8 Simple Beauty Hacks Straight from the Victoria’s Secret Angels

Though the models backstage at the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which airs December 8 on CBS, literally had an army getting them runway ready — 32 hairstylists, 32 makeup artists and six manicurists to be exact — the elaborate prep (and those final covetable looks) actually included some pretty basic beauty tips. As in, you can totally steal a VS model hair or makeup hack for your next big networking event or hot date (but you can leave the giant wings at home). Here’s the inside scoop on the products + tricks to keep in your beauty arsenal straight from your imaginary besties Alessandra, Kendall, Gigi and more.

1. Make Mauve Your New Everyday Lip Shade: For that more muted lip shade, makeup artist Dick Page applied a mauve color and then lip gloss to Alessandro Ambrosio’s pout. For a similar look, try Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft ($21) + blot your everyday gloss on top. (via Glamour)

2. Prep Your Skin by Going Makeup Free: In the days before the show, many of the models didn’t wear makeup to keep their faces fresh and clean for the big night, which actually takes all day to film. If you want to take a similare route before a big event, make sure you’re on top of your skincare game to get a natural glow sans your typical daily coverage. A touch of serum there, a spritz of face mist here, a lip mask to really hydrate those lips and you’re golden. (via Glamour)

3. Forgo Your Normal Foundation: To give the models a sun-kissed look, makeup artist Dick Page applied a little bit of foundation in a slightly warmer tone than the models’ complexions and used a wet Beautyblender to blend it in and create a more natural effect. Next time you re-up on your foundation, double up to try this makeup hack. (viaPeople StyleWatch)

4. Don’t Forget the Corners: Model Rachel Hilbert spilled that to make her eyes really sparkle and lashes pop, she always adds a touch of eye shadow to the corner of her eyes. Use a highlighter for daily wear or if you really want to take it to the next level, apply a metallic shadow like this bronzy Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color ($25). Party-ready eyes like that. (viaWWD)

5. Have #BeachHairGoals All Year Round: Think mermaids when it comes to copying VS Angel hair. Hairstylist Sarah Potempa used the Beachwaver Iron ($189) to add those glamorously tousled waves (Pro Tip: curl in the same direction to get runway-worthy locks). If the time + price tag aren’t in the cards (we’re looking at you, lazy girls), a few spritzes of sea salt spray ($14) will give you instant texture. (via PopSugar)

6. Take a Wine Hiatus: Model Constance Jablonski said she cuts back on the wine before a big show because sugar isn’t good for your skin (womp, womp!). We can think of a few other things you and your gf could dobesides chilling at the bar on weeknights… (via Glamour)

7. Don’t Skimp on Blush: According to the Angels, the perfect companion to a bronzy glow is a bright pop of pink on the apples of your cheeks. The stunning shade models like Kendall Jenner wore comes from the Kryolan Blusher Palette ($32), a five-shade palette that’s just daring you to mix up your next look. (via Vogue)

8. Get. Some. Sleep!: Yes, beauty sleep is key to the flawless skin and pep in the steps of a VS model (raise your hand if you need to re-work your before-bed routine). Make it a screens-off, tea-kettle-on (with herbal potions at the ready) and relaxing tunes kind of night, all in the name of beauty. (viaPeople StyleWatch)

Are you going to watch the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?

We love glittery makeup just as much as the next gal, but we're not huge fans of the mess. Turns out, Kirsten Dunst‘s makeup artist Mary Wiles has the easiest, quickest way to remove all that glitter, and it’s a household tool you’ve probably got already lying around the house! Whether you’re into a silver glitter beauty look or are going for an out-of-this-world sparkly unicorn style, this hack is great for all your glam looks.

Wiles, who has worked on other famous faces like Naomi Watts and Elizabeth Olsen, told Elle in 2017 that she uses a lint roller — yes, a lint roller! — to get rid of glitter, or else “you will be finding it all over for weeks!” Genius. Why haven’t we ever thought of that? In case you don’t already have this handy, multitasking tool, you can get a five-pack of Scotch-Brite Lint Rollers ($15) on Amazon.

The beauty guru says she uses a silicone brush to “pick up and stamp” glitter onto the skin, before setting it with a mist likeMake Up For Ever’s Mist and Fix Setting Spray ($28) to keep it all in check for a fun night out. And when you’re ready to say farewell to all that shimmer at the end of the night, use Wiles’ trick to easily remove it so you don’t wake up looking like your entire bed was glitter bombed.

Have you tried this Kirsten Dunst-approved hack? Tell us @BritandCo!

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

Featured image via Mar Bustos/Unsplash

This post has been updated.

There are a number of TV shows in the running for best teen drama. I'm ready to press play on The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Tree Hill, and The Vampire Diaries at any given moment, but there is nothing like watching Friday Night Lights season 1. It might not be as glamorous as Gossip Girl, but that's exactly why it resonates so deeply when you watch it — FNL both highlights and honors viewers' real-world experiences because the characters are SO relatable. Instead of leaving you envious of a fictional life, Friday Night Lights welcomes you into a community you feel like you already know.


Image via NBC

Everyone in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas lives and breathes football, and Friday Night Lights season 1 opens just before the first game of the season. Right off the bat, we're introduced to characters that both evoke emotion and spark our curiosity, and we're told exactly where they are in their lives: new head coach Eric Taylor is struggling to win the town's confidence. Fullback Tim Riggins struggles both with motivation and against confident running back Smash Williams. All-American quarterback Jason Street has dreams of playing in the NFL while timid Matt Saracen takes care of his grandmother during the afternoon and serves as second-string quarterback at night.

Not to mention the fact that when I watched Friday Night Lights for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling and multi-dimensional the women are. Tami Taylor has the perfect blend of motherly love and the kind of Southern sass that puts you in your place. Minka Kelly's Lyla Garrity is one of my favorite TV characters of all time because she might be wealthy and popular, but she evades "The Curse of the Brunette" that seems to plague early 2000s leading ladies. Instead of turning into a manipulative mean girl like the high school versions of Blair Waldorf and Brooke Davis, Lyla is just kind. Does she still make insanely bad decisions (like kissing her boyfriend's best friend)? Yes, but aren't bad decisions a right of passage when you're 17?

The show's initial plots and character arcs revolve heavily around football, but the sport really just serves as a funnel for all the off-field drama. The tension between the characters makes their gameplay even more passionate — and when Street gets seriously injured during that first game of the season, the town rallies together in a way that highlights how strong a community can bond in the face of tragedy.

Image via NBC

Life in middle-class America can be tough, but it can also be really, really sweet. While I'm neither from Texas nor have attended the kind of football school Dillon High is, the contrast between the characters' responsibilities and the fun that comes with parties and joining your friends at the local burger joint resonates with me every time I rewatch.

Even the fact the show is named Friday Night Lights emphasizes that contrast because it shows just how much of a spotlight is on these kids, and how much weight is on their shoulders when they're truly just trying to survive their teenage years.

Rather than providing an escape from viewers' realities like Outer Banks does, Friday Night Lights season 1 emphasizes the realities of juggling multiple jobs, school, and family responsibility that a lot of viewers experience too. It allows you to understand the characters in a really personal way — and feel like you're a part of the community too. The world can seem so big and scary (now more than ever), which is why the simplicity of Friday Night Lights totally redefines comfort TV.

What's your standout moment from Friday Night Lights season 1? Check out why Gilmore Girls Season 7 Wasn't Supposed To Be The Final Chapter for even more TV show musings!

Lead image via NBC

When it comes to bridal makeup, no one does it quite like celebrities — and their teams of fairy godmothers (AKA glam squads), of course. Just take Mandy Moore’s pink eyeshadow that matched her pink wedding dress for example; or Kaley Cuoco’s seriously dreamy highlight (more on that below). To help inspire your own wedding beauty, we chatted with the makeup artists behind four celeb bridal beauty looks. Keep reading for the exact products the pros used, plus their inside tips to achieving your most radiant #MOTD yet.

Danielle Fishel

The Boy Meets World actress approached her big day with glowing skin, an understated dramatic lid, and the most flawless dusty rose lip. Celebrity makeup artist Julie Cuomo began by prepping with a hyaluronic acid and rose facial mist, layered with La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream ($175) to help lock the hydration in. (Photo via Julie Cuomo)

Cuomo used a damp beautyblender ($20) to prime Fishel’s skin with Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow ($55) topped with Chanel Vitalumière Foundation in 3.5 Bisque ($60). Prior to sealing the base makeup with a dusting of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish in #2 ($45), Cuomo concealed and highlighted Fishel’s face (specifically under her eyes, along her cheekbones, across her brow bone, and at the center of her cupid’s bow) using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer ($32).

To warm up the Girl Meets World star’s complexion, Cuomo used Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Light ($52) and followed a three shape starting at her forehead, sweeping down towards her cheek, and ending along her jawline. As for the natural rosy flush, Cuomo dusted Jouer Cosmetics Blush Bouquet Dual Blush Palette ($30) across the apples of Fishel’s cheeks.

To define her lids, Cuomo traced MAC Prolongwear Fluidline Gel Liner in Black Track ($18) along the upper lash line, followed by Ardell Lashes in Demi Whispies ($12). Next, she popped open the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette ($42) to add depth to the bridal statement eye. “I applied concealer on the ball of the eyelid and set with a neutral powder, then I swept Orange Soda on the crease and intensified the outer corners of the crease with Rustic to add more drama,” Cuomo explains. Lastly, she traced over the eyeliner with Cyprus Umber and swiped on a coat of Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara ($29).

“Danielle wanted kissable luscious lips for her first kiss at the alter, so we prepped with Fresh Sugar Lip Balm ($26), then applied Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner ($22) and Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34) and topped with Jouer Cosmetics Lipgloss ($17),” Cuomo explains.

For the final touch, Cuomo gently swept two colors from the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Palette ($80) on Fishel’s cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and collar bone. “I then tapped a little of the La Mer Moisture Cream with my fingertips over it to give a natural glowy finish,” she says.

Ashley Greene

The Twilight star’s wedding day beauty was all about barely-there makeup and a defined brow with an ethereal highlight that played into her fairytale theme. Makeup artist Emma Willis prepped Greene’s complexion with Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($72) and Becca Cosmetics Backlight Priming Filter ($39). “You only want to apply a few drops of the oil and I like to warm it on my fingertips and then press the residue over the entire face,” she notes. (photo via Emma Willis)

To create Green’s base, Willis used Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation ($46). “Apply the foundation with fingertips or a brush and then with a very wet (but slightly squeezed out) beautyblender, pat and buff into the skin,” Willis says. “For even more of a dewy glow, I also love to spritz my blender on top with Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48).”

For bronzer and blush, Willis relied on Malibu Soleil from the Becca Cosmetics Becca x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette ($46) to develop a warm contour. In addition to the hollows of the cheeks, she suggests applying bronzer to the forehead and temples too. “It will give structure to the face and balance it out,” she explains. Next, she applied Hibiscus Bloom (from the Becca x Chrissy Teigen Palette) to the apples of the cheeks and Beach Nectar to create a glowing highlight. “For added highlight, I used Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in Opal ($41),” Willis says. “Add some water or mixing medium to apply wet. It will give an incredible glassy highlight.”

Greene’s subtle burgundy and rose lid look was mastered with Surratt Beauty Artistique Eyeshadow in Marron and Ingenue ($20 each), accentuated with lots of individual eyelashes.

On Greene’s lips, Willis got creative with Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Crush ($18) mixed with Tom Ford Blush Nude ($55), sealed with Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink ($27).

Willis completed the Greene’s glam with a light dusting of Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder ($48) and NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder in Translucent Crystal ($37).

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore turned to makeup artist and longtime BFF Jenn Streicher to perfect her pretty-in-pink bridal beauty. “I knew I wanted the makeup to be timeless yet not boring, and her to literally look like a blushing bride,” says the co-owner of Beverly Hills beauty studio STRIIIKE. “We had been obsessing over this Tom Ford single eye shadow called Fuchsia Foil ($36) and [were] waiting for the right time to use it and thought this was the perfect time.” She applied the color sparingly with her finger to add the lightest dusting of shimmer and color across the This Is Us actress’ lids. For a monochromatic effect, Streicher dusted Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush ($40) on her cheeks and Dior Lip Glow in Raspberry ($34) on her lips. (Photo via Jenn Streicher)

Kaley Cuoco

Bold brows and an inner eye highlight were the standout stars of The Big Bang Theory actress’ bridal beauty. But before those accents were applied, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg began with Cuoco’s complexion. Greenberg started with Skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30) and La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturizing Cream, then focused on Cuoco’s arches, using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer ($23). (Photo via Jamie Greenberg)

“We wanted the lids to be a little bit natural so I took these Shimmer Veils ($28) from Cover FX in Celestial and Magic, because that’s what the night was all about,” Greenberg notes in a post on YouTube. While Magic was reserved for the lid, to add an extra touch of sparkle to Cuoco’s glam, Greenberg dotted Celestial in the corner of each eye and made it all pop using 24K from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette ($39). “I went over the corner where Celestial was and just buffed it out and did a little bit of this on the whole eye,” details Greenberg. “What it does is it kind of fuses the two textures so you have no beginning and no end to the textures — it’s just kind of a wash on the eye.”

To fill in Cuoco’s lash line and give her flutter a little extra oomph, Greenberg reached for Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner in Soft Black ($10) and Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara in Classic Black ($10). “Kaley wanted [to look very] natural so instead of doing eyeliner on the top, we did it underneath in the lash line,” Greenberg explains. “We filled in the lash line, made it really dark, and that just defined her eye area.” For additional flair, Greenberg cut Ardell Eyelash Demi Wispies ($7) into three sections for more control, then fused them with her natural lashes with another coat of mascara.

Once Cuoco’s eye makeup was complete, Greenberg applied Cover FX Blurring Primer ($38) to her complexion, followed by the Cover FX Power Play Foundation ($44). “We used three different colors. We did the darker colors on the outside and then the lighter colors on the inside,” Greenberg points out. “This is something you can do when you want things to be a little bit more 4D in your pictures. It’s like contouring but not as obvious because she has to look just as good in person as she does in the pictures so it’s a very faint play on [the shadowing technique].” To blur any lines, Greenberg blotted a damp beautyblender across Cuoco’s complexion. Next, she went in with Cover FX Power Play Concealer ($30) under the eyes and over any imperfections.

On Cuoco’s cheeks, Greenberg blended Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Rose Gold ($42). She followed up with the 24K and Rose Gold shades from the Cover FX Gold Bar Highlighting Palette and finished off Cuoco’s face with Cover FX Perfect Setting Powder in Translucent Light ($35), as well as a spritz of Cover FX Mattifying Spray ($31).

To seal her statement beauty look with a kiss, Greenberg layered Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands ($9) and Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Liquid Lipstick in Niagra Nude ($10) across Cuoco’s pout.

RELATED: Mandy Moore’s Romantic Wedding Style Includes a Pink Dress and a Floral Hairstyle

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

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

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

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

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

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

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

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

Stanley Quencher H2.0

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

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

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

2024 Daily Planner

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

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

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

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

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

The Beast Mini Blender

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

Béis The Sport Backpack

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

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

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

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

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

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

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

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

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

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

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

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

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

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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

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

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

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

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

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

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

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

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

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

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

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

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

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

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

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

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS