You Don’t Need a Huge Budget to Plan an Amazing Wedding

Most of us dream of a beautiful wedding. What we don’t dream of is paying off said wedding until retirement. Seriously, though, the wedding industry — and its associated costs — have gotten out of hand, and an extravagant affair is totally expected nowadays. It puts undue pressure on couples and their families — but is spending a lot to get married really necessary?

In short, no. It’s totally possible to have a memorable wedding without going broke. Here’s some background on wedding costs and tips for how to cut yours.

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Source: Instagram

The average wedding budget in the U.S.

As the saying goes, it’s never wise to compare yourself with others — but when it comes to how much you can expect to spend on a beautiful wedding, it helps to know what you’re getting into. The latest numbers from The Knot pegged the average cost of a wedding in 2016 at $35,329.

But as you are picking your jaw up off the floor, remember this: An average is an average. There are probably a few fancy couples out there who have had extravagant weddings (that we could only hope to be invited to), bringing up the average for the rest of the engaged ladies trying to keep things modest. Yes, the U.S. average for a wedding looks a little pricey at face value, but CostofWedding.com estimates that most couples are going to spend less than $10,000, not including honeymoon expenses.

That’s more like it. Getting married is a beautiful and exciting milestone in many women’s lives, but there’s no shame in your game if you want to keep costs to a minimum.

If you need to trim the fat in your wedding budget, rethink these items that most wedding planners consider to be a total waste.

1. The flowers

Source: Instagram

Flowers in a wedding may be nonnegotiable, but there are several workarounds to ensure that your fresh flowers don’t break your wedding bank. “Wanting peonies, gardenias and garden roses might sound like a great idea until you realize that you can’t afford them and instead your florist is suggesting alstromeria and daisies — it’s the theory of champagne taste on a beer budget. Know your budget and do some price shopping before you determine exactly what you want in the way of flowers,” says Kristen Tebbetts, floral partner on flower delivery site BloomNation and owner of Bloomers of La Jolla in La Jolla, California.

As a compromise, Kristen advises repurposing any and all flowers used in a wedding to help a bride save money. She says, “Can you take the flowers off your arbor and turn them into a centerpiece for your head table? Can you put your bridesmaid bouquets in vases on a cocktail table after the ceremony (what are they really going to do with them, anyway)? Can your aisle flowers be reused as centerpieces? Moving flowers from the ceremony into the reception is a great way to maximize their use and get your money’s worth. Just make sure that if you’re paying your florist or coordinator to make the transition for you, it makes sense financially rather than paying for more flowers — sometimes, it’s better to enlist an organized friend/guest to help out with a few details.”

2. The extras

Source: Instagram

One of the biggest money-wasters Kimberly Morrill, owner of Your Perfect Bridesmaid, has seen in her six years helping couples plan their weddings is sweating the small stuff. “Couples tend to waste a lot of money (and time and stress) on tiny details that no one else notices,” Morrill says. “Couples see these details on Pinterest (usually from unattainable styled shoots), and they spend a ton of money trying to recreate. Details like custom cocktail napkins, signs for everything, favors no one wants, additional pieces of stationary, etc. Guests notice the food, the bar, the energy, the love between the couple. They truly don’t notice, and don’t care about, the Pinterest-perfect touches.”

Speaking of details, Anastasia Stevenson of How to DIY Wedding agrees that shelling out the big bucks on something as small as wedding favors is a bit much. “More often than not, we see at least two-thirds of the favors left at reception tables after the wedding. Guests are having a good time mingling and dancing and look at most favors as a useless encumbrance. The wise thing is to make sure they have a practical use or are something fun and theme-driven that everyone would want and are easily portable!” Stevenson suggests useful and inexpensive favors like edible favors or personalized drink koozies instead.

3. The wedding gown

Source: Instagram

While you may have your heart set on the picture-perfect gown, Katherine Oyer of Aisle Planner recommends making a detour before you head straight to the neighborhood bridal shop — and hitting up a sample sale instead. “At the end of each season, bridal salons and designers will typically sell their gowns ‘off the rack’ at a deeply discounted price. Brides will need to give each gown some extra time and attention while shopping to ensure there aren’t any unfixable tears or major stains, but typically, most loose beading or threading issues can be taken care of during the alterations process. The money saved will be huge, and the best part — you can take your dress home that day!”

4. The wedding program

Source: Instagram

This one’s a quickie but a goodie that could save you a few hundred dollars on your total budget. Oyer says it’s best to leave the program out completely if you are having a simple wedding since guests most likely won’t need a printed guide for the ceremony. “Most guests end up leaving their beautifully designed ceremony programs on their seats, leaving the couple with a pile of leftovers and wasted printing costs,” Oyer explains.

5. The wedding venue

Source: Instagram

If you’ve already tried pricing your wedding venue, then you’ve probably had at least one mini heart attack leading up to your wedding day. Michele Velazquez, owner of Pop The Knot, a pop-up wedding company created as an alternative to sky-high wedding venue costs, says, “The biggest thing brides waste their money on is the venue. Venues can be extremely expensive, as high as $30,000 and up. To get a better deal on the venue, the bride should try to book it during off-season or on a weekday. If the bride is open to a pop-up wedding — which is where the couple come in and have a quick ceremony with little or no set-up — this opens all kinds of doors for a very inexpensive venue.”

“A venue may allow her to have a pop-up wedding at 9 a.m. before their big wedding at noon, and the bride could get that $30,000 venue for $1,000,” Velasquez explains.

How to save even more

If your wedding budget still isn’t budging after considering these helpful tips, there’s a workaround for that, too. Velazquez recommends trying to combine services whenever possible to take advantage of wedding-friendly discounts. “There are many companies out there that offer discounts if you use their husband or wife for another service. For example, if you book an officiant and her husband is a photographer, they will offer you a discount if you book them both. There are a lot of businesses like that nowadays, which offer husband and wife teams and services like photo and video, officiant and photographer, etc.,” she says.

And if you can’t find the two-fer combo Velasquez recommends, this may be the perfect time to brush up on your negotiating skills. As Stevenson tells it, most brides aren’t aware of how wedding planning actually works, leading them to agree to pay full price for services they could have haggled on. Stevenson says, “Negotiations with vendors can and should be done in circumstances where a package of services or items is presented. Let the vendor know that you do not need certain items and have them remove the cost from the package. Some venues will allow you to use your own vendors.” If necessary, Stevenson adds, “You can lower your guest count, which will allow you more room in your budget for expensive flowers and décor.”

Savvy planning can save you money, but it helps to remember that most weddings are expensive, says Morrill. “My biggest tip for clients is to have a clear budget and to stick with it. Yes, your wedding day is once in a lifetime (for 50 percent of the population, anyway) — but it is still only six hours of one day. Don’t put yourself into years of debt just to have a great six hours.”

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The 7 Best Face Sunscreens For Your Skin Type

We all know that every morning before you step outside, you slather on a thick layer of sunscreen, right? We mean, you wouldn’t dare disobey the laws of the world by going near sunlight with at least SPF 30 on, RIGHT? We’re going to choose to believe that you’re nodding your head right now, because despite the fact it’s often skipped in beauty routines (shame, shame, shame), it’s literally the one thing preventing you from getting dark spots, wrinkles, and, you know, skin cancer. Don’t roll your eyes—one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their life time, and if you’re not wearing sunscreen, you’re pretty much asking to be part of the statistic.

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But we digress. We’re fully aware that much of the population has a deep-seeded vendetta against sunscreen, claiming they hate the greasy texture, the noxious smell, or the fact that it allegedly clogs pores and causes zits. Welp, if this were 1980, you’d have a point. But welcome to 2017, a time where sunscreens lightweight, cosmetically elegant, and geared toward your skin concerns, whether that’s super-sensitive, ridiculously oily, or so acne-prone, the sight of sunscreen breaks you out. Yes, your quest for the perfect facial sunscreen ends here, because we’ve rounded up seven formulas that are so damn moisturizing, healing, and correcting, that you’ll never go back to your sunscreen-less days again.

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It-Stylist Monica Rose on Her Spring Essentials and the Next Big Trend

If you’re not yet familiar with Monica Rose, you’re definitely familiar with her work. The LA-based stylist has a client roster that boasts it-girls like Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, and Kaia Gerber, to name a few. So basically, she’s responsible for sparking some of the biggest trends over the past couple of years, including chokers which she says are over (RIP).

Photo courtesy of: Reebok

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We sat down with Rose during Weekend Two of Coachella at the Reebok Classics Crib, a 3-day experience that celebrated the pillars of the Classic Leather (fashion, music and fitness), to chat with her about her classic style staples and spring and summer must-haves, as well as what she thinks the next choker, er, big thing is trend-wise. Her answer? Statement earrings.

“Statement earrings are making a big comeback. I was never really an earring girl until [recently]. I just styled Chrissy Teigen in a blazer and wide-leg pants and I put her in a chandelier earring and the whole look was all about the earrings. Invest in a really good statement earring,” she said. (Hopefully Matt Lauer isn’t out there listening, or earrings will be dead before they even get to live.)

Read on for Rose’s ten essentials this season, including Gigi Hadid’s favorite sneaker, and take them to heart. Trust us: This woman knows what she’s talking about.

Disclosure: Reebok paid for my travel and accommodations to visit Coachella.

MORE: The Throwback Staple Bella Hadid Is Bringing Back

How To Style Puffy Hair: A User’s Guide

We all want shiny, voluminous hair that’s full of body—but anyone whose hair has ever mushroomed out into shrub territory knows there’s a huge difference between volume and frizz. Before you rush to grab all the hair oil in the world in an attempt to keep it in check, first you have to figure out why your hair’s so damn puffy.

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“Humidity is a huge factor for frizz,” says hairstylist and co-founder of IGK Haircare, Leo Izquierdo. “The type of hair you have can also make you more prone to frizz.” Izquierdo cites curly or thick hair as the most likely to puff up, and mentions that humidity isn’t exclusive to summertime—dry, frizz-prone hair is more porous, so it sucks up the moisture in the air causing the shaft to swell; it’s liable to go haywire any time it’s damp out.

But humidity isn’t the only culprit: Breakage can also cause frizz thanks to a damaged cuticle, which lies flat in healthy hair. There’s good news, though: You don’t have to spend your entire paycheck on a Keratin treatment for sleek hair. Click through below to find out how to style puffy, frizzy hair.

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6 Ways to Use a Hands-Free Vibrator

Sex toys are made for enjoyment, period. So instead of “couples vibrators,” I call them “hands-free vibrators.” This isn’t to say they’re better than vibes that require handling to operate, just that they don’t require (much) handling. Of course, some hands-free vibes are better than some manually operated ones.

My previous experiences with this style of toy (We-Vibe generations 2 and 4 Plus, Dame’s Eva and a twisty thing called an Ogee, to name the standouts) have been pretty much on the negative side, and truth be told, I’m not a fan of using them in their most touted fashion: wearing them during P-in-V sex. It just doesn’t do it for me!

Through trial and error, I think I’ve found the best hands-free vibe on the market (for my own purposes, that is) and I’ve found some great ways to use it. Out of all the hands-free toys out there, the We-Vibe Sync has actually impressed me with its power, quiet motor and features—I don’t get paid to talk about them. I (along with about agazillion other sex writers) just love their quality. These tips can definitely be used with more vibrator styles than the Sync, but for scientific research and analysis, I’ve included my vibe-du-jour as a baseline. Adjust directions as necessary.

Here’s how I’ve innovated my vibrator usage so far and how I plan to in the future.

1. Make oral O-worthy, even when it’s not your turn

The 69 position is, in my opinion, overrated. Not only does it require utilizing serious skill, focus on airflow is integral (no matter the bits involved, performing oral sex can mean mastering the art of breath control!) and piling on concern for your partner’s comfort, your positioning and whether or not an orgasm will leave you too weak in the knees to, you know, stay on your knees—it’s just too much for me.

What do I prefer? Wearing a hands-free vibrator while going downtown. Hand your heartthrob the remote control (or your phone if you’re using an app like the Sync and a lot of vibes are employing) and focus on nothing more than enjoying absolutely everything you’re doing.

2. Turn your shower into something steamier

Like many young folks, the removable showerhead in my adolescent bathroom became a best friend of sorts. These days, I’ve upgraded. I thought that wearing the Sync in the shower might be boring, so-so at best, but I was surprised that halfway through soaping up my hair, I completely lost interest in getting clean. Yep, standing in the shower with a half-lathered head of hair and streaky mascara cheeks, I totally got off without any effort exerted. Way to go, waterproofing technology! Though a shower is my own standard, the Sync can also be worn in a bath — even hot tubs! It’s not the only toy that can do this, but make sure to check out your own toy’s specifications before submerging it.

3. Going to the movies? Bring the buzz

Whether you’re with someone or enjoying some solo self-care time, wearing something extra saucy is an easy way to amp up the heat any day of the week. Keep the remote in your pocket and get in some extra thrills while you catch up on the latest award winning films at the multiplex. This would also be a great time to break out an audio-sensitive toy like the OhMiBod Club Vibe 2.Oh, which responds to different levels of sound with a matching vibration level.

4. Put some rumble in your road trip

A trip to places near and far is always fun with a great playlist, snacks and good company, but even the best road trip can get a little tiresome. Between point A and B, something sexy can really liven up the ride. Since it would be wildly irresponsible to recommend anyone ever use a vibrator while driving, I’m going to solely recommend that this tip be used in the passenger and backseat only. Rest stops, however, offer a whole different set of opportunities!

5. Take a long-distance lover

One of the coolest things about the era of teledildonics (yup, that’s a real thing) is that it’s making it easier than ever to have long-distance orgasms. So even if the person you love, like or lust for isn’t nearby, they can still help you get off online — and it’s better than the cybersex of yore.

The We-Connect app lets partners share the controls of their vibe while on text, audio or video chat. The hot person who liked your comment on a friend’s social media page but they live just a few too many hundreds of miles away? No reason you can’t still have a sensational hookup over smartphone. Welcome to the future of sex.

6. Use it how it feels good

Something sex educators get asked all the time is, “How do I use this?” And the only truly universal answer is, “Use it how it feels good!”

Just because something is designed to be used a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only way to use it. If you don’t like wearing a vibrator internally, try holding it against your favorite spots. Try wearing it in your hand and using it for manual sex on yourself or a partner.

Try wearing it while you just make out with your favorite date mate. Dry humping can be significantly improved with the help of a vibrator. Some nipples love vibration. Get experimental! Do what feels good.

The only restrictions you should keep in mind are: never use silicone lube with a silicone toy; never put anything without a flared base in your butt; and never go from the booty to another hole without cleaning up thoroughly first.

The Best Black One-Piece Swimsuits to Buy This Season

Finding a black one-piece swimsuit seems like it should be easy, right? In seasons past, that meant digging through the sale section at Target, or hoping you could find one at your local mall that wasn’t too high-necked, too ruched, or too, well, geriatric—but not anymore.

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Now that one-pieces are the swimsuit silhouette du jour, finding the style that’s right for you is tough for different reasons: There’s too many damn choices—you can find hundreds of them on department store websites and in mass retailers alone, and that’s not to mention how many of them come in, you guessed it, black. And it’s no wonder: Not only is an ebony-hued swimsuit flattering (though, to hell with looking slim, we say) but it’ll double as a tank-top when it’s truly hot as hell out.

Ahead, we found 19 black one-pieces that’ll make you look chic AF, and that’s all that *really* matters if you ask us.

MORE: All the Spring Dresses We Can’t Wait to Wear STAT

Allergies or a Cold: The Final, Definitive Answer

So you feel like crap right now, huh? You’ve spent the last 15 minutes Googling your symptoms (uh, bad idea—stop) and reading every article and random forum in the vain hope of figuring out whether you woke up with allergies, or, more terrifyingly, a cold. Because if you’ve got a cold, you know you’re now locked into seven days of hell, but if you’ve got allergies, there’s still hope for you.

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Annoyingly, though, the answer isn’t so simple, otherwise you’d have already found it by now. “I get this question all the time by patients, and unfortunately, there’s really no clear-cut answer, especially since allergies can strike year-round,” says Purvi Parikh, an allergist at Allergy & Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in New York City. Thankfully, though, Parikh notes that there are still a few distinct differences between colds and allergies, so we had her break them down—we kind of begged, actually—for us to help you figure out what’s messing with your body.

Photo: ImaxTree

If you’re coughing and wheezing…

Pay attention to the type of cough and wheeze it is, says Parikh. “Generally, a cough due to allergies will feel dry and irritated, and the wheezing tends to be asthma-related, which flares during bouts of allergies.” But if you’re coughing up mucus and gunk—especially discolored mucous and gunk—and there’s a rattling of phlegm in your chest, there’s a good chance it’s a cold, she says.

If you have a fever…

Make sure it’s really a fever, first. “Anything below 100.4 degree isn’t classified as a fever, because there’s a normal variation in everyone’s body temp,” says Parikh. “But if your temperature is 100.4 or higher, you have a fever, and that’s likely indicative of a virus or a cold.”

If you’re itchy…

OK, this one should be a dead giveaway, but if itching is one of your main complaints, and you don’t have a fever or any obvious, gaping wounds, then “nine times out of ten, it’s most likely an allergy, rather than a cold,” says Parikh.

Photo: ImaxTree

If you have pain or pressure…

Figure out if it’s one-sided versus two-sided. “Generally, colds and viruses stick to one side or area of the body, while allergies affect both sides,” says Parikh. “For example, if you feel pain and pressure in both ears, or itchiness and pain in both eyes, it’s most likely allergies. But if the pain, pressure, or itchiness is intense on just one side or area, then you’re likely looking at a cold or virus.”

If you have a runny nose and sore throat…

Sorry, but this one can go either way, and there’s truly no real discernible difference between the two, except for time. “Stuffy noses and post-nasal drip, whether from a cold or an allergy, can cause the same sore-throat symptoms,” says Parikh. “The only difference is that nasal symptoms due to a cold should start improving within three-to-five days, while nasal allergies can ebb and flow in intensity for weeks.”

OK, great, so you read all of this and still don’t feel like you know if you’ve got a cold or allergies, and that sucks, because you feel terrible, and why doesn’t the internet have answers, and please, somebody just fix you already! Hey, we get it—being sick is awful. Unfortunately, though, the only thing that can really fix you is time. And maybe a dose of antihistamine. “The first day is almost always too soon to tell if it’s a cold or allergies,” says Parikh, “but if you’re still looking for answers, try taking Benadryl—it will make you drowsy, so try it at night—and seeing how you feel in the morning. If you feel significantly better, you’re probably dealing with a bout of allergies and should start taking Zyrtec, Allegra, or Nasonex.” And if you don’t…then, hey, you’ve got yourself a cold, and we’re so sorry. Happy sniffles!

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Fyre Fesitval Canceled: How It Turned Into a Huge Disaster

With the wrap of Coachella last weekend, we’re officially in the thick of festival season. Typically, this means FOMO, FOMO, and probably some more FOMO for anyone not attending the musical extravaganza of the moment. In the past 24 hours, however, the disaster that is Fyre Festival has completely flipped the script—and has been canceled.

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Let’s start from the beginning: Months ago, a group of Instagram influencers including the likes of Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, and Victoria’s Secret Angel Lais Ribeiro began teasing the new music festival scheduled to take place this weekend and next on the islands of Exuma, in the Bahamas. Touted as a luxury experience, tickets sold for a minimum of $1,500—and for those who opted for V.I.P passes or a yacht rental, the price only climbed to nearly $10K from there. Model Rose Bertram also teased it on Instagram, something we can speculate she got paid in the high five figures for:

Source: Instagram

But now the festival, which was supposed to bring in headliners like Migos, Blink 182, and Major Lazer, has been canceled. That photo above is from Coachella. Because Fyre Festival 2017 never happened. Sad.

So where did it all go wrong? Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the festival—backed by Magnises card founder Billy McFarland and rapper Ja Rule—was less than organized. In the past 24 hours, the harsh truth of those initial allegations became glaringly clear as disgruntled festival-goers took to Twitter and Reddit with reports of highly inadequate conditions including unready tents, not enough food and cancelled flights. An anonymous source told Page Six that the festival’s organizers already called A-list models, celebs, and influencers and told them not to come. “They were just like, ‘Oh, come next weekend when all the kinks have been worked out.’ This was before the chaos even started,” the source says.

If we had to guess, maybe the lack of organization is a result of the Fyre team blowing their entire budget on getting Insta-models to advertise it? In any case, the festival has finally released a statement, saying, “We are working to place everyone on complimentary charters back to Miami today; this process has commenced and the safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority.”

Mmk. Maybe next year, Fyre.

MORE: All the Must-See Coachella 2017 Outfits

13 Best Korean Beauty Products That’ll Truly Transform Your Skin

By now, unless you’ve been living under a rock—no, scratch that; unless you’ve been living in a “Blast from the Past” apocalyptic bunker for the last two years with zero communication with the outside world, then you’ve undoubtedly already heard of America’s obsession with Korean beauty products, and for good reason: They really, truly work.

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Sure, on one side of the K-beauty spectrum, you’ve got your gimmicky banana-shaped hand creams and hair masks housed in mayonnaise jars, but on the other side, you’ve got insanely powerful eye creams infused with snail mucin (which helps reduce fine lines), cleansing oils and balms that remove waterproof makeup without stripping skin, gentle toners that kill whiteheads and blackheads while moisturizing your face, and approximately a billion other excellent mashups that all work to hydrate your skin while zapping dark spots, wrinkles, discoloration, and acne. Basically, K-beauty is life.

But we also know that K-beauty can be overwhelming—where do you start when you don’t even know what half of the ingredients do, and you can’t physically pick them up in the skin-care aisle at CVS? That’s where we come in. We rounded up the 13 best, top-rated, must-have-or-I’ll-cry products that have become cult favorites in the Korean (and now American) beauty world, so you, too, can fall in love. Click through to see the lineup!

Photo: ImaxTree

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Uh, Oh—Are You Causing Premature Gray Hair?

Ah, gray hair—the fun little reminder that screams “you’re getting closer to death!” in the most inopportune of times (see: running late for work, getting ready for a night out, convincing yourself you don’t look older than last year). And though everyone will eventually go gray, it doesn’t mean we’re ready for it right now. Which made us wonder: Is there anything you can do to prevent going gray? Or, even worse, are we actually causing our gray hair?

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Hey, it sounds crazy, but between the 10-hour work days, the crippling student debt, and the rampant belief that stress causes gray hair, it’s hard not to feel a little responsible for your Marie Antoinette hair. But rest assured—that myth is bullshit, and no, you aren’t causing premature grays. Basically, as we age, our bodies slowly stop injecting melanin (pigment granules) into our hair fibers, leading to gray or white strands. “It totally depends on your genetics,” says cosmetic chemist Joe Cincotta, noting that “studies have shown that short periods of stress won’t necessarily turn your hair white,” which is good for anyone about to ask for a promotion at work.

Photo: ImaxTree

Of course, your long-term habits could be playing a role in accelerating the gray-hair process, especially if you smoke, take illegal drugs, eat horrendously (a.k.a. get zero nutrients), or are on certain types of life-long medications (Cincotta says to check with your doctor to see if gray hair is a side effect). There’s even evidence that being in a constant state of stress could speed up grays, at least according to a 2013 New York University study that found there may—may being the crucial word, here—be a link between long-term stress and loss of hair color, thanks to stress hormones depleting the stem cells that determine hair color.

Still, even if you chain-smoked five packs a day while living off of only bars of chocolate and adrenaline for one year straight, you still wouldn’t go from brown to gray or white overnight. You would, however, chop off a few years from your life expectancy, but if going gray is really your biggest fear, we guess you’d be safe (hey, just don’t do any of that, OK?). And if you’re not cool with your new color, just remember that there’s always a wonderful world of hair dyes. Or, and this is our personal favorite, just embrace the look; we’re sure Kyleie Jenner will dye her hair gray next week anyway.

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Selena Gomez Reveals Her Bob Haircut Was Actually a Wig

Selena Gomez tricked fans (and most of the Internet, including us, it should be noted) into thinking she got a new, much shorter bob haircut on Instagram. In fact, the 24-year-old singer almost broke the Internet two days ago when she debuted the seemingly brand-new cut—it looked like her shortest length ever—but as it turns out, she was only wearing a wig. Here’s the gorgeous shot again, in case you missed it: 

Source: Instagram

 

“It was so funny,” Gomez told Extra at this year’s We Day celebration, which took place last night. “I was trying on different stuff and I posted a picture [because] I liked the image. Evidently, people thought I cut my hair real short, but it’s still the same … it’s a little chop.”

And there you have it: As always, the ‘gram isn’t always what it’s cut out to be. (Maybe she’s been taking notes from one miss Kylie Jenner, who isn’t afraid of a good neon wig every once in a while.) If you need more proof, Gomez also posed for pictures at the event, like the one above, with the same beautiful lob she had last week, no hair changes in sight. 

But alas, Met Gala Monday is upon us, so stay tuned to see if she’ll surprise Selenators with something new then. Only time will tell, but luckily, we’re just a few days away from the big night.  

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You Need to See This Woman’s Botched $300 Hair Dye Job

In other oh-my-god-that’s-my-literal-nightmare news, one poor Australian woman spent nearly $300 on her first-ever professional dye job, only to walk out of the salon hours later with possibly the world’s crappiest striped, spotted, orange-y yellow dye job. Oh, and did we mention she got it just hours before boarding a flight for her friend’s wedding? Yup. That, folks, is called a very, very bad hair day.

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According to Daily Mail, the woman, Emily, wrote a frantic Facebook post just after the incident, explaining “I had my hair professionally dyed for the first time yesterday. I paid $260 for ‘balayage’ and this is what I got.” Emily then posted photos of the brassy, bleached, and spotted stripes covering her brunette hair, as if someone had flung bleach at her hair and let it chill for a while. “I leave for a wedding in Vanuatu early tomorrow morning,” she continued in the post. “I need some REAL suggestions on how to fix this. The hairdresser is closed today.”

Source: Instagram

Thankfully, because the world is round and humanity is real, hairstylist Catherine Sheppard of The Mooch Room salon saw the photos and offered to open up her salon—which is closed on Sundays—and fix the woman’s hair before she had to board her flight. “She couldn’t walk around with the mess that it was,” said Sheppard in an interview. “It looked like a blind person had done it—quite literally. It was absolutely hideous.” And if that wasn’t descriptive enough for you, Sheppard continued, saying, “If she’d leaned on the floor and my dog had stepped in bleach, he would have done a better job of it. It was really bad. I’ve never seen anything like it in 31 years.”

Source: Instagram

Yes, this is the stuff of hair nightmares, but luckily, Emily had a happy ending. Sheppard dyed her hair back to an incredibly shiny, glossy amber brown within 30 minutes of seeing the Facebook post, and then refused to accept any money for it. “She is passionate about her work and really wanted to help,” said Emily. “She’s a beautiful, genuine mum.” And a collective “aww” was heard around the world.

The moral of the story: Don’t dye your hair right before a wedding, and especially not hours before heading to the airport, and double-y especially not before Yelping the hell out of your colorist, first. And if something bad happens, publicly post about it on Facebook. To see more photos, of the before-and-after transformation, head to Daily Mail and feel your faith restored in humans.

MORE: OK, Is Olive Oil Actually Good for Your Hair?

How Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Gives My Flat Hair Volume and Texture

I’ll get right to it: My hair is generally flat and limp and thin and lifeless and terrible. It air-dries into a stringy, straight-over-here-but-wavy-other-there mess that no cream or balm or low chignon can fix, and when left to its own devices, it’ll mat itself to the crown of my head and cowlick toward the front. Fun!

MORE: Apple Cider Vinegar Gave Me The Shiniest Hair Ever

Adding to the terribleness of it all is the fact that I have a long face: If my hair falls apathetically alongside it, it looks almost comically long. If that sounds like a first-world problem, it’s because it is—but it’s enough to make me invest half my annual salary in volumizing shampoos, teaser combs, and thickening sprays.

But there’s one product—my desert island product, if you will—that I’m literally never without. I carry it in my purse alongside my wallet and keys, and it travels with my next to my sunscreen and mascara when I’m going out of town: Big Sexy Hair’s Powder Play. Anyone that knows me probably associates me with the tiny red bottle, if only because I recommend it to anyone who’ll listen. STYLECASTER’s beauty editor Chloe once described my obsession with it as something she “genuinely believes [I] would run into a burning building filled with sharks to save”—and it’s true.

Photo: Imaxtree

In short, Powder Play is a texturizing powder that lends natural-looking grit and volume to your hair. Once my hair’s dry, I like to sprinkle some into the palm of my hand, flip my head over, zhoozh it into the crowd of head, and flip back over to see noticeably thicker, sexier hair. If I’m putting a curl in my hair, I’ll run a little bit through my mid-lengths too—it gives my limp strands enough grip to hold onto the curl without the crunch that a hairspray or beach spray might leave behind. It leaves my hair more matte than shiny—but that’s my personal preference.

For anyone that prefers a less gritty texture, the brand just came out with a new iteration called Powder Play Lite, which diffuses into a cloud-like puff from a pump rather than a shaker. It still relies on silica silyate for volume, but it also has acai berry pulp oil and passion fruit seed for a slightly softer, more touchable finish. It’s similarly priced, and is great for someone that wants the hold but can’t rule out the possibility of someone running their hands through their hair. (My boyfriend wouldn’t dare.)

MORE: How to Wash Your Hair—The Right Way

Blake Lively Trolls Ryan Reynolds with Instagram Congratulating John Legend on Time 100

Source: Instagram

Wife, mother, actress, lifestyle guru, Gossip Girl — Blake Lively is a many splendored thing, and now she can add troll to the list. Yesterday, she teased husband Ryan Reynolds in an Instagram post that congratulated the “most influential person in her life” on making the Time 100: John Legend.

The photo features Ryan’s head blocking John Legend performing onstage, giving Blake the perfect opportunity to write this caption: “Congratulations to the most influential person in my life. The best man I know… you deserve this @time 100 honor… If only my husband wasn’t blocking you in this shot. I’m so sorry @johnlegend.”

More: 5 Weird Facts You Didn’t Know About Blake Lively

Both Ryan and John made Time’s 100 Most Influential People list this year, but when it comes to Blake’s personal list, we know where things stand.

16 Best Clean Beauty Products to Kickstart Your Natural Routine

Y’all, the green beauty movement is on fire, and new clean beauty products are being pumped out on the regular. I, for one, am all for it.

See, after my skin broke out with a bout of random adult acne last year, I went on a crusade to do everything and anything possible to calm down the inflammation. After waking up with a particularly severe breakout, I picked up my phone and dialed my dermatologist for an emergency appointment. With the other hand, I started turning over my very expensive, very well-known brand-name makeup to read the ingredients—each was packed with a long list of random chemicals I couldn’t pronounce, let alone understand what they were.

MORE: The 20 Best Earth-Friendly Products That Aren’t Achingly Crunchy

It was then that I started phasing out Chanel, MAC, and NARS from my makeup routine, replacing them with “clean” makeup brands that use entirely nontoxic and natural ingredients.

It’s been nearly a year now that I’ve been using mostly clean makeup, and my skin is virtually breakout-free, even after I phased out my dermatologist-prescribed medication. There are a few products and brands that I particularly love, and you can shop them in the gallery ahead. 

MORE: Why Organic Products Can Be More Expensive—But Are Worth It

Originally published May 2016. Updated April 2017.

Unphotoshopped Pics of Kim Kardashian Put Her New Brand To A Very Real Test

Source: Instagram

Yesterday, Kim Kardashian announced, before Ellen DeGeneres and her audience, she was a changed woman. That being robbed at gunpoint was the ultimate teachable moment — a moment that chose her — and through it, she found herself and her priorities, and they were decidedly less materialistic. But now her new self is being tested, and it’s with paparazzi photos.

Yes, some pics of Kim’s unphotoshopped butt — arguably her most prized possession — in a bikini have surfaced. They were taken in Mexico, where she’s celebrating Kourtney Kardashian’s 38th birthday, and now the Internet is calling the ever-so-slight appearance of cellulite proof positive that Kim photoshops  her Instagram pics. Because that’s what we needed. Proof.

More: Kim Kardashian Wears Vintage Dior Bikini, Looks Downright Perfect

And because hell hath no fury like an Internet scorned, the Daily Mail reported Kim has lost over 100,000 Instagram followers since the photos appeared. Since our official Kim Kardashian-Instagram-follower counter is on vacation, we can’t confirm the exact number of followers lost, but if true, it would put Kim’s born-again realness to a quantifiable test. But, hey, you know what they say: The Internet only gives us what we can handle.

Into the Wild: 8 Sex Positions to Do Anywhere But In Bed

Look, guys. I realize that sometimes adventurous sex can seem a little overrated. Is it really worth putting in all this effort for a questionable outcome, like a twig in my thigh? Am I really going to have a better orgasm—or any orgasm—in the shower? Maybe not. But there’s still damn good reason to get outside your sex comfort zone (read: mattress) every once in awhile. Because newness is hot.

Research shows that new things literally trigger activity in a part of our brain that makes us feel good and releases the happy hormone, dopamine. And sex itself causes a surge in oxytocin, the warm-and-fuzzy hormone that makes us feel close to our partners. In other words, sex in a new place creates ideal chemical conditions in your brain and body. It’s a recipe for fun and a natural high—orgasm aside.

MORE: 10 Beyond-Basic Sex Positions to Try

Any good sex therapist, including our go-to guru, Marissa Nelson, LMFT, will tell you that while orgasms are obviously important, they shouldn’t be the end goal of sex every single time. It’s about the sexual journey, people, not just the destination!

Lucky for you, spring is finally, kinda-sorta here, which means that we’re not stuck inside all the time, and you getting some action in places like a pool, beach, or car isn’t something that would put you at risk of hypothermia. Plus, there are plenty of indoor places where getting busy is just as safe, but way more exciting than between the sheets.

Ready for some sexcursions? Check out eight fun, hot, off-the-grid positions to try in unusual places.

MORE: 9 Pro Tips to Prep Your Body For Anal Sex

This Meme of Victoria Justice Shading Ariana Grande Is the Best Thing You’ll See Today

You know that annoying kid who interjects about how cool his marble collection is when your teacher is praising some other kid’s clearly superior marble collection? No, that’s not a thing? OK, well, in any event, an old meme of Victoria Justice seriously shading Ariana Grande is making the rounds on the internet right now, and in this case, Justice is the annoying kid and Grande is the one with the bangin’ marble collection.

To back up a tic, the meme is based on a video from their Victorious days, as BuzzFeed points out, when their co-star, Elizabeth Gillies, went on a rant about how Grande “sings everything”—a.k.a. she’s extremely talented. Justice was not having it. So, she did what any sane person being filmed would do: She interjected with the very clever, totally not petty at all comment, “I think we all sing.” Yep. 

And to make matters worse (or better), there’s a longer interview, in which all of the members of Victorious say that Grande is the most likely to break out into song—except, you guessed it, Justice.

https://twitter.com/sidetosIut/status/855980341848227844 https://twitter.com/beachparadisee/status/856437911583158272

MORE: The 60 Most Naked Celebrity Instagram Photos of All Time

Since the internet is a vast and treacherous place, the trifling AF moment has been turned into a meme, because—of course. People have really been … going there.

https://twitter.com/skrtnormani/status/856359082814562306

https://twitter.com/alexrea98/status/857100427673960448

https://twitter.com/cancelstyles/status/857040849653432320

https://twitter.com/collleensings/status/856581381316648963

https://twitter.com/zaynsabel/status/856549864011952128

https://twitter.com/bocaruin/status/856340056000180224

Wow. Justice may be petty, but the internet knows no bounds when it comes to pettiness. These memes are all over the place—in the best way.

MORE: The 30 Most (NOT-FAMOUS!) Naked Women on Instagram

OK, Is Olive Oil Actually Good for Your Hair?

Have you heard of this new olive oil hair mask? Or this DIY olive oil cleansing conditioner? Or this olive oil-soaked towel that wraps around your olive oil-coated hair after you rinse it with pure olive oil squeezed from a handful of organic Italian olives?! Yeah, in case you haven’t caught on, coconut oil has been kicked to the curb, and olive oil is now being touted as the most magical, hair-fixing ingredient to have ever graced the earth. But is olive oil actually good for your hair? We went to the experts to find out.

MORE: How I Used Oil to Treat My Acne

And by experts, we mean cosmetic chemist Joe Cincotta, who spends half of his days being a scientist in cosmetic laboratories, and the other half of his day fending off “wtf is this?!” emails from swarms of beauty editors. Or, at least, I assume that’s the case. But I had only one question for Cincotta: Is olive oil actually good for your hair? Because if you were—or still are—an avid lover of coconut oil hair treatments, you’ve undoubtedly heard the claims that prolonged use of coconut oil can cause protein buildup in your hair cuticle, leading to brittle strands and frizz, and now some are concerned that olive oil could have the same effect.

Photo: ImaxTree

Thankfully, though, Cincotta assures me that the whole protein-building thing is all bullshit, and that olive oil is actually awesome for your hair, especially if yours is in desperate need of potent moisture. “Both coconut oil and olive oil have a thousand-year long history of being an excellent conditioner for skin and hair,” says Cincotta, noting that olive oil is heavier and richer than coconut oil, making it excellent for anyone with naturally frizzy, curly, kinky, damaged, or color-treated hair.

“All of these hair types tend to have more porous hair shafts, and when the hair is porous, it can’t hold onto its natural moisture, making it really brittle and dry,” says Cincotta. “So when you douse your hair in olive oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, the oils penetrate the hair shaft and rebalance the hair’s ability to hold moisture, while the vitamin E fights off the free-radical damage from sunlight and pollution.” And yes, these benefits stick around until you wash your hair, so if you only shampoo once a week, you’re looking at seven-day-long protection and happiness.

Basically, olive oil is a total boss. Before you run out and buy a bottle of conditioner decorated with olives, though, hold up: “The level of olive oil found in commercial products is generally so low, it’s not really going to penetrate your hair that much,” says Cincotta. Which could be a good thing if you have fine hair, since it won’t weigh your hair down as much as the oil straight from your kitchen. Instead, Cincotta recommends trying a hot oil treatment: Warm up a cup of olive oil in warm water or in the microwave, transfer it to an applicator bottle (or just use your hands to scoop up the oil, though be prepared for the mess), then section off three-inch pieces of hair and massage the oil from root to tip. Wrap your head in a towel for 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Then take a picture, come back here, and tell us how much you love your new insanely hydrated, healthy hair.

MORE: The 9 Best Eye Creams That Actually Get Rid of Wrinkles

This Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Sex Life This Weekend

What are you doing this weekend? Yoga? Brunch? A long walk in the sunshine? All solid choices, but what about educating yourself on your sexual, hormonal, and reproductive health? A trio of women are organizing a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, radically honest, and totally vital gathering this weekend to educate people of all walks of life about women’s menstrual, hormonal, reproductive, and sexual health—and we got to speak with one of them to find out why it’s so important to take matters in our own hands (literally) and educate ourselves about our own health issues. (For starters—if we don’t do it, who will?!)

If you’re in the NYC area, swing by Cycles and Sex on Sunday, April 30. All day, from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., panelists will be weighing in on everything from the female orgasm and egg freezing to male fertility and an exhaustive inventory of birth control options. It’ll be a veritable cornucopia of intelligence about living as a woman in this country in 2017. In other words—it’s unmissable.

MORE: Get to Know the Next Wave of Women-Run Fashion Brands

Whether you feel super educated about your body or in desperate need of answers, you’ll be able to learn a thing or two (or 100) about women’s rights, sexuality, mindfulness, and general wellbeing from this all-around awesome event. It’s the co-creation of Lauren Bille, activist and founding partner of meditation and wellness gatherings Medi Club and The Big Quiet; and Natalia Hailes and Ashley Spivak, birth doulas, reproductive health advocates, and founders of Brilliant Bodies.

The trio found that there’s a need and a serious appetite for information about women’s health and wellness—now more than ever, as the zeitgeist rallying cry goes—and so they banded together to make this thing happen. It’s at 404NYC on April 30, and you can get tickets here. But even if you’re not in the NYC area, read on for an interview with Bille to learn more about the importance of educating oneself about sexual and hormonal health—and why it’s so vital at this moment in history.

Photo: Janelle Jones

MORE: Seven Women on What Feminism Means Right Now

STYLECASTER: Can you talk a little about why it is so vital to be educated about one’s own sexual and hormonal health?

Lauren Bille: Well, an obvious reason is—vital means necessary for existence, continuance and wellbeing. Women’s bodies are necessary for the continuance of the human race. And they do this through sexual and hormonal health. Even if a woman doesn’t want to ever give birth, her body will still be functioning to do so. Being educated about our bodies’ main function gives us more power, more freedom, more success, more autonomy. It supports a better future for us and the generations behind us literally—because with information, we will be making better decisions when it comes to bringing life into the world—and figuratively, because when we are more empowered, we are shifting cultural paradigms—ones which are set up to disempower women—and creating new paths for our children.

SC: How does being informed about one’s own sexual and hormonal health lead to being more satisfied and healthy in a relationship?

LB: When you are informed—you are empowered. When you are empowered, you are more comfortable, more confident, more autonomous in your decision making. Knowing yourself allows you to share yourself more clearly and vulnerably with another.

Source: Instagram

SC: In terms of the timing, why now? Why is this summit so important at this particular moment?

LB: The wellness industry is on the rise, women’s empowerment is trending in the recent years (especially since the election), menstruation is becoming more normal to discuss, some innovations with sex and organic sustainable products have entered the scene—but it’s all still very fringe at times, and disconnected from one common message of health, wellness, rights.

Also, our president demonstrates patriarchal, misogynistic behavior quite publicly. Our vice-president believes in conversion therapy. As the conservative administration takes over the national government, they also have trifecta control in 24 state governments. Roe vs. Wade may be on “solid ground” at this point, but the states and national politicians have already started to do a lot of damage. In 2016, 50 new antiabortion laws were passed in the US at the state level, bringing the total of new state laws since 2010 to 338. 43 states have bans dictating how late into pregnancy women can get abortions. New York State has the second-most abortion clinics after California, and it’s been 47 years since our state updated its abortion law. Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, so New York’s law actually predates the seminal court case.

The current law criminalizes abortion, has no exception for the health of the woman or if the fetus is not viable, and only allows doctors—rather than advanced-practice clinicians, like nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants—to perform abortions. We feel like there is no time to wait.

Source: Instagram

SC: If a woman already feels super educated about her own sexuality and hormones, what can she still learn at Cycles and Sex?

LB: First, I would challenge her. I’d be really surprised if she was fully educated about all her hormones, fluids, sexuality, options, politics, vaginal care, etc. If she was fully educated—I’d probably ask her to jump on board to help this movement. I’d ask her to come to support getting other people educated. I’d ask her to bring all her educated friends. I’d ask her to take a look at our roster and vendors and help us build relationships with people and experts we may be forgetting.

SC: What about if a woman feels super behind and feels like she doesn’t know enough about her own sexuality/hormones/fertility? What would you say to someone who feels intimidated by an event like this?

LB: I would ask her to be brave. I would tell her we are here to raise each other up, and no one will be left behind. I would say she is more than welcome—she is one of the most important people in the room. The only way we can have freedom and power to make the best choices for ourselves and our bodies is to become educated about our choices and our bodies.

Source: Instagram

SC: What’s the number-one reason why you’d tell a close girlfriend to attend Cycles and Sex?

LB: My close girlfriends should attend because this is for them. It’s for us. It’s to raise us up. It’s for people to be set free from shame and intimidation around their bodies and sexuality. I want my close friends to be confident, empowered, brave, free, generous of spirit. Attending will support them, support me, and support all the people in their life.

SC: How have you used your background in meditation and wellness to inform this event?

LB: All of us—Ash, Nat, and I—bring a integrative, mindful approach to every aspect of the event, ever since it was just an idea. From how we treat each other, how we make decisions, how we interact with all the people helping us, how we communicate with people we hire, how we treat the vendors, speakers and partners, we are being thoughtful, we are pausing, we are letting go.

For me, meditation is a tool for how I live my life. Meditation has helped to support me when I feel overwhelmed because I have so much on my plate, or when I want to run away and give up, or when I’m paralyzed my fear that it’s not going to work out. I’ve walked through those feelings gracefully, which I would attribute to meditation and a few other wellness practices. My involvement in the wellness industry has shown me that there is a huge gap when it comes to shining light on reproductive and sexual health as an integral part to overall wellness.

Source: Instagram

SC: What do you hope will come of the event?

LB: I hope men, women, and gender non-conforming folks attend. I hope they leave informed, engaged, empowered, and committed to continuing to support women in all areas of their lives to strive for autonomy. I hope it evokes self-reflection about their own relationships to sex and bodies and inspires them to think more critically and keep learning.

Immunocologie’s Vital Clay Face Mask Has a 3,000-Person Wait List

Got a minute? Here’s your mid-day roundup of all your need-to-know news in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and beyond.

This detoxing face mask has a 3,000-person waiting list—and we can say first-hand, it’s totally worth the wait. [Harper’s Bazaar]

In depressing news, here’s why you should stop double-tapping on those adorable cat ‘grams. [Refinery29]

Khloé Kardashian is being sued for sharing a photo of…herself? [The Cut]

Just a friendly reminder that Beyoncé can place her own orders thank you. [Marie Claire]

Here’s some dogs wearing things. [Racked]

While you were sleeping, Zara joined the ranks of H&M and Uniqlo with a brand collaboration. [WhoWhatWear]

These beauty brands recycle your empties for you. [Fashionista]

MORE: Can You Spot the Problem with This Pic of Kylie Jenner?

25 Printable Wedding Checklists for the Type A Bride

If you’re planning a wedding, chances are you’re entering uncharted territory. Not only are you about to make a major life change, but there’s a ton to do, a lot of money involved and you want everything to be absolutely perfect. It’s a total recipe for a huge meltdown — especially if you’re a Type A personality.

So what do you do to save your (and your fiancé’s) sanity? Girl, you break out that pen and paper and do what you do best: You make yourself some lists. Checklists help you get organized and make sure everything is in perfect order, so you can sleep soundly at night without a bottle of wine and some Xanax.

We’ve gathered more than two dozen of the best workbooks, checklists and wedding guides out there. Download them, print them, or just pin ’em to your Pinterest board.

MORE: 15 Best Skin Serums to Try For a Clear, Even-Toned Complexion

Source: Instagram

1. Martha Stewart wedding workbook

Of course, we’ve started our list off with a bang. Who is Martha Stewart if not the Goddess of Gorgeous Weddings? Martha’s downloadable wedding workbook is free and free-king amazing when it comes to attention to detail.

2. Oliverink wedding planning checklist

If thinking of the next year of your engaged life causes a mini panic attack, head on over to Etsy to purchase and download this best-selling printable PDF for just a few dollars. The 17-page, hand-designed wedding checklist might just become your new Wedding Bible. (Etsy, $3)

3. MarryThis! wedding planning timeline

This free timeline printable will keep everything — and everyone — chugging along smoothly, especially as you get closer to your wedding date.

4. Wedding dress timeline checklist

Inquiring brides need to know when to try on gowns, when to buy, when to alter and so much more.

5. Real Simple wedding budget workbook

For the ladies who find themselves already going over on their wedding budget, as always, there’s a checklist for that. Real Simple’s user-friendly wedding budgeting worksheet helps to track your ongoing spending, while factoring in vendor estimates.

Source: Instagram

6. The 6-month engagement wedding checklist

While many traditional wedding planning guides break down an engagement into a 12 or 18-month period, this quickie printable condenses it to 6.

7. Wedding cost checklist

A super-simple, one-page wedding cost checklist to help you review your total budget at-a-glance.

8. Wedding planner and guide

Trust that this incredibly detailed worksheet will help you to cover all your bases when you’re up worrying about your wedding deets at three in the morning.

9. The basic wedding planning checklist

Though minimal, this detailed wedding planning checklist includes categories for apparel, flowers, stationery, rings, reception, ceremony, rehearsal dinner, photography and more.

10. The complete wedding planning checklist

“Happiness is being organized,” and this free printable organizes by wedding date, wedding budget, wedding style, wedding party and more.

Source: Instagram

11. Editable wedding planning checklist

This “ultimate” and editable wedding planning checklist is geared toward DIY brides who may have a few more special projects to do, besides the usual stuff like ordering flowers and tasting wedding cake.

12. Weekly wedding to-do list

Use this cute and convenient printable to break down the biggest and most stressful wedding tasks, week-by-week.

13. The wedding planning kit

The one-stop-shop of wedding planning will only cost you $20. This complete 41-page printable and editable wedding planning kit was designed by a fellow bride who successfully planned her own wedding at a budget kept under $5,000, thanks to her ninja-organizing skills. (Paper and Oats, $20)

14. Wedding photography checklist

Trust Shutterfly to know which beautiful moments (and when) should be captured on your big day.

15. Wedding music checklist

Choosing the most bomb wedding playlist is hard, yet this handy printable makes it so easy.

Source: Instagram

16. Printable wedding guestbook

This is kind of like a printable checklist, only better — because it’s a wedding guestbook. And it’s free. And did we mention that it’s printable?

17. Wedding table assignments

A free PDF printable to help you tackle one of the hardest wedding planning jobs of all: deciding who is and who isn’t going to sit at the same table.

18. 50 things not to forget at your wedding

The printable name says it all — and the download is totally free.

19. Wedding day essentials checklist

Use this photographer’s cheat sheet to put together your own “wedding emergency kit” for your big day.

20. Bride’s wedding day timeline

This easy-peasy printable timeline can be given to your maid of honor to make sure the pre-ceremony, ceremony and reception hours run smooth.

Source: Instagram

21. Wedding timeline wheel

A DIY wedding timeline wheel — used as a free printable organizer — might be the cutest thing to happen to your big day.

22. Name change checklist

After the rice has been thrown and the first kiss has been exchanged, the grown-up side of wedding planning begins. Meaning, once you get home and started unpacking all the gifts, you’re going to have to figure out how to change your name and update all your personal documents. This legal name change checklist, with a free printable PDF, makes it easy.

23. The ultimate honeymoon checklist

Just kidding — there’s still plenty of fun to be had after you get hitched, starting with a delightful honeymoon on some tropical beach somewhere. This helpful checklist will lighten the load of wedding and honeymoon planning combined by telling you exactly what to pack.

 24. Carry-on checklist

The simple air travel checklist every honeymooner wished they had — and never knew they needed.

25. The master honeymoon checklist

P.S. If you’re really a type A bride, you can use this detailed checklist to take your honeymoon packing to the next level.

MORE: 10 Mother’s Day Gifts STYLECASTER Editors Are Buying

Khloe Kardashian’s Makeup Storage Organization is Our Actual Dream

There’s a reason why The Container Store exists, and why weirdly satisfying videos of perfectly aligned and stacked objects go viral, and why your grandmother obsessively rearranges your kitchen every time she visits: Brains love organization. And that’s especially true if you’re a beauty-obsessed makeup hoarder whose drawers tend to look like the aftermath of an atomic bomb. Which is why we’re losing our shit over a photo Khloe Kardashian posted of her perfectly arranged lipstick drawer. And yes, it’s heaven.

MORE: The 6 Best Charcoal Face Washes for Every Skin Type

 
Khloe blogged about her makeup drawers in a post titled, “See Inside My Insanely Organized Lipstick Drawer,” writing “You dolls know that I love me some glam! So it should come as no surprise that I’ve collected a serious stash. Lipsticks and glosses are my favorites to stock up on, hands down! Take a peek inside my lipstick drawer to see all of my faves!”

The photo shows a compartmentalized drawer with 12 cubbies filled with just liquid lipsticks and glosses, including Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tars, which Khloe writes “stay on for hours!” along with Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks (“[they] are life!”), and basically every shade of Kylie lipsticks and glosses (“love me some nudes!”). And, more excitingly, some drugstore favorites, like NYX matte lip creams.

Photo: Khloe with a K

 

Photo: Khloe with a K

Yes, that feeling you have inside your heart is deep longing and dreams of having a makeup drawer that looks as clean and organized as that one day. Or maybe you already have one, and for that, we’re insanely envious of you. Come over and organize our vanity, please?

MORE: Helix Tattoos Are The Newest, Weirdest Trend in Minimalist Tattoos

Long Trip Ahead? 8 Entertaining Apps That Don’t Require Internet

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night can keep us away from our Wi-Fi—but a long flight is the one thing that can tear us apart. Thankfully, there are some non Wi-Fi games and apps that can keep us (somewhat) connected, and the best offline apps are actually almost as good as being online.

Now that the FAA has officially changed the in-flight rules about using technology from the time of lift-off to the time you land, you’ll have plenty of time to entertain yourself while in the air without the privilege of the internet. These apps are also lifesavers if you’re headed somewhere on a boat or just another remote location where service is spotty/non-existent.

MORE: The Internet Gave Me False Relationship Hope—Don’t Let It Happen to You

 

1. Drop 7

This Tetris-like game asks you to group numbered tiles until there are the same number of circles in the row or column to match the number on the face. There’s a slight learning curve here, but once you get it, it’s entirely addictive.

Price: Free on iTunes and  Google Play

2. Temple Run 2

The second version of this mind-numbingly simplistic (and yet, supremely fun) never-ending running game is so much better than the first. With insanely good 3D graphics, more twists and turns, and interesting obstacles, you’ll find yourself yelling at the screen (much to the chagrin of your fellow passengers).

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

3. Dots

This beautifully designed game has a simple premise: Connect as many same-colored dots as you can in 60 seconds. But it’s a lot more challenging than it first appears.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

4. Unblock Me

This classic puzzle game presents a simple task: move a “wooden” block from the left side of the screen to the right. But you have to do it with a lot of awkwardly-placed other blocks in your way. The most difficult levels of this game are basically impossible, guaranteeing hours of frustrating/fun game play.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

5. Angry Birds

This simple game of birds vs. pigs has become an international phenomenon, and even boasts the title of the most-downloaded app of all time. If you’ve never played it, a long plane ride is a great opportunity to understand what everyone has gone gaga over.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

6. Pocket

This revolutionary app gives you the ability to save online articles to an offline folder (called your “pocket”), where you can read them later in full. Dying to read something on StyleCaster.com, but won’t be able to do it before your flight takes off? Pocket it, and read it wherever you want.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

7. Wikipedia Encyclopedia Offline

If you’re obsessed with Wikipedia and want the top two million articles at your fingertips at any given time, then this app’s for you.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

8. ZigZag

Stay on the wall and do as many zigzags as you can. Seems simple, no? Think again.

Price: Free on iTunes and Google Play

MORE: How to Talk to a Woman Wearing Headphones: Don’t

Originally published March 2016. Updated April 2017.