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The Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes football teams go head-to-head this weekend at Folsom Field Stadium Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Florida State vs. Miami football kickoff time and networkThe Florida State vs. Miami football game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Florida State vs. Miami football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Florida State vs. Miami football game on ESPN.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests its Orange Plan for watching the game, which is priced at $20 for the first month and $40 per month after that.
Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Go to the FuboTV website to check if ESPN is available in your zip code. If it is, you can access ESPN with the FuboTV Pro plan, which offers an introductory rate of $59.99 for the first month and a regular rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Texas Longhorns and the Vanderbilt Commodores football teams go head-to-head this weekend at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennesse. The match will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12, and is scheduled to start at 10:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Texas vs. Vanderbilt football kickoff time and networkThe Texas vs. Vanderbilt football game is scheduled for a 4:15 p.m. ET/1:15 p.m. PT start on SEC Network on Saturday, Oct. 16.
Best streaming services for Texas vs. Vanderbilt football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Texas vs. Vanderbilt football game on SEC Network.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan + Sports Extra Get DealSling TV is an option for the Texas vs. Vanderbilt football game. You’ll need the Orange Plan, which comes at $20 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months. You'll also need the Sports Extra subscription, which costs an additional $11 to secure access to the SEC Network broadcasts.
Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the SEC Network broadcast. If it does, then you're good to go. FurboTV has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Missouri Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide football teams go head-to-head this weekend at the Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The match will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Missouri vs. Alabama football kickoff time and networkThe Missouri vs. Alabama football game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT. start on ABC on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Missouri vs. Alabama football gameTo watch college football without cable or satellite TV, you'll need a streaming service. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Missouri vs. Alabama football game on ABC.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the ABC broadcast. If it does, then you're good to go - you'll be able to get ABC with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen football teams go head-to-head this weekend at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Notre Dame vs. Navy football kickoff time and networkThe Notre Dame vs. Navy football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT. start on ABC on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Notre Dame vs. Navy football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Notre Dame vs. Navy football game on ABC.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the ABC broadcast. If it does, then you're good to go - you'll be able to get ABC with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Nebraska Corn Ohio State Buckeyes football teams go head-to-head this weekend at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The match will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Nebraska vs. Ohio State football kickoff time and networkThe Nebraska vs. Ohio State football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT start on FOX on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Nebraska vs. Ohio State football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Nebraska vs. Ohio State football game on FOX.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan Get DealYou can only access FOX on Sling TV in certain markets. Those include Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Gainesville, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tacoma, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.
If you’re not in one of those markets, unfortunately, Sling TV isn't an option
If you’re in one of those markets, getting Sling TV for the Nebraska vs. Ohio State football game would work for you. You’ll need the Blue Plan, which comes at $22.50 for the first month and $45 for subsequent months.
Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code includes the FOX broadcast. If it does, then you're good to go - you'll be able to get FOX with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Penn State Nittany Lions and Wisconsin Badgers football teams are scheduled to go head-to-head at Camp Randall Stadium in LA, Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct. 26. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Penn State vs. Wisconsin football kickoff time and networkThe Penn State vs. Wisconsin football game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT start on NBC on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Penn State vs. Wisconsin football gameIf you don't have cable or satellite TV, you'll need to choose a streaming service to watch college football. Here is the best streaming services to consider for Saturday's Penn State vs. Wisconsin football game on NBC.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can also try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period, so you don't need to commit any cash right away.
Go to the FuboTV website to check if NBC is available in your zip code. If it is, you can access NBC with the FuboTV Pro plan, which offers an introductory rate of $59.99 for the first month and a regular rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
The Illinois Fighting Illini and the Oregon Ducks football teams are scheduled to go head-to-head at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, Oct. 26. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Illinois vs. Oregon football kickoff time and networkThe Illinois vs. Oregon football game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT start on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Best streaming services for Illinois vs. Oregon football gameTo watch college football without cable or satellite TV, you'll need to use a streaming service. There's several to choose from, but here's the best to consider ahead of Saturday's game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV gives you access to more than 250 channels of live TV as well the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can give it a try first with a seven-day free trial period.
You'll need to check if your zip code includes the CBS broadcast first. To do this, just visit the FuboTV website. If you’re in luck, then you can get CBS with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a one-month introductory rate of $59.99/month and a regular subscription rate of $79.99 per month.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
TL;DR: Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Denver Nuggets fell short of achieving their lofty ambitions last season, but that's all in the past now. Any team with Nikola Jokić has a chance of success in the NBA, and they've added Russell Westbrook to their ranks, which could end up being a masterstroke if he's able to gel with his new teammates.
The Nuggets face the Clippers in this early-season matchup, with both teams looking to make a positive start to the campaign. We're expecting a fascinating battle between two strong sides, and you can watch all the action without spending anything.
If you want to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers?Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA starts at 5 p.m. ET on Oct. 26. This game takes place at the Ball Arena.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers for freeDenver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers is available to live stream for free on Ran.de.
Ran.de is geo-restricted to Germany, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free on Ran.de by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Germany
Visit Ran.de
Watch Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Germany
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
At 72, American filmmaker Robert Zemeckis has a storied career on par with few others. He's the visionary behind the extraordinary collision of live-action comedy and cartoon mayhem that is Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He birthed the sci-fi/comedy bliss of Back to the Future and the campy splendor of the cult-adored Death Becomes Her. But far from the madcap humor of these offerings, he helmed the iconic Forrest Gump, a literary adaptation that thrilled audiences and the Academy, who bestowed upon the decades-traversing drama a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture.
SEE ALSO: 42 movies you'll want to see this fallHere, Zemeckis' latest offering, has a lot in common with Forrest Gump. On a casting level, it reunites Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who once more play a couple of young lovers, finding themselves in the 1950s and 1960s. It also reteams Zemeckis with Forrest Gump's Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth, who is tasked this time around with adapting a graphic novel from New York Times illustrator Richard McGuire. Here is also a heartfelt drama spanning time, although instead of mere decades, it takes place across centuries, even millennia.
Yet within this familiar framework, Zemeckis tales big risks that are more akin to his less-celebrated Hanks collaborations, chiefly The Polar Express and Disney's live-action Pinocchio. Where in his earlier films, he blew our minds and won acclaim with practical effects, his later dive into digital effects have often veered into an ugly, uncanny valley. But even as it falters in the details, there's undeniable reason to celebrate the ambition and earnestness of Here.
Here is a story across time about family. Credit: Sony PicturesRemarkably, Here has the look of being filmed in one shot. To be clear, it is not seemingly one long take, like the exhilarating real-time zombie thriller MadS. Replicating the look of McGuire's comic — as teased in the trailer — the whole of Here is shot from a planted perspective, while the action unfurls before it. The trick is, it won't play out chronologically but instead somewhat simultaneously.
The frame Zemeckis presents shows a New England living room within a "half-Colonial" home, built in 1900. There, various furniture and decor will come and go in smooth visual transitions, and even fade away to show a swamp of galumphing mud, where dinosaurs frolic, then a plain made desolate and white by an ice age, then a verdant forest where Indigenous Americans hunt, gather, and fall in love. But mostly, Here is set in a living room, following families from the early 20th century, the post-Jazz Age, post-World War II, and beyond.
There, stories collide through frames within the frame, which are outlined in white, a nod to their comic book inspiration. So while much of the scene may be set in the 1960s, where a teenage boy (Tom Hanks, courtesy of de-aging CGI — more on that in a bit!) introduces squabbles with his drunk dad (Paul Bettany), an inner frame might reveal the families who came before. Images of weddings, Thanksgiving celebrations, marital spats, and funerals can potentially pile on top of the scene, succinctly displaying all the stories that play out in this seemingly average space in one hour and 44 minutes of runtime. So, why does it feel so much longer?
Here is a strange experiment at war with itself. Credit: Sony PicturesWatching the frame-within-frame device unfold across the screen, it's easy to see how it could work in a graphic novel. On the page, each square urges you to imagine what could lie just outside its borders, a constant reminder of perspective but also how the limitations of the media of the comic book itself can inspire your imagination.
Film as a form is considered by its audience more literal, which is Zemeckis' first challenge. While in some scenes, the characters exit the frame — inviting the audience to assume what happens off camera — the visual stimuli of new information piling up every moment allows little time for the meaning of this device to wash over us. And yet, despite the collage effect at play across the story, the film feels stuck in its locked position. One might wonder why this spot — and perhaps that it could be any spot is precisely the point. But the fixed location makes the movie feel like a recording of a stage show more than a film, with performances to match.
Zemeckis' choices are daring and often jarring. Credit: Sony PicturesWhile the movie leaps across time, a star-stuffed ensemble treads the boards of this living room. Among them are not only Tom Hanks and Robin Wright as teen lovers who get married, have kids, and face a wide array of mature troubles in this space, but also Michelle Dockery as a turn-of-the-century suffragette, Ophelia Lovibond as a spirited flapper with David Fynn as her besotted inventor husband, Daniel Betts as a frustrated bastard son of Benjamin Franklin, Nikki Amuka-Bird as a wealthy 2020s businesswoman, and Joel Oulette and Dannie McCallum as an unnamed Indigenous couple.
But the main storyline kicks off with Paul Bettany as a WII vet and Kelly Reilly as his doting wife. Their story is cliche, with him being a quick-to-anger patriarch whose parenting tools are yelling and endless glasses of bourbon, while she is the smiling mother devoted to smoothing everything over until she physically can't any longer. The rough edges of Roth's script are only enhanced by the pair's performance style, which is broadly theatrical. Perhaps the idea is to mimic the grandeur of Golden Era cinema — those 1940s black-and-white classics featuring debonair men and fast-talking dames. But this theatricality stretches across the timeline, though it softens if a character is more emotionally stiff (Dockery) or pensive (Wright). Still, the tone Zemeckis pursues calls attention to itself, keeping the audience from settling into the story.
Interestingly, Zemeckis rejects the standard American movie pursuit of performed authenticity. This movie is not remotely concerned with how people actually talk, but prefers a far more sentimental approach that veers into parable. These characters not only inexplicably rush into big life decisions — like giving up dreams of painting as soon as a survival gig is achieved — but also repeatedly deliver Our Town-like revelations about the cruelty of time's endless momentum. Here is a deeply wistful film, always fretting about how fast time goes by, and yet its own screen time feels like a crawl.
Roth's main storyline about this 20th-century family is belabored by cliche, making its every reveal feel a bit inevitable. The wordless story of the Indigenous couple, who fall in love, raise their child, die, and mourn, is simplistic but mostly elegant — save for a calamitous close-up revealing just how awkwardly waxen the effects make-up looks. Hanks and company, however, are given scenes that belabor their purpose, spelling out every emotion and telegraphing every turn. So even while they are ardent in their performance, the effect is stagnation, exacerbated by the fixed-camera perspective.
Here feels more like a play or a gallery exhibit than a film.Perhaps this concept of a physical space as a sort of palimpsest, with characters living parallel lives, might have been more compelling on a stage or as a visual projection in a gallery. In the latter, the dialogue could have been pared down, or even eradicated to allow the viewer more freedom to interpret the action, rather than being spoon-fed the emotional beats. If it were played upon a stage, the character's aging could have been communicated through costume and gesturing, wigs and make-up instead of the uncanny technology Zemeckis employs in Here.
As it is, the CGI employed to turn 68-year-old Hanks and 58-year-old Wright into teenagers is distracting, the same way the bizarre dead-eyed animated characters in Polar Express undercut its Yuletide wonder. Here's VFX team might be able to digitally redefine jawlines and erase wrinkles, but the people who remain don't look real and definitely don't look like teenagers. This effect isn't disastrous, but it does distance us from the reality the film wishes to present because its artificiality cannot be ignored. Theater audiences are more ready and willing to embrace the fantasy, even if the seams of a wig cap or a microphone taped to a forehead are showing. In film, our suspension of disbelief flickers whenever a digital effect looks, well, like a digital effect. And Here often flaunts CGI's limitations.
This de-aging distraction inevitably draws our eyes to other bizarre details, like a birthday cake that is clearly a prop because it apparently weighs as much as styrofoam. Or how strange it is that the aspiring painter who dreamed of being a professional artist only ever paints what exists in this particular living room. Like in Polar Express and Pinocchio, Zemeckis seems so enchanted by his vision that he's missed the details in the execution that could mar it. He can see the forest beyond his living room, but not the trees.
In the end, Here works as a movie in fits. Some scenes are undeniably enchanting, including every bit of Lovibond and Fynn as they romance while designing a reclining chair. Other scenes are less effective, primarily because the theatrical tone of the film clashes with the very real and traumatic topics they touch on, which we ourselves in the audience experience — like grappling with grief, fretting over parenting, or dealing with dementia. I found myself wishing it'd been a tight and tantalizing short film instead. As a whole, Here is far from the cohesive and compelling drama of Forrest Gump, far from the exhilarating world-building of Who Framed Roger Rabbit or Death Becomes Her.
In many ways, Here is an experiment in framing and concept that fails. And yet, I'm in awe that Zemeckis did it. Even with the movie's rough edges, his passion and sentimentality is as clear as ever.
Here was reviewed out of its World Premiere at AFI Fest. The movie will open in theaters Nov. 1.
TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for just £40.84 (reg. £337.70) through 27 October at the Mashable Shop.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2021 + Windows 11 Pro £40.84 at the Mashable ShopWhen it comes to mastering your professional life, nothing beats the power combo of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro.
Right now, you can own them both for life for just £40.84 (reg. £337.70) — no subscriptions, no hassle, just lifetime access to the software you need most.
Microsoft Office Professional 2021 gives you all the essential tools to create stunning documents, manage your data efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly with others. From Word to Excel, Outlook to PowerPoint, you’re covered for nearly any task, whether it's preparing a project proposal or managing a complex data report. Collaboration is also easier with real-time editing and co-authoring capabilities.
MS Office also has the added benefit of allowing you to work offline, something you can't do with the free app. This means you can work on proposal drafts while you fly to the conference.
Need to juggle multiple projects at once? Windows 11 Pro steps up your productivity game with enhanced multitasking features like Snap Layouts and Desktops, which allow you to organise and manage your workload more efficiently. With faster speeds and improved app management, you’ll stay on top of your deadlines and switch between tasks like a pro.
Since cybersecurity is non-negotiable, Windows 11 Pro keeps your data safe. Featuring enhanced antivirus protection, biometric login, and BitLocker encryption, your device will be guarded from online threats.
Azure AD integration also gives you top-tier security and manageability, perfect for professionals working remotely or within corporate environments. Plus, with AI-powered assistance from Copilot, you’ll benefit from smarter, more intuitive workflows.
Don't sit on this Microsoft Office deal for two professional powerhouses at a very reasonable price. Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for a one-time payment of £40.84 (reg. £337.70) through 27 October.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
We're still in the early stages of the United Rugby Championship, but some teams have already made a big impression. Leinster have started incredibly strongly with five wins from five games, and meet the Lions at home in their next fixture.
Can anyone stop Leinster from winning a record ninth championship? If you want to watch Leinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Leinster vs. Lions?Leinster vs. Lions starts at 5:15 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.
How to watch Leinster vs. Lions for freeLeinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.
TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but streamers can access this free platform from abroad with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on TVNZ+ from any location.
Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Live stream Leinster vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Leinster vs. Lions (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream the United Rugby Championship, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Leinster vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Sharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship for free on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There are some really interesting matchups in the next round of United Rugby Championship fixtures, including Sharks vs. Munster. Both sides have been inconsistent this season, so we're really not sure which way this one is going to go. Either way, it should be a lot of fun to watch.
If you want to watch Sharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Sharks vs. Munster?Sharks vs. Munster starts at 3 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Kings Park Stadium.
How to watch Sharks vs. Munster for freeSharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+.
RTÉ Player and TVNZ+ are geo-restricted to Ireland and New Zealand respectively, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland or New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+ from any location.
Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland or New Zealand
Visit RTÉ Player or TVNZ+
Live stream Sharks vs. Munster for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Sharks vs. Munster (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream the United Rugby Championship, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Ireland and New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Sharks vs. Munster for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The United Rugby Championship regularly throws together some really interesting matchups between evenly-matched teams. The Glasgow Warriors find themselves in third position in the early stages of the new season, but they've only won one more game than the Stormers in 12th place.
These two sides meet each other this weekend in South Africa. If you want to watch Stormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Stormers vs. Warriors?Stormers vs. Warriors starts at 12:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Danie Craven Stadium.
How to watch Stormers vs. Warriors for freeStormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.
TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on TVNZ+ from any location.
Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand
Visit TVNZ+
Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Stormers vs. Warriors (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to live stream the United Rugby Championship, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free on TV5Monde. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Derby du Nord is one of the biggest games in Ligue 1, and this year is extra special because Lens and Lille are level of points in the standings. We're expecting fireworks between these fierce rivals.
The great news for fans of French football is that it's possible to live stream select Ligue 1 fixtures without spending anything. With a simple hack, you can bypass geo-restrictions to access free live streams of top games from anywhere in the world.
If you want to watch Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Lens vs. Lille?Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
How to watch Lens vs. Lille for freeLens vs. Lille is available to live stream for free on TV5Monde.
TV5Monde is geo-restricted to Europe, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in France, meaning you can unblock TV5Monde to stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Lens vs. Lille for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in France
Sign in to TV5Monde
Watch Lens vs. Lille for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Ligue 1 action without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Lens vs. Lille (plus more Ligue 1 fixtures) before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for TV5Monde?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TV5Monde, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including France
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Saudi Pro League is the place to see the biggest stars shine bright. Neymar has been off that list for some time with a serious injury, but he's back to help Al Hilal secure another title.
Al Hilal might not actually need Neymar, because they're leading the Saudi Pro League with seven wins from seven games. Next up they face Al Taawon, currently placed in sixth position.
If you want to watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon?Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Kingdom Arena.
How to watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon for freeAl Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League is available to live stream for free on 10Play.
10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Saudi Pro League from anywhere in the world.
Access a free live stream of Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 10Play
Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Saudi Pro League fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 10Play?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 10Play, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free with ExpressVPN.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.
Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 21's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 26 What is Connections Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Pugilistic glossary
Green: OK players
Blue: Words before a word that rhymes with "not"
Purple: Among Billy Joel's many subjects
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow - Boxing terms
Green - Oklahoma QBs
Blue - ___ Shot
Purple - Athletes mentioned in "We Didn’t Start the Fire"
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #31 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayBoxing terms: HOOK, JAB, KNOCKDOWN, UPPERCUT
Oklahoma QBs: BRADFORD, HURTS, MAYFIELD, MURRAY
___ Shot: CHEAP, JUMP, LONG, SLAP
Athletes mentioned in "We Didn’t Start the Fire": CAMPANELLA, DIMAGGIO, MANTLE, MARCIANNO
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 26If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sing-songThese words are melodic.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words are types of songs that are sung.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is VocalMusic.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 26Aria
Lullaby
Spiritual
Jingle
Vocalmusic
Ballad
Shanty
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 26's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 26 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Cause a large amount of damage.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no reoccurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
WREAK.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 25Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 26's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Disarrange hair
Green: Long string of texts
Blue: Relaxing places to sit
Purple: Circular-shaped objects
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Fluster
Green: Series of Messages
Blue: Places to Lie/Sit That Move
Purple: Cylinder-Shaped Things
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #503 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayFluster: FAZE, RATTLE, RUFFLE, THROW
Series of Messages: CHAIN, CHAT, CONVERSATION, THREAD
Places to Lie/Sit That Move: CRADLE, HAMMOCK, ROCKER, SWING
Cylinder-Shaped Things: CAN, ROLLER, SILO, SPOOL
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 25Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
"You're not ugly; you're just not doing your makeup according to your facial contrast," starts one of the over 52,000 videos of women using the "What's your contrast" filter on TikTok.
SEE ALSO: 'Beetlejuice lips' TikTok trend celebrates the natural creases of your lipsThe latest trend in beauty filters plays on women's insecurities to sell products, encouraging users to classify their faces based on the contrast between their features. The filter turns your face black and white, providing a model that categorizes faces into high, medium, and low contrast types. However, the standard for comparison is rooted in Eurocentric beauty ideals, offering only three skin tone options: light, medium, and dark. It suggests that the darker your features appear against your skin, the higher contrast you should assign to yourself. Each contrast level is linked to a recommended makeup style — low contrast calls for subtler looks, while high contrast leans towards bolder, more striking makeup.
In a video that's been viewed over 5 million times, the creator of the filter, @alieenor, a French makeup artist, says, "As someone who had very low self-confidence, this is one of my missions on earth to help women be confident in themselves. Help them use makeup to their advantage and not work against them." She pitches contrast theory as a tool to liberate yourself from insecurity and finally feel beautiful.
Her logic, as with any TikTok beauty trend, harmfully conflates self-worth with appearance — and prizes White European beauty above all else.
She argues, "It's an important factor to know about yourself." And explains, "If you're high contrast…in order to have a balanced face, you should add some kind of intensity. If you don't, it's okay. You understand why you look washed out." She talks about how discovering contrast theory helped her realize, "This makeup is not for me, it's not because I'm not beautiful."
While @alieenor might have created the filter in good faith to help women feel confident, it engages in a dangerous ideology that empowers "feeling beautiful" at whatever cost. In recent years, the beauty industry cleverly rebranded beauty as a form of self care, giving us all the excuse of "it makes me feel good!"
SEE ALSO: Slugging, gua sha, rice water, and more: How stolen cultural beauty practices feed viral videosPositioning contrast theory as a quick fix for low self-confidence sends a particularly harmful message to teenage girls—especially in an environment where algorithms are known to exploit their insecurities. A 2021 CDC report found that one in five teen girls felt persistently sad and hopeless, a 21 percent increase since 2011.
Creator @alieenor's explanations of medium, low, and high contrast have garnered 11.7 million, 1.7 million, and 7.2 million views, respectively. Despite contrast theory’s popularity on the platform, it faces significant criticism.
"This is another bogus trend that only works for fair skin and I'm going to prove it to you guys by doing high contrast versus medium contrast makeup on brown skin," said Monika Ravinchandran, a beauty creator, in a video. She goes on to argue that sorting people with really dark skin as low contrast, invalidates "full glam Black girl makeup."
"There's a reason Desi bridal makeup and the UK Black girls all eat up full glam," continued Ravinchandran. "Brown skin slays in high contrast makeup. Darker skin absorbs more light, so we actually need more dimension and we can take more color." By dictating what type of makeup suits different skin tones, critics argue that the theory also implicitly dictates what doesn't suit certain skin tones — essentially labeling those choices as unattractive or undesirable.
In the long history of TikTok beauty trends, contrast theory is nothing new. It follows in the footsteps of color analysis, the eyebrow filter, and the perfect face ratio filter. It's high time body neutrality gets its viral filter moment. But a filter like that would struggle to break into TikTok’s algorithm — especially since it wouldn't drive product sales or allow creators to earn commissions from promoting beauty products.