Top YouTubers and Bloggers Share Their New Year’s Beauty Resolutions

New Year’s Eve marks the big launch of ~all the things you’ve been meaning to do but haven’t gotten around to~. It feels like a fresh start—a clean slate, if you will—even if nothing has really changed from the year before. (Namely, your eating habits, hatred of all things cardio and level of financial instability.) In a lot of ways, it’s good for you. Suddenly, you’re motivated in ways you didn’t know you could be motivated. And often, that means you’re about to Get. Shit. Done.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve decided that 2019 is going to be the year of your major comeback. This is because 2017 was, like, the lamest year in recorded history, and 2018 was a complete dumpster fire. In other words, we need a rebound… stat. And our beauty routine is as good a place to start as any.

For a lot of us, health and fitness are the first things that come to mind when we think of New Year’s resolutions. Have you ever noticed that all the gyms are slammed on January 1? But beauty goes deeper than the burn in your thighs you get from SoulCycle, so we decided to check in with our fave beauty bloggers and YouTubers to figure out their top New Year’s beauty resolutions (that don’t require a Fitbit). Luckily, we hit the jackpot.

Insert: four of our absolute fave beauty gurus of the moment. They’re fun, smart, relatable and relevant—so we knew their resolutions would be ones worth following ourselves. And when we asked, they did not disappoint. Read on to see what each of our b/vlogger friends had to say.

Margot Lee

Source: Instagram

Margot Lee is a student at Syracuse University, and her YouTube channel boasts 371,613 subscribers. She’s worked on influencer activations with brands such as Sephora and Dote, and just launched a necklace with jewelry brand Ana Luisa. In 2019, her New Year’s resolution is one we can all get behind: “My New Year’s beauty resolution is to focus on hair care and find the best hair products to keep my locks healthy and shiny year-round, despite the changing seasons and lightening my hair.”

Katy Bellotte

Source: Instagram

Katy Bellotte’s YouTube channel has almost half a million subscribers. But besides working on projects for the video-sharing platform, she’s also a social media coordinator for beauty brand L’Oréal Paris. In other words, we know that she knows what’s important in terms of beauty for 2019. What’s more, her New Year’s resolution speaks volumes about inner beauty—not just what’s on the surface. “My beauty resolution for 2019—besides drinking more water and applying a daily SPF—is allowing myself to be more comfortable with less. Less makeup, less excess products in my collection… Oftentimes we get a bit obsessed with meeting beauty ‘standards’ and I’m looking to embrace my natural features in the new year. Less is truly more!”

Christina Marie

Source: Instagram

Beauty YouTuber Christina Marie has over 600,000 channel subscribers, and she’s the founder of beauty brand TEENA Skincare. It’s clear from both her videos and business ventures that she’s a total skin-care junkie (just like us!!!), so we were confident that her resolution would focus on the face. Luckily, we were right. “My New Year’s beauty resolution is to eat a healthier diet and drink more water than ever before because it can help improve both my skin and overall health!”

Christen Dominique

Source: Instagram

Christen Dominique, founder of Dominique Cosmetics, has more than four million YouTube subscribers, as well as one and a half million on Instagram. Her beauty tutorials and GRWM’s (get ready with me’s) are a huge hit on the social platform, and you’re probably not a true stan unless you own at least one of her gorge palettes. Her New Year’s beauty resolution is as follows: “My New Year’s resolution is to put more effort into changing my hair style and color!” If 2019 is the time for new beginnings, there’s no better way to show it!

15 Veggie-Packed Winter Pastas That Are Comforting and Good For You

If you’re someone who cooks dinner for themselves on a regular basis, there’s a good chance vegetable pasta is in your heavy rotation. Even if it’s not, I bet you have at least two boxes of pasta in your pantry right now. No matter your tastes or food preferences, pasta is the perfect blank canvas for a warm, comforting dinner—and, it only takes 10 minutes to cook.

To be totally honest, I wasn’t always as firmly on board the pasta train as I am now. I grew up in Asia, so most dinners were served with rice. And I’ve always been more drawn to dense breads and whole grains as bases for veggies, cheese and whatever toppings I’m feeling. It wasn’t that I didn’t like pasta; it just wasn’t really a staple for me.

Lately, though, I’ve been especially busy—and often not in the mood to Google recipes or put a ton of thought into dinner. Vegetable pasta has been a real lifesaver, because it can be as simple or as complicated as I feel like making it. And because it never really goes wrong—especially if there’s cheese in it.

In the summer, I was cooking chopped tomatoes in a ton of olive oil, then tossing in cooked spaghetti and mozzarella. Now that it’s cooler out, I’ll sauté some thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and garlic, then add cooked pasta shells and shredded Parmesan. If I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll go the extra mile and roast cauliflower and broccoli, then mix that with penne and goat cheese. Sometimes there’s even a fried egg involved.

The point is, vegetable pasta can be whatever you make it, and pretty much any combination of pasta, veggies and cheese will work. But if you’re looking for some next-level pasta inspiration, the following 15 vegetable pasta recipes hit every mood, taste and craving.

Joyful Healthy Eats.

Basil Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

Pesto is a great way to add a ton of flavor to a dish with very little effort. This basil pesto pasta with roasted vegetables has a few steps, but if you roast extra veggies for lunch leftovers, it’s totally worth it.

Food and Wine.

Crusty Baked Shells and Cauliflower

Think of these crusty baked shells and cauliflower like a grown-up version of the best baked mac and cheese you’ve ever had.

The Kitchn.

Lemony Brussels Sprouts and Breadcrumb Spaghetti

Crunchy toasted breadcrumbs take this lemony Brussels sprouts spaghetti from good to great.

Gimme Delicious.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake

Baked pasta is the perfect way to warm your house and fill your belly at the same time. This spinach and mushroom pasta bake is decadent and just healthy enough.

Cook with Manali.

Veggie Lovers Pasta Bake

This straightforward veggie lovers pasta bake calls for several different vegetables, as its name suggests. Feel free to swap in vegetables you love for those you may not be so crazy about.

Cup of Jo.

Fettuccine with Kale, Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is my favorite way to make something creamy when I don’t have any actual cream in the fridge. It melts into a sauce easily, and has just enough tang to make a dish interesting. Try this fettuccine with kale, onion and goat cheese for dinner tonight, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Bon Appetit.

Rigatoni with Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan, Lemon and Leek

This fancy rigatoni with Brussels sprouts, Parmesan, lemon and leek feels restaurant-fancy thanks to the combo of bitter sprouts, sweet leeks and tangy lemon juice.

Making Thyme for Health.

Vegan Pumpkin Mac and “Cheese”

The sauce of this dairy-free pumpkin mac and “cheese” is made with raw cashews, nutritional yeast and pumpkin puree. Trust me, don’t knock it ’til you try it.

Pinch of Yum.

5-Ingredient Creamy Kale Pasta

Consider this creamy kale pasta your new go-to easy weeknight dinner for the season.

Joanne Eats Well with Others.

Spaghetti with Cauliflower and Garlicky Swiss Chard Gremolata

This zesty, slightly spicy spaghetti with cauliflower and Swiss chard gremolata is fancy enough for date night.

Well and Full.

Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta

This caramelized onion pasta doesn’t need cream or butter to be next-level good. In fact, all you need is onion, pasta, good olive oil, lemon and a little salt and pepper!

Julia’s Album.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Want to feed a crowd and impress them at the same time? Go for this baked butternut squash and spinach lasagna, which is sweet, creamy and meat-free.

Gimme Some Oven.

Easy Balsamic Veggie Pasta

This tart, bright balsamic veggie pasta is light but still comforting, and makes a great lunch the next day.

The Kitchn.

Creamy Skillet Tortellini with Sweet Potato and Spinach

Pre-made tortellini is any good weeknight cook’s best weapon. This skillet tortellini with sweet potato and spinach dresses up the fridge staple in a whole new way, and adds more than a full serving of veggies to each helping.

Two Peas and Their Pod.

Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells

If you grew up eating red sauce Italian food, you’re probably freaking out over the idea of these roasted vegetable stuffed shells right now. In a good way.

Why I Hope Captain Marvel Leads More Than Women in Her Movie

I am happy to announce something that likely everyone knows: Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in female representation in superhero movies—in both Marvel and DC alike. This is something to celebrate. It’s no secret that female representation has been a problem. Like most professions (both fictional and real), the superhero genre has been deemed a men’s club, with male caped crusaders outnumbering females by a landslide.

We demanded more female representation—and we got it. We got it in the the success of 2017’s Wonder Woman, featuring one of DC’s most well-known female superheroes and a kickass team of Amazonian warriors. We got it in the promise of Marvel’s first-ever female-led film, Captain Marvel, due in March 2019. We got in the recent announcement that, after many years at the side of men, Black Widow will finally have a standalone film sometime in the future. But as noteworthy as these achievements are, there’s still one feat that no female superhero in film has done, and that’s be a leader—to both men and women.

Some of you may be wondering, “But … there have been female leaders in superhero movies.” Why, yes, you are correct. We’ve had Hippolyta, the noble leader of the Amazons in Wonder Woman, and Okoye, the fierce commander of the Dora Milaje in Black Panther. There are also the Valkyries of Asgard from Thor: Ragnarok and Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey, DC’s upcoming, due in February 2020, centered on Gotham’s most dangerous female supervillains. As important as these characters are for the much-needed representation of female superheroes in films, they all share one unfair characteristic: They have only led women, and this is a problem in itself.

DC Comics.

As excited as I’ve been for this rise in female superheroes, there’s also been a nagging in the back of my mind that I’ve tried to ignore: Why are female superheroes only allowed to lead women? It’s almost unheard of for men to be leaders of teams of women, so it’s as if these women become leaders by default—not by choice. By creating female-only armies and designating female leaders to lead these armies, women continue to be isolated from the “men’s club” and waved off to play amongst ourselves.

Women continue to be isolated from the ‘men’s club’ and waved off to play amongst ourselves.

This nagging voice became harder to ignore as I began to look into Captain Marvel’s history. I became dismayed when I discovered that in one of her storylines, she not only becomes a leader of an “elite squadron of female fighter pilots” but also heads up the A-Force, described as an “all-female team of Avengers.” Considering Captain Marvel has led other great teams in her history—that include both men and women—I’m holding out hope that Marvel won’t choose the above routines for any of Captain Marvel’s cinematic storylines.

Marvel.

And though are a few examples of women successfully heading teams of both men and women in superhero films, these characters are usually either secondary love interests (Pepper Potts is the CEO of Star Labs in Iron Man); cancelled (Agent Carter leads a rogue team in her eponymous TV show); or killed (the Ancient One in Doctor Strange is … controversial in her own way). Despite her name in the title, The Wasp from this summer’s Ant-Man and the Wasp is considered a partner more than anything—if I’m being generous. The best example of a female superhero leader is on the small screen in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow on The CW, in which White Canary takes over as the leader of a dysfunctional group of time travelers. Seeing how naturally White Canary assumes the role of captain (because there really is no difference between a male and female leader), you would think the grander cinematic universes would do the same.

Like most professions, the superhero genre has been deemed a men’s club.

The big screen is making impressive progress, but there’s still a lot of catching up to do. For me, this gaping hole when it comes to leadership is representative of a very real problem. After all, fantasy is not truly escapism as people claim. Even author Lev Grossman, who was taught by the Chronicles of Narnia creator C.S. Lewis, stated “You re-encounter in the fantasy world the problems you thought you left behind in the real world.” Though the villains seem bigger and badder and the battles are packed with magic and CGI, there are the recurring themes of heroism, public sentiment and equality that reflect the real world.

ABC/Kelsey McNeal.

Equality is still a struggle in both fiction and reality. When these female superheroes aren’t leading their own stories, like Wonder Woman or Supergirl, they’re assigned to the role of sidekick, the right-hand woman who helps keep others—mostly men—in order. For many movies, this is the highest position available for them. There’s Maria Hill (whose name I found from Googling “Nick Fury woman”) to Nick Fury, Black Widow to Captain America and, at times, Wonder Woman to Batman.

It’s about time we also have women lead—not only other women, but both women and men who respect her.

Having more women as leaders, not only of other women, is important. I am a member of a demographic for superhero movies that’s always been there, but has only recently seen ourselves represented. And I would like to see a better balance. For the Marvel world, (including comics, movies and other media forms), it’s estimated that women have become the majority of the fandom as of 2017, based on Facebook demographics.

Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel.

The only real superhero medium that tackles this sexism is ABC’s Agent Carter. Time and again, Agent Carter needs to prove to the Strategic Scientific Reserve, a male-dominated war agency, that she can hold her own, even after having already proven this in World War II. (The show was cancelled after two seasons in 2016.) My only remaining hope for now is Captain Marvel. What we know so far is that she is a colonel in an army (hopefully not for an group of female soldiers) and that she is “the most powerful Avenger” (hopefully not for the A-Force, the female equivalent). Maybe in Avengers: Endgame we will see her as the commander, picking up the morale of shaken superheroes—both male and female alike. Maybe we will see her at the head, front and center, leading the charge against Thanos. Maybe Wonder Woman will also take over the Justice League, because, hey, who knows?

Either way, now that we have female-led superhero movies, it’s about time we also have women lead—not only other women, but both women and men who respect her. Since it’s already in her name, my money’s on Captain Marvel.

11 Seriously Bold Eye Products for Creating a Glam, Foiled Eyeshadow Look

Learning how to use an eyeshadow palette is a challenge unto itself, and if we’re going to be completely honest, so is using just one pan or compact. Add in a couple of foiled eyeshadows and the task appears to be completely impossible. Thankfully, the latter is one of those looks that feels way more complicated than it actually is.

As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better occasion than New Year’s Eve to match your eyelids to the New York City ball-drop. A little sparkle never hurt anyone, right? Sure, a simple metallic or shimmery eyeshadow would suffice, but the added benefit of a foil effect is that you’re getting dimension that enhances the color payoff and makes it look as though the results are pro-level.

While there are a number of eyeshadow formulas that have that built-in foil effect, you can also create your own with a pre-existing cream or powder one. Simply spray a flat brush with setting spray or lightly spritz with water, dip into your shadow and apply multiple layers to your lid. For pre-made foil shadows, apply instead with a finger so you’re getting as much product as possible for bold color. Also, don’t be afraid to mix colors and if you’re sporting a gold foil–the most popular version–experts say a touch of white liner or shadow in the crease will make your look pop even more.

Ready to ring in the New Year and turn heads? Add any of these luminous shades to your foil kit.

Stila Cosmetics.

Stila Cosmetics Vivid & Vibrant Eye Shadow Duo

The color combination of these duos means you can still create dimension with just one color. The smooth, soft powder means the formula will feel like a second-skin that better adheres to your eyelids for longer wear.

$20 at Stila Cosmetics

Tom Ford.

Tom Ford Shadow Extrême

Available in 14 different colors, this water-resistant powder includes micro-glitters and polymers for long-wear use. Swipe on just one layer for a sheer gloss of color or go with multiple for the foil effect.

$36 at Tom Ford

Hourglass Cosmetics.

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

Don’t be fooled by the glitter specks. This is actually a cream formula that feels rather weightless and can be built upon without major fallout.

$29 at Hourglass Cosmetics

tarte cosmetics.

tarte Finger Paints Shadow Palette

No brush needed for this set of foil formulas. Swipe on any of the warm-toned shades across your lid and layer with the silver for added dimension.

$39 at tarte cosmetics

Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Glaze All-Over Foil Luminizer

If you want the foiled look without abandoning your minimalist style, apply this multi-use, limited-edition highlighter on your lids for luminosity.

$49 at Marc Jacobs Beauty

Touch in Sol.

Touch in Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo

The combo of a solid color shadow topped with a metallic one means you won’t need any extra steps to create that high-shine foil effect.

$12.50 at Sephora

Fenty Beauty.

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter Palette

Rihanna is never shy when it comes to wearing and creating high-impact colors, so expect nothing but the best from these brand new shades; whether you use them alone or in combos.

$54 at Fenty Beauty

L’Oreal Paris.

L’Oreal Paris Crushed Foil Metallic Eyeshadow

A classic metallic shadow that you can apply sparsely, or build with a wet brush for bolder results.

$9.99 at L’Oreal Paris

Ulta Beauty.

Ulta Lustrous Foil Eyeshadow

Silky without feeling greasy, this formula looks like huge chunks of glitter, but is actually creamy and easy-to-apply.

$10 at Ulta

BH Cosmetics.

BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes Palette

From jewel tones to neutrals, this 28-pan palette is for the beauty who not only wants to create the foil effect, but do it with more than a couple colors too.

$9.10 at BH Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics.

NYX Foil Play Cream Eyeshadow

With a jelly-like texture and effortless foil finish, this cream formula delivers rich color in just a few swipes.

$6 at NYX Cosmetics

15 Going-Out Tops You Can Wear Even When It’s Freezing Out

If there’s one thing we love, it’s catching up with our BFFs over drinks (girls’ night, anyone?!). It’s especially fun during the holiday season, for a variety of reasons: holiday-themed cocktails, festive decorations at the bar—the list goes on. But we all know the struggle of trying to dress appropriately for the weather on nights like these—trying to dig up cold weather-appropriate going-out clothes is no fun at all.

Between the below-freezing temperatures and traditionally skimpy clubwear, a girl can’t catch a damn break at the bar during winter! And finding the perfect balance between trendy, sexy and warm seems next to impossible—who’s got the time to hunt down an outfit like that?

Actually, we do. So we did it for you.

Below, shop our fave winter-appropriate going-out tops. They’re cute, classy and (most importantly) warm AF—compared to your other going out tops, that is. Plus, they won’t break the bank, so you can save up your hard-earned cast to spend on vodka sodas. You’re welcome.

Photo: Urban Outfitters.

Polka Dot Open Back Cropped Top, $59 at Urban Outfitters

Long sleeves + ruffle details + polka dots = perfect winter going-out top.

Photo: Free People.

Last Friday Night Embellished Top, $128 at Free People

These baubles are so playful and cute. We want to wear this all season long.

Photo: PrettyLittleThing.

Jersey Blazer Detail Bodysuit, $18 at PrettyLittleThing

There’s nothing sexier than a woman in charge.

Photo: ASOS.

Velvet Ruched Top, $32 at ASOS

Because velvet is the official fabric of winter, and you know it.

Photo: Tobi.

Sparkle Black Lurex Crop Top, $15 at Tobi

Goes. With. Everything.

Photo: ASOS.

Mirror High Neck Long Sleeve Top, $32 at ASOS

You are a walking disco ball. You are a star.

Photo: ASOS.

ASOS Design Kimono Sleeve Embellished Bodysuit, $64 at ASOS

OK, sparkles?!

Photo: Fashion Nova.

Hopeless Romantic Long Sleeve Top, $29.99 at Fashion Nova

Something about this is, like, vintage sexy.

Photo: Fashion Nova.

Cutting You Off Long Sleeve Bodysuit, $22.99 at Fashion Nova

We love a good cutout.

Photo: PrettyLittleThing.

Twist Front Bardot Bodysuit, $32 at PrettyLittleThing

Off-the-shoulder tops are super sexy, without making you look like you’re trying too hard.

Photo: Fashion Nova.

Poisonous Bodysuit, $24.99 at Fashion Nova

Because snakeskin is the trend of 2019.

Photo: Fashion Nova.

In My Feelings Embroidered Bodysuit, $32.99 at Fashion Nova

A little subtle embroidery goes a long way.

Photo: PrettyLittleThing.

Textured Glitter High-Neck Bodysuit, $32 at PrettyLittleThing

Classy AF. Who doesn’t love a mock turtleneck? Plus, the glitter screams New Year’s Eve.

Photo: Tobi.

Maybell Sweetheart Neckline Bodysuit, $24 at Tobi

Sweet, yet slightly daring.

Photo: Tobi.

Every Time Emerald Blouse, $24 at Tobi

Business on the collar, party on, well, everywhere else.

Photo: Nordstrom.

Good American the Wilder One Bodysuit, $159 at Nordstrom

Perfect for a ~wild~ night.

Photo: Nordstrom

Alice + Olivia Bray Pleat Sleeve Wrap Top, $164.98 at Nordstrom

For the classy queen who looks good in green. (OMG, did that rhyme…?!)