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'Tournament of Champions' VII Week 6 Live Updates: The Sweet 16 Wraps Up
Tournament of Champions VII continues as the second half of the Sweet 16 step back into the arena for four matchups.
ICYMI, last week the first four Sweet 16 battles took place and came out thusly:
- Jet Tila defeated Claudette Zepeda
- Kevin Lee took down Britt Rescigno
- Jonathon Sawyer beat Aarti Sequeira
- Joe Sasto took out the last culinary icon, Lorena Garcia
Judges this week are Susan Feniger, Maneet Chauhan and new judge Hubert Keller.
Beware of spoilers ahead: Don't keep reading if you don't want to be spoiled.
Related: Bobby Flay & Brooke Williamson to Face Off on ‘BBQ Brawl’ Season 7
Matchup 1: No. 3 Marcel Vigneron vs No. 7 Stephanie IzardRandomizer categories: Swordfish for protein, King Trumpet mushrooms for produce, blow torch for equipment, New Year's Eve Dinner for style and canned beets as the wild card ingredient.
All cooks this round are 35 minutes.
Dishes: Marcel decided to make grilled swordfish with champagne-battered fried King Trumpet mushrooms, salsa macha and a beet labneh, which is a Middle Eastern yogurt sauce. Stephanie went with swordfish tataki and trumpet mushroom "scallops" with a swordfish sauce and pickled beets.
Winner: By a score of 84 to 79, Stephanie defeated Marcel. Not really an upset, per se, because Stephanie is so decorated, but she finally seems to have shaken the TOC monkey off her back. Steph won by three points in taste and two on Randomizer; they tied in presentation.
Related: Valerie Bertinelli Unveils Big New Project After Food Network Exit
Matchup 2: No. 5 Shirley Chung vs No. 8 Viet PhamRandomizer categories: Hanger steak for protein, haricot verts (green beans) for produce, immersion blender for equipment, appetizer duo for style and
cottage cheese for the wildcard ingredient. Damn, that feels like a hard Randomizer because of the equipment, style and wildcard.
Dishes: Shirley prepared a hanger steak carpaccio with mustard aioli and shaking beef with whipped cottage cheese for her duo. Viet decided to make tempura-battered fried haricot verts and a grilled hanger steak lettuce wrap with cottage cheese dipping sauce.
Winner: Shirley won handily by a score of 87 to 80 because Viet's haricot verts were overcooked and his sauce broke. That stinks for him, that's a bummer way to get eliminated. Shirley won by two points on taste and presentation and three points on use of the Randomizer.
Related: ‘Tournament of Champions’ Season 7 Bracket Revealed: Here Are the Official Matchups
Matchup 3: No. 4 Kaleena Bliss vs No. 8 Kenny GilbertRandomizer categories: Double-cut pork chops for protein, hatch peppers for produce, French fry press for equipment, comfort classic for style and ketchup for the wildcard ingredient. That feels like a great Randomizer.
Dishes: Kenny made a "sloppy Joe" with a fried pork chop on a bun, while Kaleena went with pork Katsudon with tomato curry sauce and rice. At first glance, it felt like Kaleena was gonna blow Kenny out of the water just based on those dish choices. But his sandwich turned out incredible.
Winner: By a score of 91 to 81 (WOW), Kenny pulled off another upset. He won by seven points on taste (is that the biggest margin on taste we've ever seen? I think it might be). He also won by two on Randomizer and one on presentation.
Related: Brooke Williamson Reveals ‘Mind-Screwing’ Reality of ‘Top Chef’ vs. Food Network
Matchup 4: No. 3 Bryan Voltaggio vs No. 7 Dan JacobsTime for two Top Chef runners-up to face off. Can Dan keep the upsets rolling?
Randomizer categories: Halibut for protein, watermelon radish for produce, metal skewers for equipment, Sunday Supper for style and nacho cheese for the wildcard ingredient. Oh, that's a hard Randomizer. Fish and cheese for Sunday Supper?! Yikes.
Dishes: Bryan made grilled halibut and mushroom kebabs alongside a crispy salad, while Dan prepared fried halibut with a mole sauce with skewered radish and escovitch (a topping of spicy, pickled vegetables).
Winner: By a score of 80 to 77, Bryan moved on to the Elite 8. He beat Dan by one point on taste and two on Randomizer; they tied on presentation.
Related: Insider Exposes How Bobby Flay’s Competitions Are Run: ‘Bobby Isn’t a Cheater’
What's Next on 'Tournament of Champions' Season 7?Next Sunday, April 12, the Elite 8 step into the arena to compete for a spot in the Final Four—and it comes with an international twist.
The episode is titled "The Great 8 Are Here" and the description reads, "Guy Fieri welcomes the triumphant Great 8 back to the arena for the fiercest quarterfinals in Tournament of Champions history. In four sudden death battles, eight world-class chefs face an amped-up randomizer as the categories go international this round."
The matchups are as follows:
- No. 2 Jet Tila vs No. 4 Jonathon Sawyer
- No. 3 Kevin Lee vs No. 5 Joe Sasto
- No. 3 Bryan Voltaggio vs No. 5 Shirley Chung
- No. 7 Stephanie Izard vs No. 8 Kenny Gilbert
Tournament of Champions season 7 airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network.
Related: Food Network Producer Reveals Two Chefs 'Were Not Pleasant' Behind the Scenes
Katherine Kelly Lang Talks Stepping Into the 'Creator' Role for Major 2026 Fashion Launch
The Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang is opening up about a new chapter in her career, as she continues to expand beyond acting and explore new creative ventures.
Lang spoke with journalist Sarkiya Ranen for The New York Journals about the next phase of her career, including themes of empowerment and the risk she is taking professionally.
During the interview, Lang was asked about the “big fashion year” she previously teased for 2026. “So much is coming,” she said.
She went on to reveal that she is working on a new creative collaboration. “I’m stepping deeper into fashion storytelling, and planning a full collection before summer,” Lang shared.
Lang added that the year ahead represents an important shift for her creatively. “It’s going to be a year where I play in these rooms more and more — not as an observer, but as a creator and contributor,” she said.
She concluded by teasing what’s ahead, “I can’t wait for people to see what’s been brewing behind the scenes.”
Lang is one of two remaining original cast members on The Bold and the Beautiful, along with her co-star John McCook, who plays Eric Forrester.
Lang has appeared on the show consistently since its premiere in 1987 as Brooke Logan. For the role she has won numerous awards, beginning with Best Actress at the Soap Opera Update — MVP Award in 1990.
Last year Lang embarked on a new medium and began working on a fashion film, entitled Beyond the Lens: The Fashion Film, which was released in October 2025.
Lang continues to appear in new episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful. The series continues to air new episodes weekdays on CBS with the episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount Plus.
Viewers can watch The Bold and the Beautiful from the beginning on the new The Bold and the Beautiful ‘BBTV’ streaming service. The platform host over 9,000 episodes, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, with new episodes being added.
1975 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’
In 1975, a film arrived that would challenge traditional storytelling and redefine cinematic artistry.
The Mirror, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, has been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes. Perhaps even more impressive, the film holds a 100% score on the review aggregator, underscoring its critical acclaim.
Unlike conventional narratives, The Mirror unfolds as a deeply personal and poetic reflection on memory, identity and time. The film weaves together fragments of a man's life, blending childhood recollections, dreams and historical events into a nonlinear structure that mirrors the way memories are experienced.
Rather than following a straightforward plot, Tarkovsky uses striking imagery and emotional resonance to guide viewers through the story. The film shifts between past and present, juxtaposing intimate family moments with broader cultural and historical references, creating a layered and immersive experience.
At its core, The Mirror explores themes of nostalgia, loss and the passage of time, offering a meditation on the connections between personal memory and collective history. Its experimental style and philosophical depth have made it a defining work in world cinema.
"It's as if I always told the same story about the same character: about a man whom, for some reason, society considers to be weak and which I consider to be strong. I am convinced that precisely thanks to personalities of this sort, society can be strong and look courageously to the future and resist everything that aims to destroy it," Tarkovsky said in a 1979 interview.
"Likewise in Mirror the protagonist is presented as an extremely weak, reflective, being. An ill man, who remembers his own life during a crisis of his illness, without knowing if he will come out of it alive or not," he continued. "It is precisely for this reason that he remembers what he remembers. And instead here is this moribund man, this very weak man, who reveals himself to be very strong, because despite everything he does not belong to himself. He belongs to the persons whom he remembers, he belongs to the love that he gave them. And if he suffers, it is only because he did not love those who loved him enough. Is this perhaps weakness? This is strength."
While it may not have been a mainstream blockbuster upon release, the film has grown in stature over the decades, frequently appearing on critics' lists of the greatest films ever made.
With its inclusion in Rotten Tomatoes' roundup, and its rare perfect score, The Mirror continues to stand as a landmark achievement, proving that its impact on cinema remains as powerful as ever.
Related: 1979 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’
Walmart Has a 'Heavy-Duty' 20-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set That's 'Easy to Clean' for Just $63
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Setting up a kitchen from scratch — or finally replacing that hodgepodge of warped pans you’ve had for years — can feel like a daunting (and expensive) task. It can also get expensive fast when you’re buying pieces one by one. That’s where a complete cookware set can be a smart and affordable solution, giving you everything you need in one cohesive and cost-effective bundle.
One durable and budget-friendly choice is the Astercook 20-Piece Pots and Pans Nonstick Cookware Set. This bestselling set is currently on sale for 69% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $200 to just $63.
Astercook 20-Piece Pots and Pans Nonstick Cookware Set, $63 (was $200) at Walmart Shop at WalmartIt comes with a wide range of essentials, including an 8-inch frying-pan, a 7-inch saucepan with a 2-quart capacity, a 9-inch saucepan with a 3-quart capacity, a 10-inch sauté-pan with a 4-quart capacity, and a 10-inch frying-pan. You also get two removable handles, two glass lids, four silicone utensils, a pair of tongs, a utensil-rest, two fridge-storage lids, and four pot-protectors.
The set is designed for versatility and durability. It’s compatible with all stovetops, including gas, electric, glass, and induction. Made from high-quality aluminum with silicone and bakelite components, it’s oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and built for long-term use. The nonstick ceramic coating allows for easy food release and quick cleanup with just a sponge or cloth.
One of the standout features is the removable-handle design. The handles click on and off smoothly while locking securely in place for safe use. This makes it easy to move cookware from stovetop to oven to table and also helps save space when storing everything.
The stackable design is especially helpful for smaller kitchens, apartments, or RVs. Without fixed handles, the pots and pans can be neatly nested together, making better use of limited cabinet space.
This bestselling set has nearly 5,000 five-star ratings. One reviewer described the set as “heavy-duty,” “durable,” and “easy to clean,” adding, “The removable handles are convenient. I also like the fact that it came with a set of cooking utensils.” Another shared, “I appreciate the removable handle as it makes stacking easy in limited cabinet space,” and mentioned they even bought a second set for their grandson’s first home.
Shop More Deals- Sensarte Ceramic Nonstick Stock Pot, From $16 (was $32) at Walmart
- Carote 2-Piece Nonstick Saucepan Set, $28 (was $43) at Walmart
- Farberware 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, $50 (was $60) at Walmart
If you’re looking to overhaul your cookware without spending a lot, the Astercook 20-Piece Pots and Pans Nonstick Cookware Set is hard to beat. With Walmart’s current 69% discount, you can save over $100 on this complete, space-saving set.
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
Tori Spelling and Multiple Kids Reportedly Hospitalized Following Car Crash
Actress Tori Spelling, 52, was reportedly involved in a two-car crash outside Los Angeles in Temecula, California, during the early evening on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The latest reports say Spelling was driving an SUV with seven kids—four of her own children and three of their friends—when a driver in another vehicle allegedly ran a red light while speeding and crashed into Spelling's car.
The spokesperson and manager for the Beverly Hills, 90210 actress have confirmed the story with multiple news outlets, including NBC News and CBS News. Spelling's manager reportedly told CBS News that she and four of her kids were transported to the hospital via three separate ambulances for various injuries from the crash.
Related: Judge Dismisses Blake Lively’s Sexual Harassment Claims Against Justin Baldoni
TMZ released this video of Spelling speaking to law enforcement reportedly at the scene of the collision.
View this post on InstagramNo specifics were included about the other three children involved. According to TMZ, at least some of the car's occupants were treated at the hospital for injuries that included cuts, bruises, contusions, and concussions.
The cause of the car crash incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.
Spelling and ex-husband Dean McDermott share five children, who are 9 to 19 years old.
Psychologist Says if You Instantly Forget Why You Walked Into a Room, You Likely Have These 7 Traits
The self-help industry is constantly encouraging us to take up space in the figurative sense. Yet, you may struggle to remember precisely why you moved into a literal space—in other words, you may walk into a room and instantly forget your intention. There's some (neuro)science behind that, though.
"Your brain basically erases short-term thoughts when you walk through a doorway, like closing a tab on your phone," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., an NYC-based neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "This is totally normal and happens to everyone, so it doesn't mean something is wrong with you. It happens because your brain uses your surroundings as anchors for your memories, so when the scenery changes, it can accidentally drop whatever thought was attached to the last room."
Still, if you constantly forget why you enter a room, it may be cause for concern, especially regarding your physical health.
"If you can't remember familiar names, faces or how to do things you've done a thousand times, that is concerning," she says. "Age plays a role, too. Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but if it's getting noticeably worse over time, that's a reason to talk to a doctor."
Forgetting why you stepped into a room isn't always physical. It's mental, too. Other times?
"It's just who you are, like being a naturally scattered and fast-moving person," the psychologist tells Parade.
In these instances, you may have specific characteristics—and you're probably not alone. Others who quickly forget why they entered a space can probably relate to the way you approach life, how you do tasks, as well as walking into rooms. Below, Dr. Hafeez explains that if you instantly forget why you walked into a room, you likely have these seven traits.
Is It Normal To Forget Why You Walked Into a Room?enviromantic/Getty Images
It can be normal to forget why you walked into a room, but it's circumstantial.
"It's completely normal when it happens occasionally, especially when you're tired, busy or just have a lot going on in your life," Dr. Hafeez says. "Your brain is doing its job, managing a ton of information at once, and sometimes a small thought just doesn't make the cut."
Still, the keyword here is "occasionally."
"It stops being normal when it's happening constantly, getting worse over time or coming with other signs like confusion, repeating yourself or forgetting things you just did," she adds. "If that sounds familiar, skip the googling and just make an appointment with your doctor. Catching something early always beats waiting."
Related: Psychologist Says People With High Levels of Self-Respect Never Share These 7 Personal Things
7 Traits of People Who Forget Why They Walked Into a Room, According to a Psychologist1. They're usually deep thinkersPeople who can't seem to remember why they walked into a room may seem thoughtless, but Dr. Hafeez contends they're often thoughtful.
"Their brain is already three steps ahead, planning the next thing, which means the current task gets bumped out before they even finish it," she states.
2. They try to multitask too muchOur brains weren't wired to multitask or do two things at once. In fact, only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively, according to one study. Instead, we "task switch," or do two things in rapid succession. Still, people who forget why they walked into a room often constantly try to multitask.
"When your brain is juggling five things at once, small intentions are the first to get dropped—the doorway just seals the deal," Dr. Hafeez states.
Related: The One Clever Trick To Help You Always Remember the Names of Everyone You Meet
3. They're often stressed or overwhelmedThis trait of people who instantly forget they walked into a door may induce the most empathy, especially in today's endless stream of headlines and strife.
"A busy, anxious mind has less room to hold onto small thoughts, so things slip through the cracks way more easily," Dr. Hafeez says.
4. They're creative typesDr. Hafeez says people who are creative—professionally or in hobbies—may struggle to remember why the heck they walked into a room. Think artists, writers, people who gravitate toward adult coloring books, marketing professionals, etc.
"Creative people naturally jump between ideas fast, which makes them more prone to losing a simple thought mid-stride," she explains.
5. They move with purpose—and quicklyTalk about whiplash. This one may seem odd, given that if someone had a strong reason to walk into a room, you'd think they'd remember it. Not so, at least not all the time, Dr. Hafeez says.
"They walk into rooms with energy and intention, but that quick physical shift is exactly what triggers the brain's reset," she shares.
6. They live mostly in their headDeep thinking types are especially likely to have this trait (and to forget why they opened a door and walked into a space).
"If you're always thinking deeply about something, your brain isn't prioritizing the small 'go grab the scissors' thought—it's busy with bigger stuff," Dr. Hafeez says.
7. They're sharp—seriouslyDr. Hafeez knows it may surprise others that people who regularly forget why they walked into a room, instantly, are actually pretty sharp overall.
"This happens more to people whose brains are highly active, so ironically, forgetting why you walked in is sometimes a sign of a busy, working mind—not a failing one," she reports.
Related: 9 Subtle Self-Defeating Habits You Might Not Even Realize You’re Doing, a Psychologist Warns
How To Beat the 'Doorway Effect' 1. Say it out loud before you moveYes, fighting the "doorway effect" starts on this basic level. Yet, Dr. Hafeez notes that stating your intention before moving out loud can have a next-level effect on your memory.
"The second you verbalize what you're about to do, you're locking it in through a second sense," she notes. "Your brain holds onto it way stronger than if you just thought it quietly in your head."
2. Pause in the doorway for two secondsTake a moment before racing into a space—the world or your to-do list can wait.
"Instead of rushing through, just stop for a beat and remind yourself why you came," Dr. Hafeez advises. "That tiny pause interrupts the reset your brain is about to do, giving your memory a fighting chance before the new 'chapter' kicks in."
3. Go back to where the thought startedRetracing your steps can help when you forget where you put your keys and when you can't remember why you stepped into a room.
"If you already forgot, walk back to the room you came from," Dr. Hafeez suggests. "Because your memory is tied to location, being back in that space often brings the thought right back."
Related: Psychologist Reveals That People Who Always Let Dirty Dishes Pile Up Might Also Have These 7 Traits
Final TakeawaysPeople often forget why they walk into a room, and this can signal everything from health issues to personality traits. Here's the TL;DR about what it means to forget why you walked into a room instantly:
- It could be a sign of physical health concerns. If you (or a loved one) constantly forget why you walked into a room, you may have a physical health concern, like cognitive decline.
- It can be a symptom of stress or mental health concerns. When you have a lot on your plate, it's natural to deprioritize remembering why you walked into a room.
- You may have certain traits if you instantly forget why you walked into a room. Dr. Hafeez says people who instantly forget why they walked into a room are often deep thinkers who move quickly and with intention, get stressed regularly and attempt to multitask too much.
- You can work on it, sometimes. Verbalizing your intention, pausing before you enter a room or retracing your steps and re-entering a space are all ways to defeat the doorway effect.
- Don't ignore it. Sometimes, forgetting why you walked into a room is a red flag. Dr. Hafeez shares that if this symptom accompanies other symptoms, such as confusion or forgetting names and occurs regularly, it's worth speaking to your doctor.
Up Next:
Sources:- Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., is an NYC-based neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind.
- Supertaskers: Profiles in extraordinary multitasking ability. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
John Travolta Directs Lookalike Daughter in New Film—and Fans Are Doing a Double Take
Actor John Travolta, 72, will launch his directorial debut "Propeller One-Way Night Coach" at this year's Cannes International Film Festival. The global premiere will be a bit of a family affair, too, as Travolta's lookalike daughter Ella Bleu Travolta, 26, has a role in the upcoming film.
John Travolta has been starring in movies for more than five decades—his first big-screen role was as Billy Nolan in the 1976 horror filmCarrie. He's also a dad, an aviation enthusiast, and a certified pilot, and now he's moved into the director's chair.
Daughter Ella got her start in acting at age 7 and has starred alongside her father in the films Old Dogs (2009) and ThePoison Rose (2019). In her dad's forthcoming Apple Original Films project, which is an adaption of his 1997 book Propeller One-Way Night Coach: A Fable for All Ages, Ella plays a flight attendant.
Related: John Travolta Snatched Classic 'Grease' Song From Co-Star
Ella, pictured here in March 2026, is the spitting image of her dad and mom, the late Kelly Preston, who tragically died in July 2020, following a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Photo by Gilbert Flores on Getty Images
Here's the synopsis for Propeller One-Way Night Coach via the release from Cannes:
"Young airplane enthusiast Jeff (played by newcomer Clark Shotwell) and his mother (Kelly Eviston-Quinnett) set off on a one-way cross country odyssey to Hollywood, which transforms a simple flight into the trip of a lifetime. Between airline meals, charming flight attendants (played by Ella Bleu Travolta and Olga Hoffmann), unexpected stopovers, larger-than-life passengers, and a thrilling glimpse at first class, the journey unfolds in moments both magical and unexpected, charting the course for the boy’s future."
View this post on InstagramStill curious? Here's a quick news clip about the casting of Shotwell in the film:
View this post on InstagramPropeller One-Way Night Coach, an Apple Original Film, is written, directed, and narrated by John Travolta. No exact date for the Cannes premiere is listed yet; however, following its showing there, the film will make its global debut on Apple TV on May 29, 2026.
Ella Bleu Travolta is also a singer, plays the lead in reimagined Alice-in-Wonderland film called Get Lost (with Terrence Howard and James Cromwell), and has other future projects in the works.
Travolta and his late wife Preston have three children—their oldest son Jett Travolta, who tragically passed away in 2009, as well as daughter Ella, 26, and son Benjamin Travolta, 15.
Macy’s 'Soft' $25 3-Piece Coastal Quilt Set Will Add an Instant 'Beach Vibe' to Your Bedroom
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
With the weather heating up, it’s time to ditch the comforter and replace it with a quilt, especially if you tend to sleep hot. A lightweight quilt can keep your body temperature comfortable all night long, preventing you from overheating and waking up in the middle of the night in a puddle of sweat. If that sounds like something you need for the spring and summer, this VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set at Macy’s is a great option — and it’s currently up to 65% off for a limited time!
Prices slightly vary depending on size and color, but most are under $40! It’s available in five colors and in queen and king sizes. Out of both queen and king sizes, the white quilt sets are priced lowest. The queen size normally retails for $70, but is now on sale for just $25, while the king is currently marked down from $100 to $35.
VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Queen Quilt Set, From $25 (was $70) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sSale prices for the queen sizes in the other colors start at $28, while the king sizes are priced as low as $39. You can choose from blue, gray, tan, and green. This set includes one quilt and two pillow shams, ensuring that your bed looks put together.
This quilt set looks like it was made for a beach house. Boasting beachy motifs including seashells, seahorses, and starfish, this set captures the coastal aesthetic to a tee and has some whimsical charm to it. Draped over your bed, it’ll instantly transform your room into a beachside resort and give it a breezy, relaxed feel.
While this quilt set is just one solid color, the design still stands out in all its coastal glory. Both the quilt and shams are completely embossed, giving them texture and dimension, which allows the design to pop. Every seashell, seahorse, and starfish sits in a hexagonal frame, creating a symmetrical geometric pattern. Several reviewers raved about the design, describing it as “adorable, beautiful, and very pretty.” One reviewer called this quilt set “fun” and said that it “brings a great beach vibe” to their bedroom.
VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set, From $25 (was $70) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sMade of polyester, the fabric is soft to the touch. Because polyester is a non-natural hypoallergenic material, this quilt set is a great choice for those with allergies. The low-maintenance fabric also makes it easy to care for this quilt set. Whenever it’s time for a refresh, you can just toss it into the washing machine. Multiple customers noted that it washes beautifully.
Related: Wayfair’s ‘Chic’ $104 Wicker Papasan Chair Is Spring-Ready With Coastal Charm
Many reviewers mentioned that the quilt has a lightweight feel yet still provides a good amount of warmth, which is ideal for the warmer months, especially if you don't want to rack up your electricity bill by running the air conditioner all night long. If you run hot but still need something draped over your body to fall asleep, this quilt is a must-have. “It’s the perfect weight — not too warm but cozy,” one reviewer explained. They described this quilt set as “fabulous and very soft.”
Shop More Deals- Nourison Home Aloha Runner Rug, From $48 (was $119) at Macy’s
- Bakio Coastal Escape Reversible Quilted Throw, $48 (was $120) at Macy’s
- Greenland Home Fashions Loveseat Protector, $76 (was $190) at Macy’s
Ready to transform your bedroom into a beachy getaway? If so, head to Macy’s and snag the VCNY Home Shore Embossed 3-Piece Quilt Set while it’s still on sale, starting at just $25. Be sure to hurry because this deal is only available for a limited time!
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Sam's Club's Colorful 6-Piece Glass Set Adds Just the Right Amount of Whimsy to Your Table
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As far as seasons go, there isn’t one more vibrant than spring. Verdant greens and buttery yellows, regal lavender hues and blushing pinks—it’s truly the most colorful time of year. Sure, autumn stuns with its vast array of bronzes and golden ochres as the world begins to cycle back to a period of general dormancy, but there’s no display quite like the way nature emerges from its metaphorical cocoon in the springtime. Wildflowers pushing their way through the topsoil, stretching out toward the sun; leaves unfurling and filling up branches, offering birds a place to make their home—isn’t it glorious?
Naturally, this seasonal reawakening calls us out of our hideaways too, inviting us to bask in the warmth of the sun while simultaneously enjoying our third (or fourth) non-negotiable white linen cocktail. And what better way to celebrate all the colors of spring than by pouring your tipple of choice into an equally colorful glass that’s practically made just for the season?
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Related: Dollar General's Vibrant $6 Find Is Perfect for Hosting This Spring
Luckily, Sam’s Club has just the thing, and it comes in a 6-piece set that you’ll reach for every time you host. The Member’s Mark Two-Tone 6-Piece Goblet Set is the perfect nod to spring, and the goblets are so stunning you might just end up keeping these babies out on display until fall. Each 15-ounce goblet is made of durable, dual-colored acrylic, making it perfect to use whether you’re enjoying a breezy afternoon by the pool or having drinks on the patio in the evening.
Member's Mark 6-Piece Outdoor 2-Tone Goblets, $13.98 at Sam's Club Shop It!They have a subtle Art Deco vibe that echoes the lively energy of the season, and the striking colors make each glass a veritable work of art. They’re whimsical and fun while also being low-profile enough to fit into any tablescape. You can go full Technicolor pop art or do something a little more avant-garde and unexpected, like a groovy 70s-inspired garden brunch, but in the style of Wes Anderson. However you style them, they’re the perfect multi-purpose addition to your spring hosting toolkit.
In terms of care, these sturdy BPA- and phthalate-free goblets can be easily tossed into the dishwasher after use, making cleanup a breeze.
Best of all, this eye-catching set only costs $13.98, which works out to just about $2.33 per chalice. Now that sounds like our kind of deal. The only thing missing is a burger straight off the grill and a hammock to take a nap in after. Spring has officially sprung indeed.
Related: This Gorgeous 4-Piece $10 Bowl Set at Hobby Lobby Is Bursting With Spring Style
I Tried 19 Frozen Pizzas—And the Winner Is a New Find That Won by a Landslide
Few foods hit the spot quite like pizza. It’s comforting, nostalgic and one of those meals that almost everyone can agree on. But as much as I love grabbing a slice from a local pizzeria, there are plenty of days and problems that are solved by a frozen pizza.
When I sat down to start my research for this story, I was shocked to see how far frozen pizza has come. These days the freezer aisle is packed with choices from classic thin crust pies to ultra-cheesy versions, artisanal to local faire, wood-fired styles and even specialty pizzas that feel surprisingly close to something you’d order from your favorite takeout spot.
As a busy mom who spends a lot of time working and playing in the kitchen, I’m always curious about which frozen foods are actually worth keeping stocked for those nights when a meal needs to come together fast. And since pizza is the biggest crowd pleaser in my house (we love 4/4 happy mouths!), ranking frozen cheese pizzas felt like the perfect place to start.
Cheese pizza is also the ultimate test of quality. Without pepperoni, vegetables or other toppings to hide behind, the sauce, crust and cheese all have to stand on their own.
Some frozen pizzas promise bubbly, restaurant-style cheese and crispy crusts, while others lean more toward quick convenience than flavor. So I decided to put a lineup of popular frozen cheese pizzas to the test to see which ones actually deliver.
From grocery store staples to a few cult favorites recommended by readers, I fired them all up, sliced them up and got ready to crown the best frozen pizza in the freezer aisle.
Related: The Genius Leftover Pizza Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
To build this lineup, I took a deep dive into the frozen pizza aisle. I walked up and down the freezer sections of several grocery stores, looking for the most popular cheese pizzas alongside a few brands that seemed to have strong followings.
But the real secret weapon in this search was my Instagram community. I posed the question to my followers, asking which frozen pizzas they swear by. The responses poured in and helped me discover several very popular (and sometimes very niche) frozen pizza brands that I hadn’t even heard of before.
Between grocery store staples and reader recommendations, the final list included a mix of well-known brands and a few unexpected contenders.
Related: Swap Your Regular Pies for One of These 30 Good-To-The-Last-Slice White Pizzas
How I Tested These Frozen PizzasCourtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
All the blood, sweat, and tears we endured during our recent kitchen renovation really found their worth when I was given this assignment. As someone who's always recipe testing, ranking, hosting or reheating, we decided to add a second oven and it turned out to be the perfect set up for getting 19 pizzas cooked to package directions, photographed and eaten without it taking a full week.
I lined up all of the pizzas and baked them in batches according to their back-of-the-box instructions, making sure each one had the same chance to crisp up properly. Once they came out of the oven, I let them cool slightly before slicing them into tasting portions.
My pizza cutter had its busiest day ever.
With slice after slice coming out of the oven, I focused on the key elements that make a great cheese pizza: crust texture, sauce flavor, cheese quality and overall balance.
Courtesy Jeanette Donnarumma
Some pizzas delivered crispy crusts and rich tomato flavor, while others leaned a little too heavy on cheese or ended up softer than expected.
After plenty of slices (and more than a few crumbs), it was time to rank them all.
Related: The 24 Best Breakfast Pizza Recipes Worth Waking Up For
19 Frozen Pizzas, Ranked Worst To BestHere's my ranking of 19 different frozen pizzas, from "meh" to the very best.
19. Market Pantry Four Cheese Thin Crust Pizza, $3.79Jeanette Donnarumma
This pizza landed firmly at the bottom of my list. The crust is extremely flat and the overall flavor just doesn’t stand out in a lineup full of stronger competitors. The sauce and cheese both taste pretty middle-of-the-road, and when you’re tasting nearly 20 pizzas side by side, that lack of personality becomes very obvious. It’s not terrible, but compared to the others, it simply didn’t bring much to the table.
18. Tombstone Original Crust Pizza – 5 Cheese, $6.79Jeanette Donnarumma
This one felt like a frozen pizza straight out of another era. It instantly reminded me of the pizza I remember eating in the school cafeteria growing up. The cheese blend has noticeable cheddar notes, which makes it taste less like a traditional slice. The crust is stiff but the sauce level is good. Nostalgic? Yes. But in a lineup with so many modern frozen pizzas, it lands toward the bottom.
17. California Pizza Kitchen Margherita Pizza, $7.49Jeanette Donnarumma
This pizza stood out visually because it had the most fresh vegetables and tomatoes, which makes sense given it's a margherita style pizza. It was refreshing after tasting so many cheese-heavy pies. However, the crust is very thin and extremely crispy, almost cracker-like, and while that style can work in a restaurant setting, it felt a little too mass-produced here.
16. yough! Mozzarella Cheese Pizza, $9.99Jeanette Donnarumma
This was a new brand to me that several Instagram followers recommended. The crust is made with Greek yogurt, which gives the entire pizza about 40 grams of protein—definitely the most protein-packed option in the lineup. The crust is thin and the cheese portion is lighter, which makes sense given its health-forward angle. While it doesn’t quite compete with the more indulgent classic frozen pizzas, it’s a solid option if you’re looking for something higher in protein.
15. Trader Joe's Organic 3 Cheese Pizza, $4.99Jeanette Donnarumma
Trader Joe’s always seems to come through with affordable organic options, and this pizza is no exception. The sauce is on the lighter side, but the overall quality is good and the crust has a nice structure. This one falls within the bottom half, mainly because I think the outer crust to sauce and cheese ratio is off. When my kids leave the crust behind, I like to see that they ate some of the pizza, and in this slice, it felt like it was almost 25% crust. That being said, it’s a simple, reliable and easy option to keep stocked in the freezer for busy nights.
14. Stop & Shop Classic Crust Cheese Pizza, $4.79Jeanette Donnarumma
This was a solid grocery store brand option—but it's another company that includes cheddar in the cheese blend, which doesn't fit in my tradition pizza flavor profile. That said, the sauce is quite good and not overpowering. Instead, it lets the cheese shine. I also liked that the cheese spreads all the way to the edge of the crust rather than leaving a thick border. My kids ended up eating the entire slice, which is always a good sign.
13. DiGiorno Classic Crust Cheese Pizza, $6.49Jeanette Donnarumma
Classic. DiGiorno has been a frozen pizza staple for years, and this one still delivers a dependable experience. The crust is buttery and flaky rather than chewy like a traditional pizza crust, which gives it a slightly different vibe. It may not taste exactly like delivery, but it’s still a steadfast freezer favorite.
12. Daiya Thin Crust Dairy-Free Cheese Pizza, $8.99Jeanette Donnarumma
As the only dairy-free pizza in this lineup, Daiya really impressed me. The "cheese," made from oat milk, has a surprisingly nice flavor, and the crust is chewy and dense in a satisfying way. This pizza held its own against many dairy-filled competitors, which says a lot. I would for sure buy again and recommend to dairy-free friends.
11. 365 by Whole Foods Market Four Cheese Rising Crust Pizza, $6.79Jeanette Donnarumma
When I see “rising crust,” my expectations automatically go up, and this one delivered. The crust has a texture that feels closer to something you’d get at a pizza shop. The sauce is good, the cheese is generous and overall it’s a strong frozen pizza option. My only gripe: the instructions suggest baking directly on the oven rack, and it stuck a bit during testing. RIP my clean oven...
10. Wegmans Italian Classics Wood-Fired Crust Cheese Pizza, $6.49Jeanette Donnarumma
A Wegmans-brand product rarely disappoints, and this pizza had really nice flavor overall. The crust is fluffy but also thin and crispy at the same time. The cheese amount is spot-on, though I would have liked slightly more sauce. Still, it’s a great quality frozen pizza.
9. Amy's Kitchen Cheese Pizza, $11.49Jeanette Donnarumma
Amy’s has long been known for high-quality frozen foods, and this pizza fits that reputation. It has slightly less cheese than some of the others, but the ingredients taste fresh and the sauce has bright tomato flavor. The crust has whole-grain vibes and the pizza also offers more protein than many others in the lineup. It’s a brand I loved in my college dorm and I love getting to feed it to my family today. This one was my son's favorite of the bunch!
8. Screamin' Sicilian Pizza Co. Bessie’s Revenge Cheese Pizza, $6.99Jeanette Donnarumma
Even before it went into the oven, this pizza looked like a winner. It features fresh mozzarella and high-quality ingredients that give it a more premium appearance than many frozen pizzas. The crust bakes up beautifully and the sauce is nicely balanced. Overall, it’s a very strong frozen pizza.
7. Red Baron Brick Oven Cheese Trio Pizza, $4.99Jeanette Donnarumma
Red Baron came up repeatedly when I asked my Instagram followers about their favorite frozen pizzas, and I could see why the moment I opened the box. You can't beat the indulgent taste of this for the price and it looks surprisingly fresh despite being frozen. The crust is nice, the sauce is good and the oregano-forward seasoning balances the sweetness of the sauce. A very classic frozen pizza experience—I would restock my freezer with this one.
6. Mama Cozzi's Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza (Aldi), $4.95Jeanette Donnarumma
Another rising crust pizza that blew me away. The cheese blend is nicely balanced and the sauce leans slightly sweet, which I enjoy. It has a more quintessential frozen pizza flavor, but the fresh crust really goes a long way. Aldi really outdid themselves with this great quality pizza for such a low price.
5. Rao's Homemade Brick Oven Crust Five Cheese Pizza, $12.79Jeanette Donnarumma
Rao’s sauce has a loyal following for a reason, and that flavor shines here. The brick oven crust has great texture, the cheese distribution is excellent and the pizza is finished with a noticeable sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning that adds a lot of flavor. Like many products in the Rao's brand, this pizza is excellent.
4. La Rossi Margherita Pizza, $8.99Jeanette Donnarumma
Another new-to-me-brand and I loved the packaging because you can actually see what you're getting. The pizza feels very artisanal with a cornmeal crust and high-quality mozzarella. It’s soft and tender in the center but more structured near the edges. This would be a fun one to bake a few at once for a casual DIY artisan pizza night. Bonus points for this packaging—as you can imagine after testing almost 20 pizzas, this girl was running tight on freezer space!
3. Cape Cod Cafe Cheese Pizza, $8.99Jeanette Donnarumma
This was a major fan-favorite among my New England followers, and now I can see why. Many people even said they order these pizzas shipped across the country. It has a classic bar-pie style crust with a bold sauce that delivers bright tomato and garlic flavor right away. The first bite of this pizza blew me away. It might not be the most visually flashy pizza, but it is a tried and true, delicious frozen pizza option. Add me to the fan club!
2. Porta Roman Style Margherita Pizza, $12.99Jeanette Donnarumma
This pizza tastes incredibly fresh for something coming out of the freezer. The basil flavor really stands out, which is refreshing after tasting so many pizzas back to back. The crust develops nice bubbles and the cheese tastes fresh and high-quality. It truly feels like you’re sitting in a pizza shop. This was new to me, and now you need to know about it too....run, don't walk!
1. Di Fara Classic Pizza, $9.99Jeanette Donnarumma
This legendary Brooklyn pizza brand lives up to its reputation in frozen form. It’s exciting to be able to enjoy a slice from such an iconic pizza shop without paying the toll into New York. The fresh basil immediately wakes up your palate, the sauce is classic and flavorful, and the parmesan really shines. There is quite a bit of crust, but when the crust tastes this good, I don’t mind it at all. My only regret was not grabbing all their flavors, but I will be stocking this in my freezer for easy meals for a long time to come.
More Food Rankings:
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After baking, slicing and taste-testing 19 frozen pizzas, I can officially say not all freezer pies are created equal. Some leaned nostalgic, some felt surprisingly artisanal and a few genuinely tasted like they came from a neighborhood pizza shop. My top picks proved that frozen pizza can absolutely deliver on crust, sauce and cheese when you find the right one. (And while I found a few new favorites I’d happily keep stocked for busy weeknights, I’d be lying if I said I’m not also a little excited to have some freezer space back.)
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Donald Trump's Daughter Tiffany Celebrates Baby Alexander's Major Milestone in Sweet New Photos
President Donald Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump, just celebrated her baby son Alexander Boulos' major milestone by posting adorable new photos.
On Sunday, April 5, Tiffany—the daughter of the POTUS and his second wife, Marla Maples—took to Instagram with a carousel of photos featuring Alexander's first Easter.
"Baby’s first Easter 💕," the doting mom, 32, captioned her update.
In the featured black-and-white image, Tiffany wore a patterned dress while standing near palm trees, balancing her son on one hip, and holding an Easter basket. A second snap showed the toddler, who was born in May 2025—played with toy eggs as he sat next to two Easter baskets on the floor.
For a third photo, Tiffany sat in a private jet seat as Alexander was strapped into a car seat. Other shots showed Tiffany and her husband, Michael Boulos, with their baby boy, and Alexander checking out animals at a petting zoo.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Donald Trump’s Daughter Tiffany Shares First Photos of Baby Son Alexander With POTUS
In the comments, Tiffany's followers showered her with praise over the adorable pictures. Many couldn't help but swoon over Alexander's curly hair and resemblance to his POTUS grandfather.
One Instagram user declared, "So sweet! And love the curly hair!"
Another exclaimed, "😍 His curly hair!" as else echoed, "I absolutely adore his sweet curls!!! 😍."
A different follower pointed out, "He’s going to be a blonde. He’s so beautiful. 💙."
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, "Happy Easter. He is just adorable."
Alexander will celebrate an even bigger milestone next month as he turns 1 on May 15. Tiffany announced his birth via Instagram last year, also revealing the nod to her father in her baby boy's name.
“Welcome to the world our sweet baby boy, Alexander Trump Boulos,” she captioned the update. “We love you beyond words! Thank you for coming into our lives! 5.15.2025 🩵👶🏻🩵.”
Tiffany and Michael married in November 2022, and Alexander is their first child.
View this post on InstagramIn addition to Tiffany, Donald has four adult kids: Ivanka, Donald Jr., and Eric Trump with his first wife, the late Ivana Trump; and Barron Trumpwith his current wife, Melania Trump. He has 10 other grandchildren: Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore Kushner through Ivanka and Jared Kushner; Kai, Donald Trump III,Spencer, Tristan, and Chloe through Donald Jr.; and Eric “Luke” and Carolina through Eric and Lara Trump.
Next: Donald Trump Makes Royal Announcement on Heels of "No Kings" Protests
Marquita Goings on Why 'Beyond the Gates' Is the Change She Needed as a Little Girl
Beyond the Gates is a groundbreaking show, not only as the first soap opera to be greenlit in more than two decades, but also as the first hour-long drama centered on a predominantly Black cast. Now, one year in, star Marquitta Goings is reflecting on why that representation matters more than ever.
“I think just the representation alone is needed,” Goings told Parade exclusively. “Especially in soaps, with Beyond the Gates being the first hour-long, predominantly Black cast, that says a lot.”
Goings added that the show allows many viewers to see themselves reflected on screen in a way they haven’t before. “I feel like a lot of people can watch the show and see it daily and see themselves, whether it's the good stuff or even the messy stuff.”
She also noted that the show mirrors real life in many ways. “We all have some of this soap as a part of our actual lives,” she joked.
Reflecting on her own childhood, Goings said she didn’t often see the same level of representation on television. “Because as a little girl, there wasn't a lot of TV shows where I could watch consistently or every day, with people who look like me,” she explained.
Now, she says she’s proud to be part of the change and to help create something future generations can connect with. “I'm glad that I get to be a representation of that,” she said.
While Beyond the Gates is Going’s first soap opera, it was not her first professional role. The actress has been acting professionally since 2009 with her debut in Five Days in the ‘A’, and has appeared in numerous other titles including The Products of the American Ghetto, Saints and Sinners, Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses and Tyler Perry’s Zatima.
Beyond the Gates airs new episodes weekdays on CBS and weeknights on Paramount Plus. Viewers can watch episodes from the beginning on Paramount Plus or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.
Related: 'Beyond the Gates' Marquita Goings Reflects on Growing Up with 'The Stories'
Hank Northrop on the 'Beautiful' Evolution of Liam on 'Days of Our Lives'
Hank Northrop made his debut on Days of Our Lives on October 29, 2025. Now, the actor is opening up about his character’s evolution over the past six months and his approach to the role.
Northrop recently spoke with soap journalist Michael Fairman on his YouTube channel, where they discussed a range of topics, from Days of Our Lives headlines, including Ryan Gosling’s interactions with Deidre Hall, to his on-screen romance.
When asked how his character has changed since his debut, Northrop said, “If you look at the first episode, this guy comes on strong,” Northrop explains. “He's a delinquent. He's a criminal, but he does it all from a place of love for his son.”
Northrop explained that Liam’s troubled past shaped who he is. “The system failed him. He's illiterate. His parents have been in jail. All these different things were stacked against him,” he said.
That background stands in contrast to Northrop’s own upbringing. He is the son of soap veterans Lynn Herring and Wayne Northrop. “I had an amazing upbringing,” he said. “I had the perfect childhood. I'm not a delinquent by any means and relatively intelligent human being.”
The actor said he relished the opportunity to explore such a complex role. “It was the greatest thing they could have given me as an actor to play,” he shared.
Reflecting on Liam’s evolution, Northrop noted how dramatically the character has changed over time.
“If you look back on the first couple scenes that he comes on, he's a totally different person,” he said. “With Abe, obviously he's standoffish and he's guarded and he's stiff and he's just protected”
The actor continued, “Slowly as he's gotten more and more used to Abe and his kindness he's opened up and little by little we start to see his actual personality just start to show.”
He added that Liam’s emerging romantic storyline with Arianna Horton has further revealed his softer side. “Now that he has a love interest that's starting to really show and that's been the most fun part for me in this whole arc,” Northrop explained.
Northop concluded that the evolution has been the best part of the journey so far. “He came on completely different than where he is now and that's beautiful, in my opinion. Just to have this this growth and to show that that dynamism with the character has been great,” he said.
Days of Our Lives airs weekdays on Peacock.
‘Knots Landing’ Diva Donna Mills Hilariously Fires Back When Told She ‘Wears Too Much Makeup at Her Age’
Knots Landing legend Donna Mills has a hilarious message for all the armchair warriors who want to comment on how much makeup she wears as she ages.
The blonde beauty, 85, who started her career in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me, became a star in Knots, the primetime soap opera that was a spinoff of the beloved TV drama Dallas. Mills played the role of chaotic Abby Cunningham, known for causing trouble all over Los Angeles. The show ran from 1979 to 1993, but Mills departed in 1989 and went on to several popular TV movies.
In the present day, Mills is thriving and looks better than ever. But as anyone knows, that certainly won't stop the commenters of the Internet from weighing in on how one looks. In a hilarious clapback, Mills fired back when a commenter said that "you wear too much makeup for your age." In the video, a chic Mills sports a black leather jacket and blonde tousled hair as she says, "I guess I didn't get the memo" and reverts to historic garb.
"Did you want me to look like this?" she said, wearing a high-neck blouse, glasses, and gray hair.
"I said what I said 🤍 #style#aging#makeup#clapback#armchairwarrior," Mills captioned the video.
View this post on Instagram When Did Donna Mills Turn 85?Mills turned 85 back in December and made it clear that, in addition to getting more stunning with age, she's also gotten wiser. Mills shared a stunning photo of herself on Instagram with some touching words of wisdom in the caption. With her blonde, wavy hair shining, the TV star made it clear that she still knows how to command a camera.
“Looking back… So many little moments that shaped me. Unexpected joys. Beautiful surprises. Lessons I didn’t know I needed. 🌿 I’m still here. 🔥 I’m still going. And I’m excited for everything ahead. 🎂 Feeling grateful today,” she captioned the post. “#AnotherYearAroundTheSun#StillGrowing#grateful.”
View this post on InstagramSo, What Really Happens if You Drink Spoiled Milk?
With the cost of groceries continuing to rise, it’s only natural to want to use every item in your fridge wisely. Maybe you’ve been getting creative by cooking with food scraps or challenging yourself to integrate leftovers into new dishes.
One habit that can lead to spending more money on groceries is throwing away products before they’re actually bad. With that in mind, you may be wondering if it’s safe to eat foods and drinks past their sell-by date. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, many food dates refer to quality, not safety. But if that’s true, how do you know when it’s actually unsafe to eat or drink something?
Related: 'I'm a Gastroenterologist, and This Is the #1 Early Food Poisoning Sign Most People Miss'
While eating rice or pasta that’s been stashed in your pantry for a long time may not freak you out too much, most people know not to mess around with spoiled milk. Just the thought of drinking spoiled milk might make you gag. But what exactly is spoiled milk and what happens if you do drink it by accident?
We took these questions to three food safety experts, who were more than happy to share their tips for safe milk consumption. More of an alternative milk drinker? Head’s up: Plant-based milks expire, too, something else the food safety experts talk about below.
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What Is Spoiled Milk?First things first: What exactly is spoiled milk? “Spoiled milk is milk that has gone bad, often smelling sour, tasting off or appearing lumpy or curdled. It is caused by bacteria naturally present in milk multiplying, especially when milk is not kept cold enough, and producing lactic acid that changes its taste, smell and texture,” explains Dr. Vanessa Coffman, PhD, the director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness.
Melissa Wright, the director of the Food Producer Technical Assistant Network at Virginia Tech, explains that spoilage occurs when the bacteria in the milk grow and consume the natural sugar (lactose) and protein in milk, which can happen because of the environment or through human contact. “As a waste by-product, these bacteria produce lactic acid. This increases the acidity of the milk, reducing the pH and causing the milk to physically curdle,” she tells Parade.
Dr. Matthew Stasiewicz, PhD, an associate professor of applied food safety at The
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign says that milk spoilage happens faster if milk is left out of the fridge, but all milk spoils eventually.
All three experts say that there are some tell-tale signs that milk has gone bad. If it has an off-odor, sour taste, a thick or slimy texture or appears clumpy, these are all signs that milk is spoiled.
What Happens if You Drink Spoiled Milk?Dr. Coffman, Dr. Stasiewicz and Wright all emphasize that there is a difference between drinking spoiled milk and actually experiencing a foodborne illness. Dr. Stasiecicz says that while drinking spoiled milk can be unpleasant, it’s not dangerous or a health risk. "The bacteria that spoil milk are usually not the same bacteria that will make you sick," he explains.
That said, it can still lead to some pretty unpleasant symptoms. “Consuming very high levels of spoilage bacteria can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, especially in sensitive individuals like young children, the elderly or people with weakened immune systems," Dr. Coffman reveals.
Dr. Coffman adds that spoilage bacteria can sometimes coexist with dangerous bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness and can make you really sick. “If a food is spoiled, the conditions that allowed spoilage bacteria to grow—such as warm temperatures or extended storage—may also allow pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, which can cause serious foodborne illness, to grow,” she says.
Wright explains that pasteurized milk has had all of the pathogenic bacteria killed before it was bottled. “Unless something is introduced into the container through contact, such as drinking from the jug, spoilage will only be a quality issue,” she says.
But this is not the case for raw milk, which can cause foodborne illness. “[The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness] strongly discourages anyone from drinking raw milk, but especially young children, older adults and anyone who is immunocompromised. Raw milk has not been subjected to pasteurization, which kills dangerous bacteria, and so it’s much more likely to contain pathogens that can make someone seriously sick,” Dr. Coffman emphasizes.
Symptoms of a foodborne illness from raw milk include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and body aches.
If you are experiencing symptoms from drinking spoiled milk (whether it’s from pasteurized milk or raw milk), Wright says to see a doctor if you are unable to keep any fluids down. If you are feeling dizzy, lightheaded, have a fever above 103℉, have blurry or double vision, muscle weakness, tingling in your arms or legs, bloody stool or vomit, severe cramping, changes in mental state or your symptoms are lasting longer than three days, it’s important to see a doctor.
Related: Food Poisoning vs. the Stomach Flu—What's the Difference? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Can Plant-Based Milks Spoil?Maybe you don’t drink cow’s milk, opting for a plant-based milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, instead. Does this mean you don’t have to worry about accidentally drinking spoiled milk? Dr. Coffman says that plant-based milks typically don’t spoil as quickly as cow’s milk because they are often ultra-pasteurized, but unfortunately, you’re not off the hook.
“Non-dairy milk can also spoil. Many [of them] have sugar added to mimic the natural sweetness of the lactose in cow’s milk, so bacteria can consume that and produce lactic acid just the same,” Wright says.
To avoid drinking spoiled plant-based milk, Dr. Coffman says to store it in a refrigerator that’s 40℉ or colder. Just like with cow’s milk, all three experts say to evaluate the smell and texture of the plant-based milk for spoilage. If it smells sour or the texture has changed, you’re better off not drinking it.
While the sell-by date on your milk can be a helpful guide, nothing beats your eyes and nose when it comes to detecting spoilage. Milk that’s safe to drink should look and smell just like it did when you first bought it. If it doesn’t, it’s time to dump it.
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Sources:- Food Inflation in the United States (1968-2026). U.S. Inflation Calculator
- Before You Toss Food, Wait. Check It Out! U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Dr. Vanessa Coffman, PhD, director of the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness
- Melissa Wright, director of the Food Producer Technical Assistant Network at Virginia Tech
- Dr. Matthew Stasiewicz, PhD, associate professor of applied food safety at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk. U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Food poisoning (foodborne illness). Mayo Clinic
Savannah Guthrie Makes Bold Easter Confession as Mom Nancy Remains Missing
Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing more than two months after the abduction from her Tucson, Ariz., home—and Savannah just sent an Easter message with a blunt confession.
On Sunday, April 5, Guthrie appeared in a digital service at her church, Good Shepherd New York. A video of her appearance was shared on the Christian place of worship's YouTube Channel.
"Good morning, everybody. Happy Easter," she began the message. "And Easter is happy. It is flowers, and pastels, and baby bunnies. It is sunshine, and joy, and hope. It is rebirth, and second chances, and new life and fresh starts. It is the most important day of the year for all of us who believe. Even more than Christ's birth, more than his death. His resurrection, his second birth into a permanent life—that is what is most crucial to us."
Guthrie continued, "His revival and resurrection mean the same for us. We celebrate today the promise of a new life that never ends in death.
She then made a bold admission, telling viewers, "But, standing here today, I have to tell you there are moments in which that promise seems irretrievably far away. When life itself seems far harder than death. These moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment."
Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Details Emerge on Desert Surrounding Her Home
Guthrie also pointed out, "For most of us, there will come a time in our life when these feelings hold sway. In our tradition, we are taught to take comfort in the fact that our friend, Jesus, in his short life, experienced every single emotion that we humans can feel. That his taking on the form of humanity made him not a distant observer to our pain, but a hands-on experiencer of it."
"Recently, though, in my own season of trial, I have wondered," she further admitted. "I have questioned whether Jesus really ever experienced this particular wound that I feel. This grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty. and confusion, and answers withheld."
After sharing more theological reflection, Guthrie concluded on a hopeful note.
"Perhaps this is too dark a message to share on Easter morning. But I have long believed that we miss out on fully celebrating resurrection if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and, yes, death," she said. "It is the darkness that makes this morning's light so magnificent. So blindingly beautiful. It is all the brighter because it is so desperately needed."
Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home on the evening of Jan. 31. As of writing, no suspect has been named in her case despite Savannah's $1 million reward offer. She is set to return to her Today co-anchor duties on Monday, April 6.
Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: $100K Reward Offeror Explains Why He’s More Likely to Get Case-Solving Lead
Meet the Full Cast of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' Season 17 — From Returning Stars to New Faces
It's peach season! Okay, not really, but on Bravo it is, as The Real Housewives of Atlantareturns for Season 17 on Sunday, April 5 at 8 p.m. (Episodes will be available to stream next day on Peacock.) And after all of that drama last season with Kenya Moore and Brit Eady, both of whom have since departed the long-running franchise, Atlanta fans will surely be tuning in to see how this season's mix of familiar faces and fresh peaches gets on with each other. (Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek at the upcoming episodes.)
"With fan favorites and new faces joining the mix, friendships are pushed to their limits," Bravo teased the new season. "Atlanta is hotter, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever, and keeping it peachy is the ultimate challenge." Ahead of this week's premiere, let's get to know the new RHOA season 17 cast, including returning stars likePorsha Williams and Phaedra Parks, and franchise newcomers like Pinky Cole and K. Michelle.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 cast Porsha Williams in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Season 17Bravo
Porsha WilliamsA staple on The Real Housewives of Atlanta for 10 seasons, Porsha Williams is back for season 17, which will see the 44-year-old step into a new era of her life now that her divorce from Simon Guobadia was finalized on June 11, 2025, after a contentious legal battle. With the split officially behind her, Williams is " approaching relationships and dating with an open mind," per Bravo, with not one but two potential love interests going into the new eps.
Related: ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Star Returns to Bravo After 6 Years
Phaedra Parks in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Phaedra ParksAfter an eight-year absence from RHOA, Phaedra Parks made her much-anticipated return to the show as a full-time cast member last season, a status she maintains for season 17. Equipped with her "signature wit and razor-ship reads," Williams is stepping back into the friendship circle and is open to mending fences with Angela and proving she's still cool and unbothered by it all, while still having fun in the dating pool," per her official Bravo bio.
Related: ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Cast Net Worths Ranked: Who Is the Richest?
Drew Sidora in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Drew SidoraContinuing her Real Housewives tenure (she joined as a RHOA regular back in season 13 and has starred in every installment thereafter), Drew Sidora isn't just ready for a new season of reality TV but also the next stage of her life following her divorce from ex Ralph Pittman. Per Bravo, "she is keeping her dating roster open but is still guarded on how much she wants to share with the ladies." Outside of her personal life, she'll be balancing her acting and music career, all while juggling her most important job as mom to her three kiddos.
Shamea Morton Mwangi in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Shamea Morton MwangiA longtime "Friend of the Show," Shamea Morton Mwangi joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta as a full-time cast member in season 16. She continues that peach-holding post for the show's seventeenth season, which finds Shamea "ready for a major pivot, investing in herself like never before and launching her own rum company," according to her Bravo bio. However, stepping into that entrepreneurship won't come without its challenges. And she'll have personal difficulties to deal with, too, including lingering tensions with Porsha, clashes with Drew and her continued fertility journey.
Related: The 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' Net Worths, Ranked
Angela Oakley in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Angela OakleyComing off last season, Angela Oakley and husband Charles Oakley are "stronger than ever as she navigates life and family challenges in the wake of her mother's passing," says Bravo. That heartbreaking tragedy has seemingly left the 44-year-old reconsidering the relationships; this time around, she's working to repair her fractured friendships from last season, including those old wounds with Phaedra.
Kelli Ferrell in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Kelli FerrellJoining the RHOA main cast last season, Kelly "Queen of Waffles" Ferrell is back for season 17 to deal with two major life changes: her eldest daughter is heading off to college and Kelli herself is opening her second restaurant location. Along with balancing motherhood and her career, Kelli will have to juggle "heated conflicts and defending herself against salacious rumors from within the group and her personal life," reports Bravo.
Related: The ‘Real Housewives of New York’ Cast’s Net Worths, Ranked: Who Is the Richest?
Pinky Cole in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Pinky ColeThe first of our two RHOA newbies is Pinky Cole, the entrepreneur behind the $100 million Slutty Vegan empire, who nearly lost that beloved business forever until she fought valiantly to buy it back. The 38-year-old is the wife of an equally successful husband, Derrick Hayes, the founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks; together, the food-world couple share three children.
K. Michelle in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
K. MichelleThe second franchise newcomer is Kimberly "K. Michelle," an award‑winning, Billboard‑charting musical artist and newlywed who arrives on the Real Housewives scene with "with a renewed sense of purpose as she builds new bonds with the ladies." After making a name for herself in R&B, she's now venturing into the world of country music, "all while balancing a thriving career, a new home, her son, and a fresh chapter in love," says Bravo.
Related: ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ Net Worths Ranked in 2026: Who Is the Richest?
Cynthia Bailey in 'The Real Housewives' of Atlanta Season 17Bravo
Cynthia BaileyAnd it wouldn't truly be The Real Housewives of Atlanta without Cynthia Bailey, who returns as a "Friend Of" this season. (She was previously a main cast member from seasons 3 through 13.) "With friendships constantly tested and drama unfolding at every turn, she proves to be a steady, calming force in the heart of the storm." the network teases.
1970 Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs' of All Time Became an Unlikely Rock Anthem
Santana's 1970 take on Tito Puente's 1962 song, "Oye Como Va," eventually became a timeless rock anthem. However, in a 2018 Masterclass video, the band's frontman, Carlos Santana, revealed there were some doubts that he could make a rock hit out of the salsa beat.
"So when I discovered ‘Oye Como Va,’ people said, 'Well that's not rock and roll.' And I was like, 'Well not yet. But it will be,'" said Santana before playing the song's iconic riff on his guitar.
He also noted that he added the electric guitar to his "Oye Como Va" cover, which ranked as 479 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of 500 best songs of all time. Santana also said that fans of the song might notice that there's an intense conversation going on between said guitar and the horns.
"There's two people," said Santana before sharing that the final part of the song is supposed to say, "Get out of here man."
"Music is to move you," continued the musician, now 78. "It's suppose to move you, out of your doldrum existence. If you have a doldrum existence, music invites you to like come and celebrate the best of you. And don't be shy about it."
Tito Puente Shared What He Thought About Carlos Santana's CoverIn a 2000 interview, Puente shared his thoughts about Santana covering "Oye Como Va" for his 1970 album, Abraxas. The percussionist, who died in 2000 at the age of 77, said he was grateful for the song's rise in popularity after Santana released his cover.
"I was very fortunate because Mr. Santana, Carlos, was a friend of mine. He recorded that number about 12 and a half years after I had originally done it, but naturally his recording catered to a massive audience," said Puente.
He also expressed gratitude that Santana credited him on the album.
"They also made a composer out of me, really because he gave me credit on the Abraxas album, on the Columbia label. So thanks to Carlos, I was able to get exposure for 'Oye Como Va’ around the whole world," said Puente.
The 3 Most Grounded Birth Months During Tough Times
When life becomes unpredictable, some people remain steady regardless of their surroundings. While various influences shape personality, certain birth months are often associated with greater stability, resilience, and emotional balance, according to astrology. These individuals not only navigate difficult times but also help maintain a sense of order and support for others.
When things go wrong, it’s not about avoiding the problem; it’s about how you handle it. People born in the following three birth months stand out for remaining steady, thinking clearly, and keeping moving forward. In difficult moments, they’re often the ones others rely on without even thinking twice.
Read on to discover which birth months are known for keeping their footing when things get tough.
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Which Birth Months Are Grounded During Times of Trouble?Check for your birth month. Disregard your birth date.
January: The Quiet StabilizerJanuary-borns have a calm, grounded presence that others notice right away. They’re not easily thrown off by stress or chaos. Instead of reacting in the moment, they tend to slow things down, think it through, and respond in a way that actually helps. That steady mindset makes them the kind of person others turn to when things feel uncertain. Capricorn plays a big role here with its disciplined, goal-oriented nature, while Aquarius adds a more thoughtful, level-headed way of looking at situations without getting overwhelmed.
What really stands out about January-born individuals is their sense of responsibility. They don’t run from challenges—they face them head-on and keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time. Even when they’re dealing with pressure internally, they usually manage to stay steady on the outside.
LEARN MORE: The 4 Key Personality Traits of People Born in January
April: The Steady ProtectorApril-born individuals handle tough situations differently; they meet them with action. When something goes wrong, they don’t hesitate for long. They step in, take control, and try to move things in a better direction. There’s a natural protectiveness about them, especially when it comes to the people they care about. Aries brings that bold, take-charge energy, while Taurus balances it out with patience and a strong sense of stability.
They can be intense at times, but that intensity usually works in their favor. Instead of panicking, they turn that energy into momentum. Even when things feel urgent or frustrating, they tend to stay grounded enough to keep pushing forward and figure things out as they go.
LEARN MORE: 4 Key Personality Traits of People Born in April
September: The Calm Problem-SolverSeptember-born individuals tend to stay grounded in a quieter, more thoughtful way. They’re the ones who start looking for solutions when everything feels messy. Instead of getting caught up in the stress, they focus on what needs to be fixed and how to fix it. Virgo’s attention to detail and practical thinking show up strongly here, while Libra brings a sense of balance and the ability to keep emotions in check.
They have a way of making things feel more manageable for themselves and others. When people around them are overwhelmed, they’re often the ones who bring a sense of calm back to the situation. They think things through carefully and break problems down into steps that actually make sense.
LEARN MORE: 4 Key Personality Traits of People Born in September
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11 Best Aldi Beauty Dupes, According to Professional Makeup Artists
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Luxury makeup and skincare products are great and all, but even celebrities appreciate the value of a great drugstore beauty find. Some beauty essentials are worth splurging for, but you can often find a worthy dupe at a fraction of the cost.
Aldi is known as a one-stop-shop for groceries and other household essentials, but the store is also becoming a popular destination for beauty products. To find out which ones are worth your time and money, Parade reached out to two makeup artists to get their picks for the 11 best Aldi beauty dupes.
We chatted with Markphong Tram, a makeup artist based in New York, and Lindsey Trop, a makeup artist based in Connecticut, and asked them what makes Aldi's collection of beauty products so popular with makeup and skincare aficionados.
To help you make the most of your Aldi shopping experience, we also asked the pros what you should be looking for while shopping for these products and how to spot a good beauty dupe that truly rivals a luxury brand. All in all, our conversations proved that you don't have to spend a lot of money to stock your beauty bag.
Related: 9 Best Peptide Lip Treatments for a More Hydrated, Plumper Pout
Top Aldi Beauty Dupes- Best Mascara: Lacura They're Brilliant Mascara vs. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara
- Best Lip Oil:Lacura Cherry Lip Oil vs. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
- Best Concealer:Lacura Bold Cover Concealer vs. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- Best Eyeshadow Palette: Lacura Naturals 3 Eye Shadow Palette vs. Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette
- Best Brow Gel: Lacura Clear Brow Gel vs. Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel
- Best Face Scrub:Lacura Cleansing Exfoliating Scrub vs. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
- Best Micellar Water: Lacura Micellar Water vs. Bioderma Micellar Water
- Best Makeup Remover Wipes:Lacura Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelette vs. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes
- Best Facial Cleanser: Lacura Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Best Face Cream: Lacura Anti Wrinkle Care Day Cream vs. Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream
- Best Hand Cream: Lacura Laboring Hands Cream vs. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands
As a professional makeup artist, Tram has encountered a plethora of brands throughout his career, and he's learned that drugstore beauty finds can often be just as high quality as luxury options.
"Many retail chains are beginning to invest in their private-label beauty products, including Aldi, which has launched low-cost alternatives to premium beauty brands,” he explains.
Trop says you "can't beat the value" of Aldi's beauty products.
"Many of their products are manufactured in Germany and Poland, which provides reassurance that the formulations are safe and high quality," she tells Parade.
Related: Aldi’s Sprite vs. the Name Brand: Which Is Better? (The Results Surprised Me)
Why Aldi Beauty Dupes Are So PopularTram says Aldi’s store brand, Lacura, has grown in popularity since it "delivers impressive dupes to high-end beauty products at a much lower cost."
"It’s a great option for anyone who wants to save money without giving up too much quality. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to drop $200 every time they shop at Sephora or Ulta. Aldi beauty dupes show that decent, quality beauty products don’t have to come with a hefty price tag," he says.
On one recent trip to Aldi, Trop purchased five skincare products for $14.95. Like many other customers, she loves "the thrill of finding dupes at such an unbeatable price point."
"But mainly, it’s the thrill of finding dupes that actually deliver," she shares. "The products are also somewhat hard to get because assortment on shelves differs week to week and season to season, so it makes them that much more covetable and exciting when you do find them."
Related: 13 Best False Eyelashes for 2026, Tested by Celebrity Makeup Artists
What To Look for When Buying Beauty Products at AldiBefore you embark on your next Aldi trip, it helps to know exactly what to look for while shopping for beauty products. To jumpstart your search, we asked the pros to share a checklist of characteristics they consider while shopping.
- Eyeshadow: "Pay close attention to the pigment payoff by making sure the color picks up easily on the brush or your finger, and transfers well onto the eyelid," Tram says.
- Foundation/concealer: "Blendability is key. I also look for shades that don’t oxidize too much about 20 minutes after applied," Tram says.
- Skincare: "When it comes to skincare and body lotions, I’ll choose formulas that absorb well into the skin rather than sitting on top. I avoid products that peel off when touched after applied, since that usually indicates ingredient incompatibility and as a makeup artist and consumer, that’s something I try to stay away from," Tram says.
Naturally, you won't be able to fully explore the product in-store unless there's a tester available. But you can notice some of these things with the naked eye, so it helps to keep this all in mind while shopping.
Related: Five Below Beauty Items That Are Just as Good as Their High-End Counterparts
How To Spot a Good Beauty DupeRealistically, you won't really be able to tell if something is a good beauty dupe until you put it through its paces.
"It’s all about results, like efficacy and longevity. You can’t simply touch a product and decide if it’s a good dupe. You need to use it a few times to determine if the dupe is actually worth it," Trop explains.
Once you do test a product at home, you'll know if it's a solid dupe if it meets certain criteria.
"A good beauty dupe should deliver similar results to a high-end product at a much lower cost. You can compare ingredient lists, test how it performs in terms of longevity and texture, and check whether it lives up to its claims," Tram tells Parade.
If all else fails, Trop says many retailers like Aldi offer generous return policies in case the product doesn't live up to your expectations.
Related: 7 Best Luxury Perfume Dupes From Bath & Body Works, According to a Fragrance Expert
11 Best Aldi Beauty Dupes, According to Makeup Artists1. Best Mascara: Lacura They're Brilliant Mascara, $5 vs. Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening Mascara, $24Aldi/Amazon
Beauty lovers have been known to shell out a pretty penny for larger-than-life lashes, but Tram says you don't necessarily have to do so if you shop at Aldi. For instance, he notes that Lacura's They're Brilliant Mascara is a solid substitution for Benefit Cosmetics' They're Real! Lengthening Mascara.
"Aldi's version is identical to the original in both brush bristles and formulation, but at a fraction of the price, making it a great option to try," he says.
Related: The 11 Mascaras That Actually Lengthen Lashes, Tested by Pro Makeup Artists
2. Best Lip Oil: Lacura Cherry Lip Oil, $4 vs. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil, $42Aldi/Ulta
"Lip oils have been one of the biggest beauty trends over the past few years, with nearly every brand launching its own version. Among them, Dior set the bar with a $42 price point. Personally, that’s a bit steep for me," Tram says.
This more affordable alternative is "super hydrating and not sticky," per Trop.
"They also provide a bit of color. For those who think $42 for a lip oil is insanity, this is a perfect option," she says.
3. Best Concealer: Lacura Bold Cover Concealer, $6 vs. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $32Aldi/Ulta
"Lacura Bold Cover Concealer is a dupe for Tarte’s Shape Tape concealer. The packaging and doe foot applicator are incredibly similar to Shape Tape, as is the full coverage formula. There is a slight scent to the Lacura formulation but if scent doesn’t bother you at all, this is an amazing concealer option," Trop says.
Tram agrees, noting that the only downside to this dupe is the "limited shade range."
Related: 18 Best Concealers for Dry Skin, According to Celebrity Dermatologists
4. Best Eyeshadow Palette: Lacura Naturals 3 Eye Shadow Palette, $6 vs. Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette, $59Aldi/Macy's
For less than $10, Tram says you can get "almost the same eyeshadow shades as the Urban Decay palette."
Trop is also a fan of the affordable palette and appreciates that it comes with "12 shadows and a dual-ended brush in a sturdy case with a mirror."
"Some of the shades go on very smoothly, but a few do look a bit patchy upon initial application and require a bit more reapplication and a bit more blending. That said, at just one-tenth of the price of the Urban Decay palette, it’s a great option," she says.
Related: 11 Best Eyeshadow Palettes, Tested by Makeup Artists
5. Best Brow Gel: Lacura Clear Brow Gel, $4.49 vs. Benefit Cosmetics 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel, $28Aldi/Ulta
Brow gel doesn't need to be pricey to get the job done. Trop recommends giving this Aldi dupe a try if you're a fan of Benefit Cosmetics' 24-Hour Brow Setter Clear Brow Gel.
"Lacura Clear Brow Gel has a dual-ended applicator that separates the brow hairs and sets them right into place. The formula doesn’t flake and it lasts for a very long time. This is a winner," she says.
6. Best Face Scrub: Lacura Cleansing Exfoliating Scrub, $3 vs. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub, $6Aldi/Target
Trop says both of these scrubs leave skin "feeling clean and smooth right away," but one of them does so for half the price.
"The Clean & Clear scrub has a very recognizable fresh scent that a lot of people associate with their teenage skincare years, so there’s a nostalgia factor there. The Lacura scrub has a similar fresh, cooling scent, but it’s a bit milder," she says.
7. Best Micellar Water: Lacura Micellar Water, $5 vs. Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, $21Aldi/Ulta
Trop regularly uses micellar water to remove makeup and appreciates this more budget-friendly option that can keep up with Bioderma's popular version.
"This product does a great job of removing makeup without irritating my skin. It's a great first step in a skincare routine and also works for fixing makeup mishaps during your makeup application," she says.
8. Best Makeup Remover Wipes: Lacura Makeup Removing Cleansing Towelette, $1 vs. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, $6Aldi/Target
Trop likes the scent of these "refreshing" makeup removing towelettes "even better" than Neutrogena's popular wipes. "They’re very effective at removing makeup, even with long-wear products like cheek stains," she says.
Tram is also a fan and says "they get the job done" at a "great value."
9. Best Facial Cleanser: Lacura Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $6 vs.CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $15Aldi/Ulta
Trop loves that this facial cleanser dupe has no scent and says it "feels super soothing."
"I would remove your makeup first with a cleansing towelette and then cleanse with this because this cleanser is not as effective at removing makeup by itself. My skin felt hydrated after, not tight or dry whatsoever," she says.
Tram also recommends Aldi's cleanser, saying it's "just as effective" as CeraVe's version.
10. Best Face Cream: Lacura Anti Wrinkle Care Day Cream, $4 vs. Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream, $13Aldi/Target
Anti-aging beauty products don't have to be exorbitantly expensive. Case in point? Tram suggests considering Aldi's anti-wrinkle day cream that rivals Eucerin's version.
"It’s hard to argue with a price of just $4.19. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and absorbs quickly into the skin. It also lays well beneath foundation," he says.
Related: 16 Best Wrinkle Creams, Tested by Celebrity Dermatologists
11. Best Hand Cream: Lacura Laboring Hands Cream, $4 vs. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands, $8Aldi/Target
"I have insanely dry, rough hands that are made worse by constant cleaning of my makeup kit and brushes with various chemicals," Trop says.
Related: The 11 Best Retinol Hand Creams To Tackle Signs of Aging
When she wants to give her hands a little TLC, the makeup artist turns to Aldi's more affordable alternative to O'Keefe's Working Hands.
"Laboring Hands Cream provides instant hydration without a greasy feel and without a scent," she says.
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Related: 7 Best Luxury Perfume Dupes at Zara, According to a Fragrance Expert
Sources:- Markphong Tram, makeup artist based in New York
- Lindsey Trop, makeup artist based in Connecticut