That last spritz of perfume you apply before heading out the door is powerful. Whether it’s a new scent, familiar fave, or your staple scent, it serves as the finishing touch on your fit for the day and plays a key role in how you feel and the energy to emote. Interestingly, some fragrance notes are scientifically proven to boost your confidence, making them a good option for days when you want to conquer it all or even scenarios when you’ve got a lot on the line. “There’s lots of different studies that prove, through neuroscience, that fragrances and perfumes are capable of interfering directly with our mood,” explains Debora Xavier, fragrance expert and product development manager at Granado. “This is due to the fact that our sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for our emotions.” So basically, fragrance can serve as a little cheat code for your self-esteem. Check out these proven fragrance notes that can level up your confidence. 01 of 06 Citrus Notes of orange, lemon, bergamot, and grapefruit feel fresh and modern, and they can also be a boon to your confidence levels. Xavier says these notes have been shown to have an energizing and mood-boosting effect. “They stimulate dopamine and serotonin release, [and may] help in mild depression cases.” One of the most frequently cited studies on this topic was in Behavioural Brain Research, published in 2006. 02 of 06 Sandalwood Good news! That dreamy sandalwood base you love to smell is a winning fragrance note when it comes to boosting confidence. “Sandalwood's warm, creamy aroma has been shown to have stimulating effects on the nervous system,” says Kara Kowalski, fragrance expert and product development lead at Snif. “A study published in Planta Medica found that inhalation of East Indian sandalwood oil led to increased physiological arousal, including elevated pulse rate and skin conductance, as well as higher self-rated attentiveness and mood among participants.” 03 of 06 Vanilla Vanilla is another warm fragrance note celebrated for its ability to boost confidence levels. “Comforting and emotionally grounding, vanilla creates a sense of calm and approachability,” explains Jeniece Trizzino, vice president of innovation and product for Scentbird. She adds, “Research has shown that vanilla scent can reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of happiness. In one study, patients exposed to vanilla aroma during MRIs reported significantly less stress.” The idea is that the soothing effect helps lower internal tension and promotes emotional steadiness, which can translate into quiet, grounded confidence. 04 of 06 Rose Don’t underestimate the power of soft floral scents. For example, while rose is romantic and feminine, research tells us it can “reduce cortisol and increase feelings of contentment and sensuality,” Xavier says. This delicate scent may even help curb feelings of stress and anxiety. A small study published in Natural Product Communications found that participants had a significant decrease in breathing rate and that they reported feeling more relaxed and calm compared to the control group. 05 of 06 Lavender You may have heard that lavender is associated with feeling cool, calm, and collected; it’s no wonder it’s a top choice in spas across the world. Its mind-soothing properties can indirectly boost confidence, Kowalski explains. For example, she points to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology that found participants exposed to lavender scent exhibited increased interpersonal trust during a trust game. “This suggests that lavender helps people feel more at ease and open around others, which can give your confidence a serious boost,” she says. 06 of 06 Jasmine One sniff of jasmine and you’re instantly swept away in its sweet and heavenly aroma. But did you realize that it could also help level up your self-assuredness? “Jasmine is both sensual and uplifting, known to stimulate the brain and evoke feelings of joy,” Trizzino tells us. “Jasmine has been shown to increase alertness and improve mood, even having mildly stimulating effects comparable to some antidepressants. Its euphoric quality can help you feel emotionally open, radiant, and socially at ease.”

What do Julia Roberts, Amanda Seyfried, Katie Holmes, Salma Hayek, and Connie Britton all have in common? Beyond being stunning, successful women in Hollywood, they all share beloved makeup artist Genevieve Herr. While there are a bunch of talented glam artists to choose from, Herr is best known for her ability to enhance natural beauty—it's the reason she's been doing Julia Roberts' makeup since 1995. At a recent Lancôme event, I was lucky enough to sit in her chair. Here's what I learned. Instagram trends like "unrecognizable makeup" may come and go but Herr keeps things classic by opting for a light-handed approach and focusing on elevating—not changing—her clients' best features. "It's all about enhancing what you already have; not changing your face," she says. "Everybody has something to offer." Now, full disclosure, I love makeup. It's my job to test and write about the transformative powers of blush, mascara, and contour so I don't always opt for a super natural approach. But after only a few minutes in Herr's chair, I was blown away by her skills. Natural? Yes. But the end result looked like the best version of me and I've been trying to recreate it ever since. 3 Red-Carpet-to-Real-Life Makeup Musts After 35 years of award shows and photo shoots, Herr swears by these tricks. Create a radiant canvas If there's one thing most makeup artists agree on, it's that good makeup starts long before any makeup even comes out. Instead, it starts with smart skincare prep. If your skin is dry or has some dead skin build-up, makeup won't apply smoothly. Herr recommends using a sheet mask as a moisturizing, pre-makeup treatment followed by a hydrating serum or cream that helps to plumps the skin. Reach for a buildable base I'm a full coverage foundation girly through and through so when Herr applied Lancome's new skin tint, I was hesitant. She says using something that's flexible that you can apply with your fingers and build as needed melts into skin for a natural, glowing finish. Another secret: Mix two to make your ideal match. She grabbed two shades, blended them on the back of her hand and swiped it onto my skin—it was an exact match. Only line your lips halfway This lip liner technique was my favorite takeaway. I love the idea of a fuller pout but dislike how fake overlining can look. Herr says to choose a dark lip liner (she used a Lancôme liner in Mahogany Mauve). Then start by tracing the center of your bottom lip, blending it out toward the edges. Next, move to your upper lip and start lining slightly above the points of your cupid's bow. Instead of following your natural lip line, cheat the line out ever so slightly (if you mess up, simply clean up with a cotton swab), stopping halfway down toward the corners. Herr explains that when you extend the liner down to the corners of the mouth, it causes the lips to droop and looks clown-like. After lining the lips, she diffuses the color with her fingers, then tops it with a pinky lip gloss or oil. This trick totally enhanced my natural lip shape, and I've been following this lip lesson ever since.

If you’re planning to stock up on summer essentials, now is a great time to do some shopping. Amazon launched its massive Memorial Day sale with thousands of deals across all of its departments. As one of Real Simple’s longtime shopping editors and its resident Amazon expert, I know these big sales are the ideal time to stock up on what you need for the season ahead. I’m planning to grab a few of my favorite finds and get everything I’ve been eyeing for summer, like sunscreen, a bucket hat, and beach chairs, that are now discounted up to 70 percent off. Bucosd Small Gym Bag My gym bag has seen better days, so I’m upgrading to this compact yet roomy option. I don’t need a large, bulky gym bag, and this smaller style has plenty of room for what I tend to bring: a water bottle, sweatshirt, chapstick, wallet, and a few other small items. I love that it comes with several straps, allowing me to carry it as a shoulder or crossbody bag. Helinox Collapsible Beach Chair This lightweight chair is a game changer for those who, like me, hate carrying loads of heavy stuff to the beach. It weighs just 3 pounds and can easily fit into a tote bag thanks to its frame that breaks down into a few slim bars. I’ve been bringing it to the beach and my local park for years, and it still looks brand new. I’m getting a second to gift my partner so he’ll have a comfy chair to enjoy by the sea, too. Hzeyn Cotton Bucket Hat I love the look of a straw hat, but the structure makes them tricky to pack, so I’m grabbing this 100 percent cotton bucket hat that I can roll up and throw in my beach bag or suitcase. I’m getting it in beige, but it’s available in seven other colorways. E.l.f. Cosmetics Skin All Set for Sun SPF 45 Setting Spray While it’s been easy to incorporate sun protection into my skincare and makeup routine (I’m partial to this tinted sunscreen that I use in lieu of foundation), reapplying throughout the day has been a challenge. Typical sunscreen lotions—and even powders—tend to ruin my carefully applied blush and bronzer, but this setting spray doesn’t. It’s designed to help keep makeup in place while providing sun protection. Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil I recently invested in an eyebrow pencil that costs four times as much as this one, and it left me feeling underwhelmed by its look and longevity. I’m back to this affordable option, which blends into my brows easily and lasts all day. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant An esthetician recently recommended I swap my $100 exfoliating pads for this now-$28 liquid exfoliant. They encouraged me to use it twice a day to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which can trap acne-causing bacteria. After a month of consistent use, my skin is now completely clear and glowing. And to my surprise, I haven’t experienced any irritation on my sensitive skin. A “holy grail for clearing pores,” it lives up to the hype, so I’m getting another bottle while it’s marked down. And these Amazon deals are just the start. My favorite flat-laying travel beauty bag, go-to laundry booster, and the cleaner I use to deep clean my couch are all on sale this holiday weekend.

Even if your skincare is on point and you have been blessed with great genes, zits happen. And they often pop up at the worst times (before a first date, big interview, wedding, etc.). Many of us have been covering up pimples since middle school. My go-to zit routine: Spot treat (with something way too harsh, oops) at night to dry that honker out, then dab on concealer during the day. I've been rinsing and repeating this process for years until I recently scrolled upon a video by one of my favorite makeup artists, Nam Vo, and had my beauty editor brain blown. Nam Vo is best known for her mesmerizing "dewy dumpling" highlighter looks (on celeb clients, including Aimee Song, Kylie Jenner, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Chrissy Teigen), but it was this how to cover a pimple video that stopped me dead in my tracks. Turns out, I'd been doing it all wrong. Nam Vo's Hack for Making a Pimple Peace Out I tried her viral trick and it actually works. Use a darker concealer Chances are, you are using the wrong concealer shade (I was!) to hide your zits. "Most concealers are brightening for under the eyes, but you actually want to go darker when it comes to covering a pimple," she explains. This makes total sense. I usually use a concealer that's a shade lighter than my skin tone so that it helps cancel out my dark circles. But that's also the exact same concealer that I reach for to hide my pimples. And we definitely don't want to be brightening those suckers. (BRB, I'm adding another, darker concealer to my makeup bag ASAP.) Swipe right Nam Vo uses a small, flat makeup brush to swipe on her concealer (she uses a matte Nars' pot). While I've seen artists dab on the tiniest pinpoint, Nam Vo swipes it on multiple times—we want to hide this sucker after all. Blend Using a damp (this is key; never use it dry!) Beautyblender, "blend the concealer around the surrounding areas," she says. If you only treat the zit, you can still see it, but by doing the surrounding area, you get a way more flawless finish. Set it and forget it Now grab a small, fluffy brush and pick up some pressed powder. Like the concealer, opt for a shade darker than you usually would (for all of those reasons listed above). Then pat the powder over the pimple and the surrounding area. Ta-da! In the video, you can see her forehead zit disappear, and when I followed her steps, I couldn't get over how these little tweaks made such a big difference.

Warm weather is officially here (thank goodness), and your makeup bag deserves a little refresh just like your wardrobe. This summer’s makeup trends are equal parts nostalgic (hello Y2K lips), fun (colorful mascara for the win) and gorgeous (we can’t get enough cherry blossom blush). Whether you’re sipping spritzers on a rooftop somewhere, lounging poolside with a book in tow, or simply running about town crossing off your to-do’s, you’ll look fresh and gorgeous in these looks. Here are the summer beauty trends that makeup artists say are very in. 01 of 08 Sunset Blush This summer 2025 makeup trend uses warm, radiant tones like peach, coral, rose, and touches of gold—all blended together across the cheeks to create a multidimensional flush. “This is a beautiful and playful look that mimics the dreamy glow of golden hour light,” says Christian Briceno, celebrity makeup artist. “Think blush meets bronzer while sculpting the face. The trend evolved from the popular sunburnt blush and is gaining popularity on social media.” 02 of 08 Blurred Makeup Dewy skin and lightweight makeup are timeless, but the blurred makeup trend is taking over thanks to its ability to universally flatter all complexions. (Not to mention, it basically makes your pores and imperfections disappear.) The look is achieved with water-based skincare products, blurring primers, and natural matte foundations and finishing powders for a super soft, naturally diffused look. 03 of 08 Colorful Eyelashes You can thank the 1980s for colorful eyelashes, a trend that’s made its way back into modern times. It’s all about being bold and brave with color while choosing hues that flatter your complexion. For example, “If you are blue-eyed and blonde, bright orange or hot pink lashes can look incredible. If you are a brunette, then emerald green or purple look amazing,” says Bina Khan, makeup artist and co-founder of Just B Cosmetics. 04 of 08 Multi-Dimensional Eye Shadow Eyes are taking the main stage this summer with multidimensional shadows that offer depth and shimmer. “Gen Z is embracing experimental aesthetics via iridescent and metallic finishes that change with light to create playful and unique looks,” Briceno says, adding that it’s a fave for festivals and fancy events, alike. “There are many different finishes for every purpose: multichrome pigments, glass-like textures, foils, and liquid metals.” 05 of 08 Y2K Lips 72K-core holds strong this summer, with lips being the perfect opportunity to dabble in the aesthetic. “Heavily lined lips with a darker edge and a contrasting, lightly tinted high shine gloss were ubiquitous in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s,” Khan says. “To combat bleeding or endless reapplication, grab a non transfer high shine gloss.” She adds that cool-toned brown lips were another Y2K and also popular this season. 06 of 08 Cherry Blossom Blush Another blush trend in full bloom right now is the cherry blossom blush, which channels the soft and romantic hues of their namesake. The color is pale pink with cool undertones, and is applied as a sheer wash high on the cheeks and blended outward. It’s a continuation of the blush-focus we’ve seen, but scaled back a bit more for a more natural finish. 07 of 08 Bright Berry Tones Summer makeup loves a bright berry, and this year is no different. “For the summer, you can go as bright as you like, but creating a monochromatic look can stop this from being overpowering,” Khan says. “Use a multi-purpose product for cheek and lip, but top the lip with oil and the cheek with a highlighter to create dimension.” 08 of 08 Diffused Cat Eyeliner Cat eyeliner is finding itself back in good favor, but we’re not all the way there yet. Hence the allure of the diffused cat eyeliner, which is a more relaxed, softer take on the classic look. “Usually done with soft brown and taupe hues, it gives the eye an understated, polished look,” Briceno tells us. “It also provides subtle definition without harshness. This trend draws from several influences, including the revival of the soft glam look with its blurred lines and gentle contours.”

There’s a time and a place for a bold, in-your-nose fragrance, but some moments call for a scent that’s a lot more subtle. Enter skin fragrances, i.e. fragrances that capture that barely-there allure beautifully with a profile that’s soft, delicate, and designed to smell like you—just a bit better. The "skin scent enhancer" is designed to work with your natural skin chemistry so it smells a little different on everyone. Glossier is arguably one of the pioneers in this space, catapulting the “skin scents” category into cult status with its now-iconic Glossier You back in 2017. Since then, Glossier’s formulated and debuted a handful of iterations, including You Doux, You Rêve, and its newest scent You Fleur. This shiny new addition to the brand’s frag lineup puts a light and bright spin on the original, and the inspiration behind it is skin's own scent. This “luminous floral blend” opens with a delicious and intriguing mineral salt accord at the top, and in the middle features a soft and subtle fusion of sweet and fruity osmanthus, ylang ylang, apricot skin and cashmeran. It's warm, woody, and musky thanks to ambrox. (This is the same base as the original You.) And of course, it wouldn’t be a Glossier fragrance unless your own skin chemistry came into play. “Fleur is a skin-scent enhancer that wears close to the skin and true to you, never overpowering your unique scent—because you are the final ingredient," the brand says. A fragrance that is inspired by skin's own scent might sound strange, but once sprayed it’s a soft, floral scent that’s airy, fresh, and subtle enough to wear year-round. You can wear it alone, but this is one of those fragrances that layers nicely—either with the other three fragrances in Glossier’s You lineup, or even with your own fave lotions, body sprays, or EDPs. So how does it stack up in the real world with everyday spritzers like you? One reviewer from the Glossier site says, “Instantly obsessed. Sprayed this in store—not intending to buy because I already have 2 Glossier perfumes. But I instantly loved this scent. Its so unique and feminine. Had to buy!! Def my favorite out of all the amazing perfumes. Hope to see a lotion of this scent!” And another says, “I love the original Glossier you but I’ve always held off because it is a little too musky for me. This opens up to be very similar but just a tad sweeter/floral/fruity. 10/10 recommend if you’re looking for an everyday, clean & light scent!” Consider this your sign to spring for a new-to-you (and uniquely you) EDP.

I've been doing my eyebrows ever since high school, where I, of course, over-plucked and waxed them to oblivion (whoops). It's been a journey ever since. Luckily, part of my job as a beauty editor is interviewing celebrity makeup artists, so for the last 18 years, I've been putting their best brow tips to the test—on myself. I'm thrilled to report that today my arches look full and fluffy (whew), but I still like to give them a little love. At night, I swipe on a conditioner to keep them strong and shiny. And in the a.m., I fill them in with my favorite brow pencil to accentuate my natural shape. But during a recent interview with celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, I realized I've been doing one crucial step all wrong. Instead of combing my brows up before filling them in (something I do every morning on my way to work), Oquendo revealed that the key is to brush them down (yes, down) first to better highlight exactly where you need to add color. While this felt weird to me, I am a lifelong makeup student, so I used my spoolie (a lash and brow brush that looks like a mascara wand without the mascara) to comb my eyebrows down. Instantly, I could see the spots where my brows needed a little boost. For the breakdown of his whole brow technique—he calls them "gym brows"—see the step-by-step below. How to Get Gym Brows What you'll need: a spoolie, a brow pencil (that matches your brow color), a tinted brow gel, and a clear brow gel. Brush your brows down Using a spoolie, brush your eyebrows down. According to Oquendo, this is the best way to see exactly where you need to fill them in. They'll look weird and droopy but trust the process. Fill 'em in Using thin, hair-like strokes, lightly draw the brow pencil where your brows look sparse. If you need help mapping out where your brows should start, arch, and end, simply use your pencil to guide you. To find your starting point, hold the pencil along the side of your nose—that's where the front of your brow should begin. Keep your pencil along the side of your nose but move it so that it goes across your eyeball—voila—that's your arch. Finally, fan the end of the pencil to the end of your brow—that's where your tails should end. Most people need to add a little extra! Swipe right Add some color and hold by applying a tinted brow gel that matches your eyebrow hair. Brush up and out for a fluffy, full look. Set and shine Using a clear brow gel, lock it all in with a few swipes. This will ensure your brows stay in place throughout the day while giving them a glossy finish. Want more tips? I do! For more beauty hacks, check out Oquendo's new YouTube show, Backseat Beauties, where he uses his 23 years of makeup experience to teach guests, including Nicole Richie, Jurnee Smollett, Misty Copeland, and more mini tutorials–all while riding around New York City. Beep, beep!

While florals are a spring fragrance certainty, the season of new energy has so much more offer. In 2025, we’re seeing people embrace zingy fruit notes, unexpected gourmands (like milk and coffee), and flowery twists that evoke a bit of glamour and nostalgia. Whether you’re in the market for a garden-inspired EDP, are craving a tangy fruit fragrance, or your eyebrows perked up when we said "milk," these top spring fragrances prove there’s a warm-weather fragrance for everyone. 01 of 09 Strawberry Strawberries are quintessential spring, so it makes perfect sense to see them pop up in warm-weather fragrances. “Perfumers have figured out how to make strawberry feel fresher, more vibrant, and true to life, bringing a new level of refinement to the note,” says Gustavo Romero, perfumer and founder of the Fragrance Alliance Network. “Plus, they are fun and mood boosting.” Some of his favorites are Commodity Juice, Phlur Strawberry Letter, and Cartier L’Heure Convoitee Il Eau de Parfum. 02 of 09 Violet Violet is one of those captivating floral notes that feels at once vintage and completely modern. “What makes violet truly special is its fascinating duality—it has this delicate powdery sweetness but also an earthy, vegetal, green facet,” says Greta Pagel, fragrance director at Good Chemistry. She adds, “Violet is coming into the conversation as consumers seek fragrances with depth and character beyond your typical fresh florals. The note perfectly captures ‘quiet luxury’—understated elegance with substance.” Callouts include Glossier’s You Doux and Good Chemistry’s Magnolia Violet. 03 of 09 Milk You read that correctly. Milky notes are absolutely trending as part of a larger theme of light, layered, creamy gourmands popping up in fragrances this spring. “Milky notes are creamy, smooth, and almost edible—think vanilla milk, coconut milk, or rice milk,” says Alina Gliwinska, fragrance compounder at Lush Cosmetics. “They offer a gentle, comforting sweetness without ever feeling overly sugary, often finishing with a subtle nutty or powdery touch that keeps them grounded." Try Lush Supermilk Perfume, DedCool X-Tra Milk Eau de Parfum, Phlur Heavy Cream, and Dossier Milky White. 04 of 09 Coffee What better to pair with milk than coffee? Maybe it’s the rise of espresso martinis or Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso playing on repeat. Whatever the case, coffee notes are definitely trending as a spring 2025 fragrance and they add the perfect buzz to a gourmand. Wake up with Maison Margiela’s Coffee Break, or check out Carpenter’s newly launched Me Espresso. 05 of 09 Cocktail Bitters On the opposite end of the fragrance spectrum, cocktail bitters are another popular spring note in 2025. “These notes have been rare in one-size-fits-all, super-commercial perfumery,” says Christophe Laudamiel, master perfumer at Generation by Osmo. “Some niche perfumers have quietly been working on recreating these kinds of bitter top notes—not to sell millions of bottles, but because they love the craft.” He says to think nature-fresh tangy notes: an air of absinthe, a waft of cosmo, something herbal—but is it lime with coriander seed? Sage and curacao? Great examples include Adarga by Travertine and Me Dea by Chronotope. 06 of 09 Tangy Fruits Speaking of bright and zingy notes, tangy fruits with a grown-up twist are another spring 2025 fragrance trend. “As body sprays make a major comeback, this trend offers the perfect chance to re-imagine them through a more elevated, sophisticated lens,” Gliwinska says. “Expect to see a rise in standout notes like cherry, guava, ripe mango, pear, rhubarb, fig, and blackcurrant—alongside some of my personal favorites, like sun-kissed strawberries and golden peach. They’re fresh, playful, and just polished enough.” Try Maison Francis Kurkdjian Kurky, Kayali Guava Granita, and Nectar de Passion Eau de Parfum. 07 of 09 Rose Rose continues to undergo such a cool transformation in the world of fragrance. Perfumers are peeling back the petals, so to speak, and creating compositions with incredible versatility and depth. “Today’s rose accords move far beyond one-note, powdery or way-too-dated to showcase the flower's many facets—from bright and dewy to rich and jammy, from green and fresh to honeyed and spiced,” Pagel says. “The rose renaissance often delivers unexpected note pairings and is part of a broader movement where traditional floral notes are re-imagined for contemporary tastes.” Try Phlur Rose Whip or LIIS Rose Struck. 08 of 09 Deep, Dark Notes While spring evokes a certain lightness, that’s not always the vibe. Maybe you’re heading to a dimly lit date night, want to evoke the coolness of a deep forest, or you’re just in your feels a bit. Lucky for you, moody and earth-driven dark notes are a spring fragrance do. “Even in spring, people are reaching for deep, dark notes. These aren’t built on traditional perfumery structures—they’re not fresh, not floral, not mainstream. But they move people,” Laudamiel says. “Walk through a forest—you smell its darkness. There’s no fake rose or synthetic apple jam lingering. These notes feel real and grounded. It’s signature perfumery.” Try Tom Ford Black Lacquer and Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine. 09 of 09 Light, Layered Gourmands Gourmand notes have been enjoying some time in the spotlight and they’re not going anywhere soon. “Long adored for their deliciously addictive appeal, this season they’re getting a fresh twist. Think lighter, more refined interpretations, beautifully layered with florals, fruits, woods, and whisper-soft spices,” Gliwinksa says. “The overall vibe? Edible, but elevated.” She says one gourmand note poised to stand out this spring is toasted sugar, which carries and irresistible depth—think the golden, crackling top of crème brûlée or that fleeting moment when sugar begins to melt at the edge of a hot skillet. Try Lush’s Chelsea Morning and Henry Rose Dave.

You've probably heard the saying, "You have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyoncé", which implies Queen Bey is one of the busiest people on the planet. But after chatting with Jenna Bush Hager, I might start subbing her name into the phrase. The TODAY host, author, and mom of three wakes up at 4:50 a.m., works out before her morning TV gig, and on the day I saw her, she hosted two events, did two outfit changes, and took lots of calls in between, all before racing home to do bedtime (her hubby was out of town). So of course I was dying to know, how does she tackle her to-do list without looking tired. Hint: She keeps her concealer close. Jenna Bush Hager's Hacks for Looking Great While Juggling It All Go to bed early (like, really early) We dove into bedtime routines, which for Jenna, start around 8:30 p.m. Her secret weapon? Letting her 12-year-old daughter Mila tuck her in. “If I’m exhausted, I’m like, ‘Mila, tuck me in.’” You better believe, as soon as Bean (that's my son) is old enough, I'm totally stealing this. Use makeup that works almost as hard as you do Sure, we all have to get ready for work, but Jenna has to be TV-ready at the crack of dawn. "This is why I'm obsessed with this product [It Cosmetics Do It All Radiant Concealer; Jenna is a paid partner of the brand]," she says. "But I also like their CC cream. What I like about It Cosmetics is I feel like they're kind of mirrored to the way women are, so they do multiple things. The concealer has serum and it moisturizes while it covers up my bags." Apply concealer with your fingers "I usually use my fingers for everything when I'm doing my own makeup," she says. Makeup artists agree that doing so actually warms up the formulas and helps them melt into your skin. "I put it under my eyes, I do a little bit on my nose line, between my brows, and on my chin." Don't be a perfectionist "I have had a really long day," Jenna says. "I've gone from thing to thing to thing. So I put on the concealer in the car, and then I arrived with Julia, who works with me, and I'm like, 'Is this rubbed in?' I'm not a perfectionist at all, but I also want to look OK, you know, after a really long day." Whatever you do, don't powder "I don't believe in powder anymore," she admits. “I like the dewiness; I like the less is more, which is why I like a highlighter. I don't think you need to add anything after the concealer." Insert a mind-blown emoji here because I powder after my concealer every day but I think that JBH might be onto something. When you don't powder, you can reapply concealer throughout the day without it getting cakey. "I had an Imprint tea [event], and so I put it on right before that, and then I had meetings, meetings, meetings, and I didn't need makeup, then on the way here, I added some lip gloss and more concealer—that's all you need. The type of makeup I need can be reapplied before I go out, you know, like in between events, so this product has been a lifesaver." Share the love Jenna shared how her daughter Mila has started dipping into her makeup drawer. “She’s really age-appropriate,” she says. “She doesn’t wear it to school or anything. But I’ll come home, and my makeup drawer is completely disheveled. She’s so good at it, though,” Jenna adds.

Some trends burst into the beauty scene, blaze brightly, and define a moment in time. Others have more of a slow burn—timeless staples permanently woven into the zeitgeist quilt. We’re talking about the latter today via makeup mainstays that won’t fall prey to the ebb and flow of time. So while TikTok cycles through passing (but fun) trends like aura aesthetics, latte-inspired looks, and bleached brows, let’s give some extra love to the icons with real staying power. 01 of 09 Glowy Glass Skin Glowing skin isn’t just a trend or an effect—it’s a sign of a well-prepped, healthy canvas. “Radiant, healthy-looking skin will never go out of style,” says Ngozi Olandu Young, a film and TV makeup artist who’s been in the industry for 20 years. “Whether it’s a red carpet moment or a no-makeup day on set, skin that looks like skin—with just the right glow—always works.” 02 of 09 Subtle Sculpting OK, so the days of early 2000s harsh contouring are behind us, but the trend has evolved into something that’s far more wearable and natural. “Using contour on your face to define and lift your face shape is a timeless look,” says Aimee Carr, makeup artist and founder of Voodoo Makeup. “Once you master it, there is no going back because of the confidence it will leave you with. We will always contour maybe with just blush bronzer or cream, but it’s all the same and this trend is here to stay.” 03 of 09 Wispy Lashes Mascara has been a thing for over a century, and if you ask any makeup lover its invention is right up there with sliced bread. What we’re saying is that defined lashes aren’t going anywhere (even amid trends of ghost lashes and rainbow lashes). “Applying mascara to your eyelashes is a must-not miss when applying makeup and a trend that has never gone away,” Carr says. “The trending colors of mascara may change but having thick, long, and defined lashes will always elevate your makeup. It’s one of those final makeup touches that is simple and goes a long way in your overall finished look bringing out those beautiful eyes.” 04 of 09 Smokey Eye We’ll always love natural mattes and bold looks, but there’s something timeless about a soft and Smokey eye. Saffron Hughes, makeup artist for False Eyelashes, says she returns to it time and again because of the depth and definition it creates; it’s alluring without being harsh or overdone. “My go-to technique is to apply a brown or plum eyeliner close to the lash line, then gently smudge it out with a brush for a diffused, lived-in effect,” she tells us. “You can build up the intensity for evening or keep it subtle for daytime. The key is to apply a little at a time and keep blending before adding more.” 05 of 09 Naturally Defined Brows Micro brows, bleached brows, fluffy brows, laminated brows. This little detail provides lots of room for experimentation, but the most flattering look will always come back to naturally defined brows. Think Audrey Hepburn, Brooke Shields, and Zendaya. “Brows shape the entire face. No matter how trends shift (through thick or thin) a well-groomed, face-framing brow brings instant polish and balance to any look,” says Young. 06 of 09 Winged Liner A little winged liner instantly accentuates eyes, lending some makeup drama without feeling over the top. “Whether it’s soft and brown or bold and black, it lifts the eyes and adds definition without needing much else,” says Gen Waring, makeup artist and owner of Waring Makeup. “And there’s a version for just about everyone—flicked up, elongated, smoky, or barely there. Once someone finds the shape that suits their eye, it becomes their go-to for life.” 07 of 09 Classic Red Lips From iconic actresses from the golden age of Hollywood (like Marilyn and Rita) to modern-day minimalists, a quick swipe of red lipstick has remained the quickest way to elevate any look. Red lipstick transcends trends and seasons, and the wide spectrum of shades available means you can always find the right pick for your event, skin tone, or aesthetic. 08 of 09 Monochromatic Neutrals Color trends come and go—butter yellow, cherry red, mocha mousse—but if you want a color scheme that’ll look just as relevant today as it did 20 years ago and 20 years from now, monochromatic neutrals are your best bet. “Using soft, harmonious tones across eyes, cheeks, and lips creates effortless elegance,” Young says. “It’s a subtle way to elevate natural beauty without looking overdone.” 09 of 09 Sunkissed Skin A high-quality bronzer applied strategically (and with a light hand) has a way of instantly warming the face. “It gives you that ‘just got back from vacation’ look without needing the plane ticket,” Waring says. “Whether it’s a radiant finish from your base or a sheer wash of bronzer across the high points of the face, it always reads fresh, healthy, and alive.”