer than you think it's going to be.

B+C: What is on your summer 2024 bucket list?

LB: Say yes to more things. I think, especially in a freelance job, it's really easy to want to keep the window open for any work that comes up. And I'm trying to be better at taking the reins on my own life and saying yes to more opportunities with friends and family. So honestly, just like a holiday. I'm going to go on holiday.

B+C: We've talked so much about nostalgia, is there anything particular you miss from the pre-smartphone era?

LB: Oh my God, yes. Not being cross eyed and glued to [your phone], I think. Just that thing of like, when you're waiting for someone, just being in your environment. And I know when you're young, that's for some reason humiliating, to look like you're not doing anything. But when it was just looking up and looking around, whereas when I have a beat [now], I'm probably looking at my phone and that's just horrific.

Where can I watch The Greatest Hits?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

You can stream The Greatest Hits on Hulu now.

Where was The Greatest Hits filmed?

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Principal photography for The Greatest Hits took place in 2022 around Los Angeles, California. Specific locations include Echo Park, Silver Lake, Chinatown, and Venice Beach! If you ask me, this is even more of an excuse to take an LA trip in 2024 ;).

Would you go back in time if given the chance? Let us know on Facebook! Stream The Greatest Hits now and check out all the May Movies you can see next month.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Lead image via Searchlight Pictures

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