Nude manicures aren’t going anywhere if our current obsession with BB cream nails is anything to go by. Now Selena Gomez‘s latest manicure has made a case for ‘toasted’ nude nails.
In an Instagram post on 7 September, her go-to nail artist Tom Bachik revealed Selena’s new set. Her short, squoval-shaped nails were painted a deep beige colour infused with iridescent peach pearls, courtesy of Essie’s Special Effect Line in Liquid Sunrise – seemingly an ode to the pictured sunrise on Selena Gomez’s Rare T-shirt.
In the caption Tom wrote, “Trend Alert 💅🏼 Toasted Mani for Fall 🌅💖” – clearly signposting that ‘toasted’ shades were going to be huge for AW25. And it’s not hard to see why. Selena’s ‘toasted manicure’ is the perfect shade of golden hour light. It offers something different to summer’s milky pink nail: it hits the sweet spot between being neutral but also bang on trend for cosy season. It’s warm, understated and leans into the autumnal colour palette.
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How to do the toasted mani at home
The appeal of the toasted mani lies in its simplicity – think neatly shaped cuticles, clean edges and polish with the merest hint of shimmer that takes the toasted nail seamlessly from office to bar.
To get Selena Gomez’s toasted nail look, Tom wrote, “we always start with my favorite @tweezerman tools for a meticulous mani. For Sel’s mani we used @essie’s Special Effect line in ‘Liquid Sunrise’. I finished the look off with my favorite top coat, @shoptombachik Click Colors in ‘Super Clear’ (TPO-Free!).”
So first, trim your nails by clipping straight across to create short tips and file the top edge of the nail into a straight line before rounding the edges.
While Selena’s shade of choice, Liquid Sunrise, isn’t available in the UK, there are several brilliant alternatives that allow you to play with similar chrome-like beige, rose gold and nude bronze hues.
Nails Inc Caught in The Nude Nail Polish in Maldives Beach
Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Cashmere
Intrigued by the toasted manicure? We certainly are. It’s basically perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to stray too far from their trusty nude nail but still wants to give their manicure an exciting seasonal switch up.
T3 is known for its collection of hair tools, especially its coveted Featherweight StyleMax blow dryer. But, now, the brand has its own air styler to rival the Dyson Airwrap. And it’s all on sale for The Icons Sale, in honor of the brand’s 20th birthday. The T3 Aire 360 is originally $300, but you can snag it on sale for $50 off through September 1. Available in a mint and satin blush hue, this air styler comes with four attachments—a round brush, two ceramic curling rods, and a drying concentrator—to give you the best at-home blowout.
They might not be the most elegant tool in your beauty bag, but eyelash curlers are one of those small-but-mighty staples that can completely change the way your eyes look in seconds. Forget the outdated reputation of being a medieval torture device – modern curlers are cleverly designed to lift, open, and fan your lashes so even the laziest mascara application looks instantly more polished. Think of them as the shortcut to looking wide awake, even after five hours of sleep and three coffees.
Eyelash curlers are a divisive one, some say its an easy skip, but ask most makeup artists and they’ll tell you a great curler is one of the easiest and quickest ways to level-up your lashes and give them the look of lift, length and fullness. “They are my most useful tool and one of my top three desert island items,” confirms top makeup artist, Naoko Scintu, who counts Kaia Gerber,Gemma Chan and Sydney Sweeney as clients.
And just like mascaras, not all curlers are created equal. The right one depends on your eye shape, lash length, and whether you want a subtle lift or a full-on, dramatic curl. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best eyelash curlers that beauty editors, makeup artists, and lash obsessives swear by – from cult classics to innovative new designs.
How we tested the best eyelash curlers & why you should trust us:
To find the best eyelash curlers worth your money, we put dozens of tools through their paces. Each curler was tested on a range of eye shapes and lash lengths to see how well it lifted, curled, and held throughout the day. We considered comfort (no pinching allowed), ease of use, and how seamlessly they worked with mascara. Bonus points went to designs that felt sturdy yet lightweight, and to those with thoughtful details like ergonomic handles or refill pads. The result? A line-up of lash curlers that actually deliver on their promise – from subtle lift to full-on doe-eyed drama.
Georgia Brown testing the Tweezerman eyelash curlers at home.
Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
Why use an eyelash curler?
Curling lashes can work wonders for lifting and opening up the eye and making lashes look longer. Plus they can encourage lashes to hold a curl longer once you apply mascara. “They open up the eyes,” confirms Naoko. And they’re not just great for when you want to look glam, they’re an MVP for everyday and off-duty looks. “On my days off I only use skincare, a little bit of concealer and lash curlers to improve my appearance. Curling the lashes makes you look more awake and is the quickest thing to beautify,” she says.
How do you use an eyelash curler?
For best results, start with clean, dry lashes. “I always do this after skincare and before any makeup,” says Naoko. Working with clean lashes will give the best result.
Position the curler at the base of your upper lashes, being careful not to pinch your eyelid. Gently press and hold for about five seconds. For a more natural curl, move the curler slightly up the lashes and press again. Always curl before applying mascara to avoid breakage and ensure a smooth, lifted finish. With just a few squeezes, your lashes can go from flat to fabulously fluttery.
Are eyelash curlers safe?
If you’re wary of eyelash curlers because you’re worried about damage, don’t be. “They are safe and the most effective item in my makeup kit,” says Naoko. It comes down to choosing, maintaining and using the tool correctly. For starters, make sure you choose a curler that’s wide enough to fit all of your lashes without pinching or placing pressure on the ends or leaving lashes out. Make sure the rubber bumper along the bottom is still bouncy and in good shape (which means replacing them once they start to look dented and thin). And make sure that you slowly wiggle the curler in position close to the root, ensuring all the lashes are correctly in before squeezing gently to ensure you don’t pinch your lid or cause breakage. Finally? Ensure the tool is clean and free from last-time’s mascara each time you use it.
Should you use an eyelash curler before or after mascara?
Using eyelash curlers on top of mascara is a little trickier as the mascara can make lashes sticky and more likely to adhere to the curler, generally it’s best to avoid but “you can do it – and I do so when needed – you just have to be gentle when curling as you don’t want the lashes to get stuck to the curlers. A few light and even presses on the curlers is all you need,” says Naoko.
How do you clean an eyelash curler?
Your curler is only good if its kept in good condition, so if the rubber bumper at the bottom of your curler is looking a little sketchy, it’s time to change it. “I like to buy the refills from Muji and replace them as soon as the curlers start to cut in to the bumper,” says Naoko. “This ensures you never damage your lashes,” she adds. Pick up a few replacements, so you can refill your lash curlers all the time.
What to look for when shopping for eyelash curlers
When shopping for an eyelash curler, the most important thing is finding a shape that suits your eyes – a wider curve works best for round eyes, while a flatter design hugs almond or smaller lids. Soft silicone pads are a must for creating a smooth bend without damaging lashes, and a comfortable grip will make all the difference if you’re using it every day. Look for a tool that gives long-lasting lift rather than a temporary kink, and consider extras like refill pads or even a heated option if you want to take things up a notch.
As for Naoko’s top pick? “Shiseido lash curlers are my number one.”
Scroll to see our edit of the best eyelash curlers to add to your beauty wishlist…
1. Best eyelash curler overall
When it comes to lash care, there are few brands more suitable than Uklash. Created to give your natural lashes the flutter they deserve, this device comes with flexible silicone pads that provide a gentle and crimp-free finish. It offers high performance and comes in at just over £10.
The curl can drop faster than pricier tools, and the fit may feel a little wide on smaller eye shapes.
Metal frame with silicone pad.
2. The runner-up
Georgia Brown testing the Tweezerman eyelash curlers at home.
Tweezerman Classic Eyelash Curler
It’s a solid classic, but I’ve noticed that if you have smaller or deep-set eyes, you have to angle it just right to get all your lashes. Not the quickest for a morning rush, but perfect if you’re taking your time for a precise curl.
Stainless steel frame with rounded silicone pad; includes three replacement pads.
3. Best budget
SEPHORA COLLECTION Eyelash Curler
Considering it’s medium price point, Sephora’s lash curlers offer a pinch-free lift that grabs every lash. I found it sleek, comfortable to use, and loved how it curled my flat, stubborn lashes. It feels sturdy in the hand and creates an instant eye-opening lift that holds well under mascara.
The curve is quite wide, which works brilliantly on bigger eyes but might feel a little awkward if your eyes are smaller or more almond-shaped.
Stainless-steel frame with two replaceable silicone pads.
4. The eyelash curler chosen by MUAs
Made with an edge-free design that prevents pinching, this iconic eyelash curler from Shiseido is guaranteed to leave you impressed. Its rubber pads help create a glamorous curl from the outer corner to the inner edge of your eye. There’s a reason why it’s such a cult favourite among top makeup artists.
This beauty tool is a splurge compared to the other options in this edit, so make sure the flat curve suits your eye shape before committing. A few Glamour testers noted that these curlers might not work as well for deeper-set or smaller eyes, so it might not be as universally flattering as the hype suggests.
Stainless-nickel frame with flexible silicone rubber pads – one replacement included.
5. Best eyelash curler for precision
Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler
What makes this curler unique is that it comes with bright red silicone pads, which use colour contrast to make it easier to see your lash line as you squeeze. “Not all eyelash curlers are the same,” celebrity makeup artist Janine Holmes told her TikTok followers. “A regular eyelash curler usually has a bumper that’s black, and the problem with that is that your eyelashes are dark and it’s hard to see, so you might not get all your lashes in the curler.” For this reason, Kevyn Aucoin’s are her favourite. Plus they “get in nice and close to the root of the lash,” she says.
It’s worth noting that it doesn’t come with replacement pads, so you’ll need to buy those separately. Also, at £36, it’s a splurge – so make sure its wider shape fits your eye before you commit.
Stainless-steel frame with a high-contrast red silicone pad.
6. Best for short lashes
Dior Backstage Eyelash Curler
This Dior eyelash curler is a firm favourite among celebrity makeup artists. Thanks to its rounded soft pads, this product is both comfortable and easy to use, creating curled lashes that last all day long. Great for those of us with deep-set eyes and/or short lashes.
The price is steep for a curler – so only worth it if you’re committed to that perfect, Dior-worthy lift.
Polished stainless steel frame with a soft, rounded silicone pad and ergonomic handles for a comfortable, precise grip.
7. Best for performance and aesthetics
Made specifically to complement every eye shape, this sleek product delivers impressive staying power and stunning lift, plus it looks like a little work of art.
I love how gently it lifts lashes, but the smaller clamp can feel fiddly if you have very long or thick lashes. It’s a luxe option, so if you’re on a budget, this might not be your daily go-to.
Sleek stainless-steel frame with a soft, precision silicone pad.
This full-sized, professional-grade lash curler is pretty much an essential for any beauty enthusiast. The lash lift it provides can only be described as gravity-defying. You can pair it with your favourite mascara after curling to dramatically improve the volume too.
This might be a cult classic, but some users have reported that it requires multiple squeezes to achieve the desired curl.
Durable stainless steel frame with a sleek black finish; features a soft silicone pad for gentle curling.
9. Best heated eyelash curler
StylPro Heated Eye Lash Curler
If you have really stubborn lashes that don’t hold a curl, adding a little heat can work wonders for even the straightest lashes. These heated lash curlers are ultra-compact, meaning they make the perfect travel companion.
This isn’t your typical eyelash curler, so perfecting the technique – and practicing to avoid burning yourself – can take time.
Lightweight plastic body with a heat-sensitive silicone pad that changes colour when ready for use. Operates on two included AAA batteries.
10. Best eyelash curler for next-level lift
Surratt Beauty Relevée Lash Curler
This premium curler may come with a slightly higher price point, but it’s designed to perfectly adhere to the contour of your eye, which helps create reliable, fanned lashes. “I get questions about this eyelash curler every day, so let’s talk about it,” beauty influencer, Karla Celis said on TikTok. “It is the best eyelash curler you’ll ever use. The amount of times that I’ve been asked if I have an eyelash lift because of this eyelash curler, my lashes just look insane every time I use this. It opens up so much wider than all the others and I think it fits eyes so much better so it grabs every single lash and it just gives you the most beautiful fanned-out lashes ever. Plus, this curl will last,” she says.
Priced at approximately £32, it’s a higher-end option and doesn’t come with replacement pads.
Nickel-free steel frame with a bouncy silicone pad.
If you often find you can comfortably fit all your lashes in your curler, this wide-angle rendition deserves a spot on your wishlist. There’s extra space to ensure no nipping at the edges and the rose gold colour looks luxe.
Despite having a wider frame to fit more eye shapes, some of our testers reported pinching on the inner corners – particularly if you have rounder eyes.
Carbon-plated steel frame and silicone pad; includes one replacement pad.
Enjoy more savings when you shop for the best eyelash curlers using theseBoots discount codes.
For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram@elleturneruk. And for more from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter@deniseprimbetand Instagram@deniseprimbet.
When mom of two India Collins noticed her favorite makeup products mysteriously disappearing, she wasn’t prepared to discover the unlikely culprit: her toddler.
The 33-year-old mother of two from Mississippi first noticed something was wrong when she couldn’t find her MAC Cosmetics “Chestnut” lipliner. After weeks of missing products, the mystery was solved when she spotted her 2-year-old son sneakily slipping an item into a large decorative vase.
When her husband pulled out the tall decorative sticks from the vase to investigate, the family discovered a hidden stash of makeup carefully collected by their little boy, who clearly had an interest in her cosmetics.
“I was in shock,” Collins told Newsweek. “How long had he been the vase bandit? How did we not notice this was his stash spot? A couple of weeks ago my makeup started going missing. I realized my lipliner was gone and started looking all over the house. Then I saw my son put something in the vase, and when we checked, there was an abundance of my makeup.”
In stitches, Collins decided to share the discovery on TikTok, where the short clip quickly went viral, gaining more than 300,000 views and thousands of amused comments.
Pictures from the video where the mom revealed where her makeup had been missing. Pictures from the video where the mom revealed where her makeup had been missing. @indy.cree/TikTok
Internet reacts
The moment struck a chord with fellow parents who know all too well the mischief toddlers can cause.
“I honestly just wanted to let other parents know you’re not alone in the toddler trenches,” Collins said. “And to keep an eye on your makeup! I never thought it would go viral—it was just a funny little video that snowballed into laughter across TikTok.”
In the comments, parents shared their own hilarious toddler moments. “We lost the remote for days—turns out my daughter did the same thing,” said one commenter.
Another wrote: “Little man just thinks mummy’s already so pretty she doesn’t need makeup.”
While some makeup fanatics sympathized with the loss: “Are those Marc Jacobs liners? I’d cry if I found one missing—they’re discontinued!” said one commenter.
This isn’t the first time toddlers have gone viral for their mischievous tendencies. Last year a one-year-old was caught on camera conducting a “jailbreak” with the family’s golden retriever. While earlier this year a dad caught his twin boys taking part in a hilarious mission to climb onto the couch, with one climbing over the other.
Why do toddlers hide objects?
At around 18–24 months of age, toddlers generally begin to grasp object permanence—understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.
This often leads to an increase in hiding things, because the child knows that the object still exists and can be retrieved later.
In fact, experts say this behavior is an important step in cognitive development, helping lay the groundwork for memory, problem-solving, and more complex cognitive abilities as children grow.
Christmas nails might not sound that cool, but some of our favourite manicurists have proven that festive manicures can look truly luxurious. So, you can skip novelty baubles and mini snowmen if they give you the ick (although we’re always here for fun fingertips, too) and swap in holly red Frenchies, sheer sparkle accents and subtle motifs. There’s tons of stylish ways for your mani to nod to the season.
If you want to keep it simple, lean into cosy nail shades like chocolate, merlot and forest green – or if you’re more of a maximalist, we’ve seen cable-knit nails and bold candy cane stripes that are absolutely wearable.
Thinking of doing some Christmas nail art yourself? Look to nail stencils, press-on nails and nail stickers to help you achieve your desired finish without the hassle. Etsy and Amazon have heaps of designs, while Boots and ASOS are great for nail tools and press-ons. If not, treat yourself to a mani and put your nails in the hands of the experts.
Here’s some of our favourite Christmas nail designs to get you inspired…
Santa Frenchie
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A French mani that looks like Santa’s red hat and white trimx? It’s fun, chic and weirdly works perfectly.
Christmas chrome
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Halloween seems like the perfect opportunity to give the lovely and talented, Jody Steel her flowers. The makeup artist and cosplay icon has partnered with CBS and has also been featured on Freeform’s ’25 Days of Christmas.’
Her shadowing techniques are next-level, and it’s as if she thinks of her face as a blank canvas for any given character.
Steel’s skill and beauty have us geeking out. Give her a follow HERE.
Let’s talk about contrast makeup. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have already seen the trend blowing up the FYP with a method of applying makeup that takes in your features to work out the most stunning and effortless look for you. Sounds good, right?
What is contrast makeup?
In a nutshell, the concept looks at the contrast between your hair, eyes and skin tone to determine the best approach to doing your makeup. It centres around the idea of keeping everything low contrast and unified so that your whole makeup look works cohesively, versus one feature standing out. Depending on your natural colouring, there are tweaks you can make to keep things looking effortless. The trend was spearheaded by French makeup artist, Alieenor, who has created a series of TikTok videos on finding your contrast and even created a filter to help you work out what your contrast is. You select your skin tone level, then check it against low, medium or high contrast examples to work out your match.
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Low contrast makeup
If you’re low contrast, it means your features – your skin tone, hair colour and eye colour – are similar in tone, whether they’re all deep, all medium or all fair. “When you have low contrast, you have more harmony on your face. Everything is less harsh, everything seems soft and very ‘the same’ because it’s in the same grey-scale [if you were to look at the image in black and white],” explains Alieenor.
As for how to apply this to getting ready, it means you get to do that no-makeup-makeup look. You have very unified features already. If you do a really intense eye or lip look, that would become the focus of your makeup, which means you don’t see your face as a whole, so it helps if you keep you makeup soft and in-keeping.
Low contrast: light-toned hair, eyes and skin
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Low contrast: medium-toned hair, eyes and skin
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Low contrast: deep-toned hair, eyes and skin
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Medium contrast makeup
If you’re medium contrast, it means your skin colour varies a fair amount from your hair and eye colour. For example, if you’re hair is a shade or two darker than your skin tone or vice versa, “you’re kind of in the middle,” says Alieenor. “Sometimes you have to tweak a little bit of your makeup to harmonise everything and have something that is a little bit less harsh, to appear more ethereal and natural,” she explains.
The best eyelash clusters may make you forget that traditional strip false eyelashes ever existed. This could sound like hyperbole, but trust me: I rarely reach for full strip styles now, always favouring a cluster design. Why? I find them far easier to achieve a natural result with. Plus, they are way more versatile too, since you’re able to use as few (or many) as you like to create your desired effect and elevate your eye makeup look.
That said, if I’m being honest, cluster lashes may not be as intuitive as simply sticking on one long strip. Be it traditional ones from the likes of Eylure and Sweed, or the DIY cluster lash extension-style iterations that last longer (thus removing the need for mascara), it did take me a hot minute to learn how to use them. But trust me when I tell you that once you nail the process, as I did, you’ll likely never look back.
Luckily for you, I spoke with top makeup artists to discover the easiest, fuss-free way to apply eyelash clusters. Gone will be the days when lash glue is stuck everywhere, lashes are all bent and frustration levels are sky-high. Along with these top tips, I’ve selected the top lash cluster buys I’ve discovered after my many years of trial and tribulation as a lash-loving beauty editor. Thank me later.
Why choose eyelash clusters over strip false lashes?
Those of us who rarely use false eyelashes may have only reached for regular ‘strip’ lashes before – but eyelash clusters are worth giving a go for so many reasons.
“I would generally choose clusters if trying to achieve a really natural finish, or one that didn’t involve any eyeliner whatsoever – I would only use strip lashes (usually trimming them) if I have applied eyeliner to blend in with them,” says Spencer. “I find strip lashes are much more obviously there, which may work for the look you’re trying to achieve, of course. But if the goal is just to look like there are lots of lashes vs lots of fake lashes, clusters are a better bet.”
Nelson adds: “I use them all the time. They allow me to customise the length, shape and style to create any style I want from undetectable natural to extreme volume or cat eye liquid liner without the liner.”
Top application tips for eyelash clusters:
“I actually find clusters are easier to teach people to apply than strip lashes because effectively you’re just positioning them right on top of your natural lashes (or underneath now with some brands),” says Spencer.
Application-wise for traditional clusters, she advises following these simple steps:
Apply the glue to the lashes (go for as little as possible – just a coating, not a blob)
Let it dry a bit so it’s tacky and not wet
Either with fingers or with an eyelash applicator tool (these are handy if you wear false eyelashes a lot), just pop them on top of your lashes, and position while the glue still allows you to.
Spencer further advises: “I will often tell people to check the position while their eyes are open and then ask them to open and shut a few times just to check it looks seamless. If you’re applying them to yourself and want to check the positioning is right, you could film yourself opening and shutting your eyes with your phone while you become accustomed to where works for your face.”
If you’re opting for DIY eyelash extensions in clusters (such as Lashify’s or Kiss‘ that usually apply under the lash line and last longer than a day so are reusable), there will likely be different application steps. It’s important to follow each brand’s instructions or watch an online tutorial, which often makes the process far easier. Nelson says the following tips will help to keep them on for longer: “Don’t over-bond [with the lash adhesive product included], make sure of proper placement, re-fuse in the morning and don’t use oil-based makeup remover.”
How we tested eyelash clusters
Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried dozens of eyelash clusters, from brands including Eylure, Lashify, Kiss and Swede. We’ve tested these for ease of application, longevity and style, amongst other things. The following are our top picks to add to your basket and checkout with. Find out more about how we test.
Meet our favourite eyelash clusters for just about any makeup look…
Without the Black community, the beauty industry would not exist as we know it today. So why wouldn’t we show support for Black-owned beauty brands that play a huge part in keeping it afloat?
Many of beauty’s most-booked treatments and biggest trends (hair extensions, nail art and acrylic nails, to name only a few) are steeped in Black culture and have been a staple of Black beauty for decades. The Black Pound Report also discovered that in sectors such as health and beauty, Black and multi-ethnic consumers spend, on average, 25% more than any other.
But in addition to all of these incredibly important actions, purchasing from Black-owned beauty brands is a key way to support a community that is so often marginalised – during Black History Month and beyond.
The importance of investing in Black-owned beauty businesses is clear. In order to create equity within different communities, we must build leverage within them, hence why Black businesses need to be supported in order to grow the community as a whole.
Purchases made from outside of Black communities can have a major impact on potential growth and help level the playing field.
Liha Okunniwa, founder of Liha Beauty, wrote on Instagram: “My dad has had a business in the UK since 1958 and I grew up above shops. He is a visionary and a design genius but the world will not know that because like every other black person during that time, he was fighting on a daily basis just to be seen and recognised as a human being and a man. He didn’t get to build his Nike.”
Aurora James, the founder of fashion label Brother Vellies, supported this in a statement on Instagram. She explained that Black-owned businesses are the most vulnerable and have historically received the least amount of economic support. She urged major retailers like Sephora and Whole Foods to buy at least 15% of their products from Black-owned businesses. “I am not saying this is easy. I’m saying this is necessary,” she said.
Tokenism won’t fly, and consumers are looking for brands to put their money where their mouth is. Brands are being held accountable for keeping up with their pledge to allyship. One such brand is Glossier, which is keen to play its part in supporting Black beauty entrepreneurs with its UK Black Beauty Grant Programme for 2024 in partnership with Black Girl Fest Studios.
In 2023 – its inaugural year in the UK – five brilliant founders graduated the Programme including Airfro, Ashe London, Koba Skincare, The Glowcery and Tru Skin. This year Glossier aims to build on that success with a tailored 12-week learning programme and £10K equity-free grant.
To bring Black-owned beauty brands to the forefront of your mind, we’ve compiled an edit of companies that deserve to be championed. Showing your support is not a one-time thing. These beauty brands cover all bases – from hair to makeup and skincare.
They’re also all female-owned, with many putting sustainable beauty at the forefront of their brand ethos. A purchase (or a follow and share, if you can’t invest due to current financial uncertainty) will not only mean you support the Black community but support female entrepreneurs and businesses working to champion sustainability.
There’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Here are 37 Black-owned beauty brands to champion from this day forward.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Not sure what to wear to an exam? We have some exam week outfit ideas, plus hair and makeup tips for finals or midterm exam week.
We’re halfway through the semester, and while you’ll have a break to look forward to, that also means midterms and final exams are approaching!
As every college girl knows, fashion is pretty much last on the list of priorities during exam time – who has time to pick out the perfect outfit when you might fail your biology final?
And that’s how it should be. When you’re in college, fashion can’t come before doing what you’re there to do — pass your classes and graduate!
That said, we’ve received lots of emails and comments from readers who want some ideas on what to wear during exam week – outfits that are comfortable, stylish, and easy to put together when you’re pressed for time.
Read on for my top tips for deciding what to wear on exam days.
Tip: Plan Your Outfits In Advance
On the Sunday before exam week, put together a wardrobe full of basics for the days ahead – as if you were packing for a vacation.
Look for pieces that all go together and could be mixed and matched in a bunch of different ways. That way, when it’s time to get dressed, you just need to throw on some clothes from that pile and go ace your exam! No extra worries.
Exam Week Capsule Wardrobe
A sample “exam week clothing list” could look like this:
Exam Week Bottoms & Accessories
Exam Week Tops & Outerwear
3 pairs of bottoms – Rotate these every other day. You want to go basic and comfortable here, nothing too over-the-top or uncomfortable that would be hard to pair with your other clothes. I love jogger sweatpants, baggy jeans, and some black bootcut or flared leggings. If it’s very warm where you are, a short of some type will work (think athletic or biker shorts). Comfort is key – don’t choose anything you wouldn’t want to sit in for hours at a time.
Comfy tees, tanks, and long-sleeves – Wardrobe staples that are perfect when you are in a hurry. Consider solid color short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops, along with loose-fitting henley tops and oversized t-shirts. These all can be mixed and matched with pretty much anything! Avoid overly cropped, tight-fitting, or low-cut tops, as you won’t want to be fussing or worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions while you’re taking an exam.
1 or 2 oversized jackets and/or a hoodie! – Another staple for me. Almost any oversized jacket will do, but personally, I love fleece and sherpa jackets, which can be worn with athletic wear (like leggings) or casual clothing (like jeans), making them as versatile as they are cozy. You can also never go wrong with a hoodie or sweatshirt, which you can also layer under one of the oversized jackets.
Sneakers, slides, or comfy boots – You want to make sure you’re comfortable and at your exam on time, so fancy footwear is out! Some sporty sneakers or cozy Ugg boots are on-trend options that are comfy and easy to wear.
A tote bag – If you’re just taking a test and don’t have any other classes, a small tote bag is the easiest option. Just bring your ID, money, phone, and some extra study materials, along with your water cup or bottle. Less stuff to carry and less to worry about are both good things to have on exam days!
A baseball hat – I’m a big fan of baseball and trucker hats during exam week since I don’t have time to do much with my hair. Caps are perfect for disguising any bedhead or greasy hair, along with undereye circles (which are inevitable after pulling an all-nighter).
Sample Exam Week Wardrobe
As you can see, all of the above items can be mixed and matched to create a bunch of go-to outfits during exam week. This is why basics are your friends! While these are just a few sample outfits, the combinations are endless.
Tip: Don’t Wear Anything You’d Sleep In
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While I know it’s tempting to stay up all night studying and go to your final in the same sweats, you’ll feel more awake and ready for your test if you’re dressed normally, or at least if you change out of what you wore the night before. Going to an exam in your PJs can make it difficult to concentrate (not to mention that it’s definitely not a stylish choice).
It’s no more difficult to throw on a pair of jeans before you go to your exam, and it will make a huge difference in how you feel during the test. Try it for yourself – I think you’ll be surprised at the results.
Exam Week Hair & Makeup Tips:
The best tip I can give you for doing your hair and makeup during exam week is to keep it super simple. There are few times in your college career that are more stressful than exam weeks, and the easier you can make it on yourself, the better.
Here are a few tips on how to look cute while spending little or no time on hair and makeup during exam week.
While you definitely don’t need to wear any makeup to your exams, like with your outfit, you may feel a bit more awake and put-together by wearing a little bit of makeup.
(But of course, do whatever feels right for you — if you want to wear more makeup or none at all, either way is totally fine!).
The key is to pick products that are easy and quick to apply. For example, Saie’s Slip Tint is a lightweight tinted moisturizer with sheer coverage and SPF 35. This will help to even out the look of your skin while also protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays, all in one step.
A little bit of blush will make your face look more alive, and Merit’s cream blush is very easy to blend out in a short amount of time, unlike some other blushes, which go on extremely pigmented. You can even use your fingers to blend a bit onto the apples of your cheeks, and you’ll instantly look flushed (in a good way).
Some lightweight, natural-looking mascara like Glossier’s Lash Slick will enhance your lashes without going over-the-top. Its smudge-resistant and long-lasting formula with up to 12 hours wear will hold up well throughout your long days on campus.
Finally, no makeup look (or even a no-makeup look) is complete without some lip balm or a lip tint! Rhode’s Peptide Lip Tint will keep your lips hydrating while also adding a sheer hint of buildable color to pull it all together.
My advice is to skip the eyeshadow, eyeliner, lipstick, and complex makeup when you’re going to an exam! The goal is to look presentable without spending more than 5 minutes doing your face. Keep the complicated makeup for another time – after all, you have last-minute studying to do!
Hair
Your hair should be out of your face so that when you’re working on your exam, it doesn’t get in your way. I hate it when I’m constantly trying to pull my hair back during a test!
Again, skip complicated styles and go with something basic, like one of these easy hairstyles for college, or throw your hair up in a claw clip. You’ll be ready in a flash and won’t be fixing a complicated hairstyle all day.
A baseball hat can also tame unruly hair and hide the fact that you may not have washed it anytime recently…
Another quick hair tip: don’t wear a headband or super tight ponytail if they can give you headaches. This happens to me occasionally, and I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a distracting headache during an important final.
The Most Important Thing:
Hopefully, this article will help make it easier for you to look cute without worrying about it so that you can focus on doing your best on your exams.
I know it’s obvious, but at the end of the day, what you wear during exam week isn’t as important as how you do on your exam.
Good luck to all of you on your midterms and finals this year!
More Tips for Exam Days
If you need more help preparing for exams, we’ve got you! Here are some other CF articles to give you more information:
What do you think of our exam day style guide?
What do you wear to take exams? Do you wear your pajamas to take exams, or would you wear jeans? Leave a comment and tell me what you’d wear, or drop a tip for other college students!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2008; it was completely updated and revamped in 2024 with new photos and information.
“In the tour we do seven different outfit changes, and they can be elaborate. The only thing I really have time for when I go backstage is lipstick, so I just grab it, put it on, and go,” says Charli XCX. “It always works out.”
“It always works out” might also be the theme of the singer’s career. More than 10 years since she first released music and lots of blood, sweat, and tears later, Charli XCX has hit her stride — to put it mildly — with her sixth studio album, brat, which recently surpassed one billion streams on Spotify alone. Now, she’s got another achievement to add to her resume: As of today, Charli XCX is the newest ambassador for Valentino Beauty.
“I’m kind of really only into working with brands that encourage and amplify individual expression, and that’s obviously something that Valentino Beauty does,” she says. “I think you can see that from the history of the people that they work with and also their products.”
The aforementioned lipstick — the one she applies backstage between songs — is Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick in ‘It’s Valentino Baby’, a deep berry red. “I’m always saying ‘It’s Charli Baby,’ so that kind of feels like my signature shade almost,” says Charli, who has dialled into our call on the way to the Atlanta stop of the Sweat Tour, which she co-headlines with Australian singer and actor Troye Sivan.
Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick in It’s Valentino Baby
She also credits the brand’s Colorgraph Eyeliner in Rockstud Noir for her undone cat eyeliner. “I love going in the waterline, kind of pulling it out [towards the temples],” she says. “If it gets a little smudgy, I’m never mad at that. I always kind of like to look like I’ve been out partying the night before, which in some cases, I have been… but other times, I can rely on my makeup to make it look like that.”
Colorgraph Eyeliner in Rockstud Noir
She’s not too precious about taking off her eye makeup at night: “I’m a little lazy with that,” says Charli. “Sometimes [the liner] is on my eye the next day, but I think that always looks good. I like it to have that kind of worn-in, party-girl look to it.”
But even 365 party girls eventually need to slow down and exhale. “I really love a good sheet mask. I just got into the brand Patchology. I really like 111Skin,” she says. “I put on a sheet mask and watch loads of movies and lie there, and that’s kind of my beauty routine.” Does she have comfort movies? “We watched Rope the other day, the Hitchcock movie, which I love,” says Charli. “And I’m always obsessed with Charlie’s Angels.” (That may be a message to her fans, who call themselves as much.)
Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask
Thanks to TikTok, Charli has also been dabbling in face massage: “My TikTok algorithm is absolutely flooded with gua sha routines and face exercises, so currently I’m trying to do my face exercises every day,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s doing anything, but my face definitely feels sore afterwards, so that’s something.”
We’re all looking for more ways to personalise our nail art and one stunning way is to tap into your star sign. From 23 September-22 October, Libra manis are where it’s at, but what exactly does that mean for our nails?
Charming, diplomatic, kind and romantic, Libras are natural peacemakers and seek harmony and balance (that’s why their symbol is the scales of justice). According to Sade Johnson, the “Astrology Vixen”: “Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and sensuality. The element associated with Libra is air, and it shows in their superpower ability to charm and socialise with people from all walks of life.” Libras are recognised for their impressive social intelligence and they’re love of beauty, art and culture.
Below we’ve rounded up 15 Libra nails to save for your next mani appointment…
3D opal nails
For October Libras, your birthstone is opal. These textural opal 3D nails nod to the gem beautifully.
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Wave artwork nails
Libras are known for their love of arts and culture and this wave illustration wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery.
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Romantic red Frenchies
Given Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and sensuality, it’s unsurprising Libras would love some sultry, sexy nail art, like this romantic red Frenchie.
Sunscreen is arguably the most important step in any skin care routine, but not everyone follows the recommended daily step (or applies nearly enough). Part of the reason: Many sunscreens can feel gritty, leave a white cast, mattify your natural glow, and provide an overall less than ideal sensorial experience.
London Fashion Week was back this weekend for its bi-annual onslaught of the city, where the famous and fabulous spend the weekend travelling from designer shows to parties dressed in their very best. It is always a spectacle for the senses and whether you’re into fashion or not, it can be very tempting to get swept up in the glamour of it all if you visiting the capital during LFW.
As it draws to a close, and the fash pack head to Paris for the next designer display, I thought it would be fun to look at some of the trends the PS UK team have picked out as their favourite beauty looks tipped to be big for spring 2025. As a former beauty editor, I spent years travelling to all four fashion capitals, starting in New York, then back home to London before heading to Paris and Milan to see the trends being created in real time. This was the era of no social media and the only way we would see the beauty looks was by being there – which included many 5am starts and very little sleep for a month.
Things have changed somewhat now and you will receive show reports and images almost immediately, meaning you can save your soles (literally) and learn the trends from the comfort of your own home. You may still be wondering if these trends are relevant to you and so I turn to the words of Miranda Priestly in the Devil Wears Prada (quite frankly one of the most iconic characters of all time): “‘This stuff’? Oh. Okay. I see. You think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select, I don’t know that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you are trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise. It’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean. And you’re also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then i think it was Yves Saint Laurent, wasn’t it who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. And then it, uh, filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact you’re wearing a sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room, from a pile of stuff.”
Well, it’s the same for beauty. The world doesn’t just wake up one day and think textured hair is out and now it’s all about the photo high-shine finish. This look would have been created by one of the geniuses backstage and after a while it filters down to the public. And with that, these are a few of our favourite LFW Spring 2025 looks we predict you will all be wearing next year.
We hail Taylor Swift for many things: her innate musical ability, her consistent chart-topping albums, her drive. And her personal life is something we’ve all been invested in for years, whether it’s her boyfriend Travis Kelce or even her private jet usage, people are obsessed with Swift.
And while the Eras Tour is all the rage right now, selling out in seconds and causing a outright siege on Ticketmaster, I’m not paying attention to surprise songs…or the teasing of the reputation (Taylor’s Version) re-release…I’m fully focused on Taylor Swift’s makeup.
You see, the woman has performed in rain, in the heat of the summer, dancing and charming, and belting out songs for hours upon hours…and her makeup doesn’t move. There’s not a single photo with Taylor’s mascara running down her face, her blush is still intact, it’s actually an anomaly.
Taylor Swift’s makeup routine may be one of the most sought-after recipes in the world. Why can’t we keep our faces in flawless condition, ready for any event or natural disaster that comes our way? It seems unfair.
Well, for one, we don’t have makeup artists and a team of stylists curating the best routine for our faces and skin tones. But, we can take a note from the artists and see what products they use.
Look, I’m not performing for hours on a stage for tens of thousands, but I am going out and sweating my makeup off night after night. And heaven forbid it rains. So, I need to prepare my makeup just like I’m on tour. It’s the only way.
Okay, I’ve done my research and I’m willing to share. If you want Taylor Swift’s makeup routine, here are the go-to Taylor Swift makeup products you need:
The Secret? It’s All Pat McGrath
Pat McGrath is similar to Patrick Ta: both celebrity makeup artists-turned-beauty-brand-gurus who make incredibly viral makeup. There’s a reason they’re two of the most in-demand names in the beauty industry right now.
Tons of celebrities are often seen wearing Pat McGrath thanks to its second skin-like finish and long-lasting wear. Fans have been asking for years for Taylor Swift’s routine, and while it’s never fully been confirmed…we have an idea thanks to some internet sleuths unearthing a number of hints.
Swift collaborated with legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath for the “Bejeweled” music video from her album, Midnights, where McGrath herself even makes a cameo. Not only that, but fans have figured out she’s a regular McGrath fan thanks to the likes of Deuxmoi.
Taylor Swift’s makeup routineDeuxmoi via Instagram
So, it’s safe to say that Taylor is exclusively using Pat McGrath makeup products. It makes sense, considering they’re luxurious, premium quality, and highly celebrated by makeup artists.
And while Pat McGrath may be on the pricier end of Sephora products, it’s well worth the money. When shopping for makeup, I use Girl Math. Sure, foundation can sometimes cost upwards of $50…but that’s $50 for six months of wear…or $10 per month! So cheap.
Now that we know the brand and some of the products that Taylor’s rumored to enjoy. Here are a few:
We’re all aware that Taylor opts for a bold red lip, it’s kind of her signature. But don’t be afraid to try the other shades in this collection. While LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte is very Taylor, it’s also great to layer with a gloss.
Pricey, but well worth it. The Sublime Perfection Foundation sets in like a second skin while covering any imperfections or discoloration that you may have. It gives a subtle glow that we all love while remaining full coverage. Plus, it stays on the skin forever.
One of Taylor’s lyrics is literally “dry the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man” so you know when it comes to eyeliner Taylor doesn’t play. Pat McGrath Labs’ PERMA PRECISION liner is silky smooth to use and glides effortlessly over any lid…giving you an easy wing in no time.
What I love about the Skin Fetish Highlighter is that they’re easy to keep in your purse for on-the-go fixes. They pack a major punch when it comes to shine, and you can put it anywhere on your face, including your eyelids for a subtle glimmer look.
While I’m personally not a fan of primer in general, I can’t discount Taylor’s makeup regmen. It endures. It stays on her face through anything, so it’s got to be working. Plus, when you pair the same foundation, setting powder, and primer, it’s going to look cohesive.
I’ve spoken volumes about this palette. While it may be on the more expensive side, it’s definitely worth your money. First of all, consider how often you’re buying eyeshadow. Palettes last a long time, and this highly pigmented one is packed with color.
It’s buildable, blendable, and easy for beginners to use. Plus, the rose shades are amazing.
The Sephora advent calendar is one of the most coveted beauty gifts around, and this year, it’s better (and bigger) than ever. The good news is that pre-orders are already live (!), giving you plenty of time to secure yours before it officially drops on October 7th.
Before you say it: yes, we’re very much aware that September has only just arrived, and Christmas shopping isn’t too high up on our agenda… yet. However, as someone who knows all the best beauty advent calendars like the back of my hand, I can assure you that the hottest options (i.e. Sephora) tend to sell out well before you commence your annual Love Actually rewatch.
The best part is that this year’s offering is more impressive than ever (yep, even beating last year’s Sephora advent calendar), packing even more full-size makeup, skincare and haircare goodies. All coming from some of the biggest beauty brands, of course. In fact, we’ve already had a sneak peak, and – without spoiling too much – you’re in for a big treat (scroll down to discover the full breakdown of the products from the lineup).
After its big launch in 2022, Sephora has quickly become one of the go-to destinations for all things beauty in the UK, housing exclusive brands such as Makeup By Mario, ONE/SIZE, Tarte, ILIA, and, of course, the retailer’s own line, Sephora Collection. Having earned their cult status on a global scale, these brands have also been praised by everyone from celebrities, beauty gurus and some of the most respected makeup artists in the industry.
So whether you’re planning to pamper a fellow beauty-obsessed bestie, treat a family member or surprise your other half, securing the Sephora advent calendar will cement you as one of the best gifters around and earn you all the brownie points in the world. There’s also nothing wrong with keeping it either – why not treat yourself to a well-deserved end-of-year present?
Long story short, if there’s one thing that we know for sure, it’s that this may well be the most sought-after advent calendar on every beauty lover’s wishlist in 2024, period. And if you’re just as excited as the GLAMOUR team, keep on reading, because we’ve saved all the juiciest deets below.
Sephora Advent Calendar 2024: what you need to know
Sephora Advent Calendar 2024
Priced at £199, the Sephora Advent Calendar is worth over £1,000, housing a total of 40 products, 24 of which are full-size (yes, really). Inside each numbered shelf, you’ll find a wide selection of beauty treats coming from a number of renowned brands, including the likes of Glossier, Makeup by Mario, Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora Collection and Glow Recipe.
Pre-orders: live now.
Number of products: 40 in total, 24 are full-size.
Launch date: October 7th.
Price: £199, worth over £1,000.
SPOILER warning: if you wanted to get a sneak peek into the contents of the calendar, we’ve included a list of everything included below…
What’s inside the Sephora advent calendar 2024?
111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask
Floral Street Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum 10ml
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand Light/Medium 12ml
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 90ml
Not all mascara brushes are created equal: Some are great for volume, others provide separation, and some are strictly meant for lift and curl. For the latter, you’ll want a curved mascara wand, which helps provide lift to the base, and the bristles should be fairly dense, especially on the inner end.
