NPR’s Favorite TV Shows Of 2019

Clockwise: Watchmen, Russian Doll, Los Espookys, The Crown, When They See Us and Documentary Now! made NPR critics

Series such as Fleabag, Watchmen and Succession highlight our pop culture critics’ list of the 19 best television and serial streaming programs of 2019.

(Image credit: Mark Hill/HBO, Netflix, HBO, Sophie Mutevelian/Netflix, Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix, Rhys Thomas/IFC)

It’s Me, Your Radiator!

Kira Garcia imagines a satirical monologue from a hot, uncontrollable radiator that’s roaring to life at the beginning of winter.

Israel Heads To Third Election

After both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and challenger Benny Gantz failed to form an Israeli government, the deeply polarized country will return to the polls for a record third time in less than a year. What do you think?

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The Word Of The Year Is ‘They’

NPR’s David Greene speaks with journalist Molly Woodstock about the Merriam-Webster dictionary selecting the singular, nonbinary pronoun “they” as the word of the year.

11 Comfortable Heels for Ladies With Wide Feet

Having a hard (and painful) time finding a pair of stylish heels to fit your wide feet? You’re not alone. Although brands like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Saint Laurent produce gorgeous pumps, their designs aren’t always suited for girls with wide feet. Think about a pair of BB pumps—the style is crafted to create a very slim and sleek look. And if your feet are nowhere near narrow, then you know this translates to shoving your little footsies into the pumps and pretending the pain is worth it. (Guilty!)

Sob story aside, we crowdsourced our office to bring you the best brands to shop if you have wide feet. In hopes of alleviating some of your heel-wearing foot pain and to stock your shoe collection with the right picks, here are the top brands you need to know about.

Keep reading to see the brands and shop our favorite heels for wide feet.

Chloé’s simple shoes have been known to not only be ultra-chic and timeless, but comfortable too. From the easy-to-wear block heels and flats to the overall width of the brand’s shoes, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing these.

If you’re in the mood to wear a pair of shoes that feel out of this world, Givenchy has an extensive collection to choose from.

Valentino’s shoes strike the perfect chord between elegance and edge. Wear the brand’s iconic shoes, like the Rockstud Pumps, with a pair of jeans or a midi skirt.

Not only does Topshop have a virtually endless stock of undeniably stylish shoes, but the brand also has a selection specifically made for women with wide feet. 

Any shoe made by Aquazzura was practically designed to hug your feet in the best way possible. As soon as you slip a pair on, you won’t want to take them off.

If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that are as comfortable as they are cute, grab yourself one of the playful pairs from Sophia Webster.

When you want a classic, go-to pair of heels to wear on your nights out, opt for something from 3.1 Phillip Lim, which will instantly dress up your ensembles.

Want something that feels unexpected but can still be worn with anything you own? Bionda Castana is the brand to shop.

If there’s one thing that Loeffler Randall has mastered—besides creating a never-ending list of adorable accessories, of course—it’s the making of a comfortable shoe.

Gianvito Rossi has become known for its comfortable shoes, no matter the style. In other words, when you add a pair of these into your closet, your feet will thank you.

If an effortlessly polished pair of heels if what you’re searching for, look no further than J.Crew’s selection of classic pumps.

Up next, check out the comfy shoes you need for 2020.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and since has been updated by Dale Chong.

The Winter Makeup Starter Pack: 17 Easy Looks for Every Occasion

Whether your winter plans include hitting up the holiday party circuit or celebrating the season with fancy dinners with friends, there are endless opportunities to try new makeup trends. After all, it’s the one time of year when gold, glitter, and intense shine are not only acceptable but encouraged. We don’t know about you, but we just can’t pass on an opportunity to test out all the most intriguing makeup looks we’ve been seeing on the internet all season.

With all the makeup artists, A-listers, and beauty influencers sharing their best winter glam on the daily, there’s a never-ending supply of out-of-the-box ideas. That’s why we delved into our saved folder on Instagram to pull out the winter makeup looks that will inspire our beauty aesthetic well into 2020.

From silver leafing to gold glitter and bold lips galore, here’s our edit of the most impressive makeup looks we can’t wait to try. Check out 17 winter makeup looks you’ll want to re-create for yourself, and shop the must-haves to get the look.

This bold disco ball eye look is guaranteed to make you the life of the party.

Tightly pack this glitter balm onto your lids to replicate the silver foil look.

A chasmic black cat-eye is an easy way to create an entire mood with minimal effort. 

Line the eyes in layers, gradually building to your desired depth. Be sure you focus plenty of ink along the lash line for maximum drama.

This metallic rose eye can be perfected in 30 seconds flat.

Using an eye shadow brush, lightly swipe powder all over the lids. Finish with a coat of your favorite mascara.

All I want for Christmas is J.Lo’s contour.

Following your natural bone structure, contour the hollows and highlight the high points of your face. Be sure to blend out any harsh lines for the most natural look.

Even if you’re committed to neutral eye shadow shades, a metallic finish is a perfect way to add just a touch of holiday flair.

Press the liquid formula onto the eyelids, using your ring finger to evenly distribute all over. Apply fewer coats for a more sheer finish, or build more product for a more opaque look.

Who says Malibu Barbie pink is an exclusively summer shade?

Swipe lipstick over the lips, paying special attention to accentuate the Cupid’s bow.

Winter is the best time of year to bust out a monochrome crimson vibe. Up the ante with a metallic finish.

Using your fingers or a dense eye shadow brush, press the shadow into your eyelids for a full-coverage look.

This ice-blue eyeliner is giving us major frosted winter vibes.

Using a tapered eye shadow brush or an angled eyeliner brush, outline the eyes with blue shadow. Place a touch of champagne-colored shadow on the inner corners of the eyes to keep them looking bright and open.

Sometimes all you need is the perfect red lip.

A neutral mauve lip is an easy way to add a pop of color to an overall natural face beat.

Swipe lipstick all over the lips. Wait a bit in between coats to allow each layer to dry down.

Bring a holiday tinsel look to your makeup with glittering gold eyeliner.

Using the included silicone detailer, fashion the glitter into a stark line along the upper lash line.

Nothing says holiday season quite like a red lip-to-cheek moment.

Using your fingertips, press the product into the lips, then into the cheeks. Go over the lips as many times as necessary to achieve the desired coverage.

This spearmint eye is fresh enough to wear to work and sultry enough to carry you into a nighttime look.

Using your finger or your favorite eye shadow brush, spread an even layer of pigment all over your lid. To add more drama, add a deep black cat eye on top.

A deeper emerald-green eye shadow also reads merry and bright.

Swipe the shadow evenly over the lids, creating points at the inner and outer corners.

The power of Old Hollywood glam is not to be underestimated. 

After placing a heavy line along your lash line, finish the eyes with individual lashes to seal in the glamour.

Bust out your best smoky-eye skills with this comprehensive palette.

We love a multidimensional aqua eye, but the hero here is that highlight. No winter makeup look is complete without it.

Add some luminosity to any winter makeup look by lightly swiping this highlighter across the highest part of your cheekbones. 

All that glitters isn’t gold, but we’re really into this bold golden liner.

Create an exaggerated gold line across your eyelid. If you want a little extra definition, tightly trace along your lash line with black liquid eyeliner. Up next, five holiday gift set traps, according to a beauty editor who’s tried them all.

We’ve Been in 17 Weddings This Year, and This Our Advice to Brides

Weddings can be overwhelming, whether you’re the one getting married, in the wedding party, or simply just attending. There’s a lot to think about—from attire to etiquette. As much stress as there is for everyone else, the highest levels fall on the bride and groom on their big day. It takes months and months of planning to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Having been in quite a few weddings myself recently, I’ve picked up a few tricks from watching my friends go through the process, so I feel I’ll be much better prepared when it comes to be my turn. I decided it might be helpful to start sharing some of the tips I’ve learned along the way, as well as poll my fellow editors and friends to get their best advice as well. From what to do when wedding dress shopping to picking out bridesmaids dresses your whole party will be happy with, below I’ve compiled a list of the six best pieces of advice for brides from people who have been in a lot of weddings this year—17 to be exact. 

“Get a blowout or use self-tanner before wedding dress shopping so that you feel really good when you’re trying on your dresses! You’ll look back at photos of the potential options and feel so much better/happier looking back if you felt like the best version of yourself when trying them on!” 

This mousse gives you a really natural-looking glow in just an hour.

Swipe this roller-ball applicator over your skin, wait a few hours, achieve luminous glow. 

“DO NOT start shopping for dresses too early—Venue first, then dress. You may think that your venue won’t impact the style of the dress you go with, but it will.” 

How pretty are these ties!?

A strapless gown is a classic choice.

“Once you’ve selected your dress, delete all wedding dress pins from your Pinterest board. It will only tempt you to keep looking and second guess your choice.”

These sleeves!

Simple and elegant.

“My friends who are married told me a beauty test is one of the best things they did leading up to their weddings. There’s nothing that can give you more confidence than doing a trial of the hair and makeup you’ll be wearing so you know you’ll truly love it and will feel like yourself.”

This palette is so pretty.

The perfect nude lip.

“Bridesmaids that get to choose their own dresses will thank you for it later, just give them guidelines and due dates and don’t be afraid to veto their suggestions if it doesn’t align with your vision. It is your day, but your bridesmaids need to feel beautiful/like themselves, too. Friends don’t let friends buy/wear dresses they don’t like. Happy bridesmaids, happy bride.” 

This beauty comes in four gorgeous colors.

Your bridesmaids will thank you for this dress.

“Make it clear on your invitations who is invited—how many guests and specify names if possible—and make sure you number all your RSVP cards with invisible ink on the back corners. That way, if people send them back blank (because someone will) you know who they belong to.”

So chic.

You can never have too many cards.

Next up: Your 2020 guide to the engagement rings that are in and out.

Gift Ideas When You Have a Small Budget (and Your Friends Have Expensive Taste)

We all have those friends who are fond of the nicer things in life—cashmere, caviar, Grand Cru… in other words, they have expensive taste in everything from their home décor to their stylish wardrobes. When it comes to buying holiday gifts for said friends (or family), it can prove quite the conundrum—especially if you add in another factor—a small budget. (We all know, December can take quite the hit to our credit cards!) Luckily, an expensive price tag doesn’t always equate to a better gift. In fact, today we’re sharing 30 gifts that you would never guess are all under $100. Whether it’s the luxe packaging of a lipstick, the uniqueness of a decanter or the coziness of a plush robe, we guarantee one of these options below will cater to your friends and family with the most lavish of tastes.

The chic gold hoop earrings are an editor favorite that look mighty pricey.

Lush, plush, opulent. This scarf will be appreciated this winter.

Jo Malone candles are seriously divine (and look so chic too).

Lightweight and packable, this elegant quilted liner is perfect for easy cold-weather layering. 

If you have a friend in a colder climate who’s into the preppy look, these slightly over-$100 pair are a must (and totally worth it).

Made from high-grade mulberry silk, this luxurious eye mask is perfect for long-haul flights and getting plenty of z’s. The zodiac sign embossed on the front will add a personal touch.

Your friends who enjoy long, luxurious baths will love this relaxing blend of rustic sandalwood, sweet jasmine, and calming lavender.

When only luxurious, long leather gloves will do.

This chic mock-croc bag looks way more expensive than its price tag.

The prettiest shade (and packaging!). 

Your friends will be drooling over these seriously soft lounge pants.

Perfect for your fashion-forward friends.

This woody, aromatic hand wash will elevate every bathroom.

Who wouldn’t want to receive this striking, modern ring?

The chicest tray for all their trinkets.

No one would say no to the most luxurious-feeling socks. This brand has over 200 years of experience working with cashmere and is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship.

This billowy blouse nails two of 2020’s biggest trends—puff sleeves and polka dots.

I’ve never known anyone who doesn’t appreciate a sleek diffuser.

By Terry’s soft lip balm is one of the best out there— leaving a soft, subtle sheen.

Laura Ashley’s new collab with Urban Outfitters is stunning (and affordable!). 

An expensive-looking belt to complete every outfit.

Made of sumptuous lace, this makes for one pretty holiday gift.

For those who love seriously soft and plush fabrics, Barefoot Dreams cardigans are a must!

For the beauty aficionados.

A versatile, cashmere sweater for under $100? Add to cart!

Heeled loafers will be all over our feeds next year.

Warning, after you feel this cozy faux-fur robe you may just keep it for yourself.

The easiest option for those with Chanel-taste.

This will look so fancy at your next dinner party.

Cool shades at a favorable price.

Up next, 10 major 2020 trends that you can (conveniently) add to your holiday wish list.