I have a confession to make: I have the shortest lashes known to mankind. Well, maybe not, but I’m the kind of girl that needs to wear mascara just for them to show up and I dream of Latisse on a daily basis. While I have neither the skill nor the patience to put fake eyelashes on every day, I did buy my first tube of mascara at the age of 12.

Over the past six years, I’ve amassed enough tips and tricks to make even the stubbiest lashes look luxuriously long. Read on to learn how to get super long lashes yourself.

Step 1: Curl Your Lashes

Curling your lashes is the one thing that can completely brighten up your face in five seconds. I’ve been using the Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler ($19) since I was 16 and I absolutely love it. It’s a bit pricey, but this $19 investment will last you years. Before I clamp it on my lashes, I warm it up using my blowdryer for about three seconds. Think about it: You wouldn’t curl your hair with a cold iron, would you? The heat might feel a little foreign on your sensitive eyelids, but trust me, this small step makes all the difference and your lashes will stay curled all day.

Note: Some girls SWEAR by applying a coat of primer and then curling your lashes. While I don’t particularly think think this makes a difference, it might just be the trick for you!

Step 2: Primer

I think that mascara primer is seriously underrated. Whether you buy it on its own or it comes as an attachment with your usual mascara, this step is KEY. My personal favorite is the primer that comes with Maybelline XXL Volume + Length (about $7.) After curling my lashes, I apply a thick coat of it. I like to let it dry while brushing my teeth/changing the song on my iPod/scrambling for my Comm notes. Don’t forget you have it on! I’ve made the unfortunate mistake of leaving my room for the day with white lashes. That is a beauty statement that I’m not prepared to make!

Step 3: Mascara

Once your primer is dry, it’s finally time for the main event: Mascara! If you used a primer + mascara combination, then I’d suggest using the mascara side for your first coat. If not, some of my favorite mascaras include DiorShow Black Out ($24,) Maybelline Define-A-Lash ($7.49) and L’Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara (about $15). Start by getting the wand as close to the base of your lash line, and then make a zig-zag motion with your hand as you move the mascara till the tips of your lashes. This allows all of the mascara on the wand to spread evenly and prevents clumps from forming. I also never put anything on my lower lashes because 1, it makes my eyes look smaller and 2, I inadvertently rub it off sometime during the day and end up looking like a raccoon. Also, some makeup artists recommend bending the brush 30 degrees in order to reach more lashes, but I’ve found that it doesn’t really make much of a difference for me.

Step 4: Separate ‘Em

For this step, I like using a wand from an old mascara that I’ve cleaned and washed. While lashes are still wet, I run this clean brush from base to tip (again, in a zig-zag fashion) in order to de-clump and separate lashes. This is especially great if you have an older mascara but don’t have the time or resources to go out and buy a new tube!

Once you’ve completed Steps 1-4, repeat steps 3 & 4 till you’re satisfied with your results. I like to layer different types of mascara for each coat to promise the longest/fullest/most voluminous lashes possible. Usually, two coats are enough for class, while I put on four or five before I go out at night. Whether I just want to look more put-together in class or more doe-eyed for a night out, longer lashes are always key when making me feel more confident.

What do you guys think?

Do you have any other tips for long lashes? Tell me in the comments!

Hey guys! I’m Elizabeth from the University of Missouri and I’m your new beauty columnist! I’m obsessed with everything beauty related from volumizing shampoo to coral toenail polish. When I’m not trying the 78th newest mascara on the market, I’m working out, watching the Real Housewives or jamming to Lil Wayne in the car.

You’ve undoubtedly seen the infomercial at 2 in the morning that features girls of different hair types all rocking the same voluminous bump in the back of their hair.

The premise is great: a fuller head of hair without the pain or breakage that comes with teasing hair. After all, who doesn’t want to look like Brigitte Bardot in five minutes? On the other hand, is this look too much for real life? I’m not sure how I really feel about girls with four-inch high hair during 8 AM Psychology 101.

Of course, as with all as-seen-on-TV products, I was always skeptical as to whether Bump-Its actually worked. This year, my Halloween costume required the inserts and I bought myself a pack at Walmart.

My Results:

What I Loved About Them:

The packaging:
Bump-Its come in a pink and black box that also has an easy to follow instruction pamphlet and a teasing comb. The packaging is cute and I liked the fact that they included a comb.

Their staying power:
Since I have dark brown hair, I bought the black Bump-Its, which never showed through my hair. After minimal teasing, a lot of extra-hold hairspray and a dozen bobby pins, my hair stayed put all night long, even after an extreme Backstreet Boys dance party and two rounds of karaoke.

What I Wasn’t Sold On:

The look:
I have a lot of long, thick hair, which made wearing a Bump-It easy. But my roommate, who has medium-length fine blonde hair, looked ridiculous with one in her hair. If you have hair like hers, I’m not sure if this would work without a lot of teasing. And if you’re going to tease your hair anyway, you probably don’t need a Bump-It for volume.

The shape:
The kit comes with three different bumps: a small one the size of a pink pearl eraser that’s supposed to be for bangs, a medium one that’s six inches long and 3/4 of an inch high and a larger one that’s five inches long and an inch and a half high. Basically, when I put the largest one in, I looked like a cone-head. Not so cute.

My Verdict:

Although the Bump-It might work for some girls with the right hair type and head shape, they didn’t work for me. I think the look is much too extreme for daytime but could work with an up-do. But for now, my Bump-Its are staying put in the back of my dresser.

What do you guys think? Would you try a Bump-It? Let me know with a comment.

Here are 5 simple and chic tips for changing up your short hair on a day-to-day basis!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3.

1. Go curly! If you have slightly longer short hair (say, a bob), don’t be afraid to use a curling iron or some rollers to get cute curls! Kirsten Dunst (far right picture above) looks so gorgeous with her blonde curly bob! I use a curling iron to give my short hair a little flip sometimes, or even just to add some texture for a night out.

2. Don’t be afraid of texture. Pomade and hairspray are a short-haired girl’s best friends! Every day, I use a straightener on my bangs and then some strong hold pomade to give my hair a messy texture – it can switch your hair from a “regular” look to a rocker chic look in just one step!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3.

3. Spike it. One of the greatest things about having a true pixie cut is the ability to play with the height of your hair. Spikes can look cute and feminine when you have the right cut. Just be careful not to overdo it – less is more when it comes to spikes!

4. Use barrettes.  One of my favorite things to do on a daily basis is to pin my bangs to the side. I use brightly colored barrettes that you can buy cheaply at any drug store. If you want to go the DIY route, you could also decorate your own plain colored barrettes or safety pins with some cute buttons and hot glue!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3.

5. Implement headgear! Hair accessories are fabulous for short-haired girls. I wear headbands, hats, and headscarves all the time! And seriously, how chic does Victoria Beckham look with that headband above!? Headgear is one of the best ways to switch up your short hair day-to-day — or to keep you from going crazy while growing it out.

What do you think?

Do you have short hair? If you do, what do you do on a daily basis to keep your look exciting? What are your favorite short hairstyles? Let us know in the comments!

Today we’re going to talk about Blair, Vanessa, and Georgina’s looks. Check back soon for the next article in this series, which will focus on how to achieve Serena and Jenny’s looks.

Blair Waldorf:

Last year Zephyr wrote a great piece on copying Blair’s style with excellent pointers on her hairstyle, too, so here are the pointers for how to achieve her signature beauty look.

For makeup, start with a light coverage foundation. Blair’s skin is flawless (I’m totally jealous), so you’ll want to make sure skin is plenty moisturized before applying. I’m hearing rave reviews about the dreamy smoothness of Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation.

Next, take a shimmery bronzer and dust it over your entire face to get a little bit of sparkle. Use it a bit more heavily underneath your cheekbones to give them shadowing and definition. I think Too Faced Mini Pink Leopard Bronzing Powder has a nice mix of shimmer and color.

The rest of Blair’s daytime makeup look is polished with a glossy lip. For eyes, use a light taupe/golden eyeshadow on lids and blend a darker brown shadow in your creases. Line your eyes with a brown or gray eye pencil, and finish by curling your lashes and adding a light coat of mascara. For her lips, pick a really shiny gloss–I like Clinique’s Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine.

If you’re going after Blair’s evening makeup, all you’ll need to modify in the steps above is that you’ll use a darker base shadow–like a dark gray–and then blend a black shadow (either sparkly or matte, your choice!) into the creases of her eyes. Layer on the mascara more heavily, and take a shimmery white shadow and highlight under your eyebrows and in the inner corners of your eye.

You’ll be glammed up for the most exclusive social event of the year!

Vanessa Abrams:

If boho-chic is more your style, this is a perfect Halloween look for you! Vanessa’s fashion choices are all about being funky and original, and so is her beauty look.

For her hair, I’d recommend washing your hair the night before and sleeping in rollers like these twisty fabric ones. Towel dry hair after your shower, work in some anti-frizz and shine serum and then some mousse for hold, and then twist hair around these fabric rollers and snap the ends together. These are way more comfortable than sleeping on foam rollers, and they will give you that tight curl that Vanessa has! You could also do it with a 1/2″ barrel curling iron, but that would tire my arm out!! She usually wears her hair with a middle part, but has also worn it with a super cute bright flower pin holding it back behind her ear.

For her makeup,Vanessa loves to define her eyes with black liner on top and bottom–a little heavier on the top lid. The rest of her look is super clean and natural: stick with clean skin and a nude lip to complete her look.

To get her dewy glow, try dotting a teensy bit of Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream onto the tops of your cheekbones and blend out towards your temples. To get her totally natural lipcolor, try Urban Decay lipstick in Naked.

Don’t forget about her chunky accessories! Chandelier earrings and big bangles are Vanessa’s signature staples, and add to her glam factor.

Georgina Sparks:

If you wear lots of black or love to channel your inner rocker, Georgina’s look would be a perfect costume for you. Everything about her style is intentional and severe, which makes it stand out.

After you’ve mastered her wardrobe, try these makeup tips: start by using concealer like Laura Mercier’s Secret Concealer to totally even out your skintone. Then, define your eyes with a deep black liner, making it darker if you’re going to be “bad-gal” Georgina. Urban Decay Ink For Eyes has that super dark and rich texture that Georgina uses. Next, sweep a matte raisin-colored blush across your cheekbones,  and finish with a neutral lipstick.

To finish off your Georgina look with her hair, start by plugging in your hot rollers before you jump in the shower. When you get out, blow dry hair straight, using a round brush or paddle brush while pointing your hairdryer down the hair shaft to keep hair from getting frizzy.  Once your hair is dry, set hair using hot rollers, and do your makeup. Once you are almost ready to go and the rollers have cooled, take them out and spritz hair with hairspray. Part in the middle, throw on your darkest sunglasses, and you’re ready to go!

What do you think?

Don’t miss the next article in this series which will focus on Serena’s and Jenny’s beauty looks and how you can dress as them for Halloween!

In the meantime, what are you going to be this Halloween? Have you ever dressed up as one of the Gossip Girls? What kind of makeup and hair suggestions do you need? Tell us in the comments!

I’m no expert when it comes to hair, but I’ve slowly discovered throughout the years that a signature hairstyle – whether it’s a bob à la Anna Wintour or fringe à la Goldie Hawn can define an individual’s look.

I’ve gone through a multitude of bad hairstyles and traumatic experiences with hairstylists — from bowl cuts to peroxide-blonde highlights — and I’ve yet to find a “signature” look for myself.

After attending a panel discussion at Barnard College called “Just Hair? Women, Politics, Passion and Fashion” with Ayana Byrd (author of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America), Atoosa Rubenstein (one of my childhood heroes and former editor-in-chief of Seventeen), and Anne Kreamer (author of Going Gray: What I learned About Beauty, Sex, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Really Matters), I learned about the gravity and significance of hair in the lives of women. From being forced to straighten our curls to be fit for a job interview to dyeing our beautiful silver locks to look “more attractive”, our society agonizes over hair and spends billions of dollars on it every year.

So, hair is a serious topic. (During Atoosa’s reign at Seventeen, the hair section was the second-highest rated in the magazine!) And a “signature” hairstyle can say a lot about who you are or who you want to be.

The following five well-tressed figures are known not only for their respective talents, but also for their signature hairstyles.

1. Anna Wintour: The Power Bob

Photo Credit: 1

As the most powerful figure in the fashion industry (and quite frankly, the world), Anna Wintour forces us to acknowledge her sharp personality by complementing it with a short bob by hairdresser Charlie Chan. She has maintained this hairstyle for as long as anyone can remember, and it works well for her pointed, angular facial features.

Should you get a short bob? If you have a slim and long face, a short bob can add width to your face. Long hair can drag down your face, so opting for a shorter hairstyle (especially with bangs) can bring the focus back to the best features on your face!

2. Brigitte Bardot: The Messed Tresses

Photo Credit: 1

Brigitte Bardot was every teenage boy’s fantasy in the 1960s — and for good reason. Playboy Bunnies nowadays could learn a thing from this international sex bomb. She mastered the messy down and taught us that beautiful, sexy hair didn’t have to brushed or maintained in uptight curls. In fact, Bardot’s voluminous curls define what I like to call “sex hair”. Before there was Megan Fox, there was this bright-eyed doll.

Should you get sex-mess curls? If you have a round face, soft low-maintenance curls that fall around your face in cascades can soften the roundness. Always get long hair!

3. Farrah Fawcett: Lion-Haired

Photo Credit: 1

One of the original Charlie’s Angels, Farrah Fawcett’s feathered look complemented her golden locks and strong personality — a strength that she carried with her throughout her battle with cancer. Windswept hair in multiple layers creates a fierce and natural look for any hair color.

Should you get feathered layers? If you have a square face with sharp angles, a wispy feathered hairstyle can soften a strong jaw or chin.

4. Jennifer Aniston: The “Rachel” Cut

Ah yes, the hairstyle that defined a career and an entire decade: Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” cut from Friends. I might have been in middle school when this show ran, but I definitely remember sneaking glances at the episodes when my parents weren’t looking (I wasn’t allowed to watch the show until high school). The “Rachel” was short, sexy, and spunky — and women across the United States wanted to copy Aniston’s hairstyle back in the 1990s.

Should you get the “Rachel”? Well, to be honest, this is a trend from the 1990s, but trends come and go — so if you have an oval face, the soft frames of the “Rachel” can add volume in a low-maintenance way.

5. Twiggy: The Pixie Cut

Photo Credit: 1

Before Victoria Beckham and Halle Berry’s beautiful pixie cuts, there was doe-eyed supermodel Twiggy’s original pixie cut. She defied convention and the constraints of femininity by creating a new definition of womanhood for herself — by maintaining an androgynous young girl look.

Should you get a pixie cut? If you have a delicate or defined bone structure, a pixie cut could highlight these features. Just remember, a trade-off to the easy upkeep is the fact that a pixie cut hides nothing!

What do you think?

What are your favorite celebrity hairstyles? Would you try any of these?

Here are some of the tricks I’ve learned over my college transition to keep hair looking fab, no matter the weather.

Photo: JustJared

1. Let gravity work for you: There have always been general rules about thick haircuts versus thin haircuts–if your hair is thick, get lots of layers so you’ve got some movement and so that it doesn’t feel as heavy. If you’ve got thin hair, keep it closer to one-length so that your hair looks fuller. However, these rules can cause problems in humid areas.

• If the weather in your area is wetter, keep your layers long–short layers are more likely to become flyaways. If it’s a particularly wet place, keep hair at all one length so that the weight of the hair will help keep frizz and puffiness under control.
• If you’ve got a super-thick mane, tell your stylist to thin hair out underneath and closer to the ends.

2. Learn the lingo: Have you heard of humectant styling products? What about humidity resistance? There are certain words to look for on your products that are especially suited to challenging climates. A humectant is a product that will pull in moisture from the air and embed it in your hair strands. These are great for gals in dry climates. Try Suave Humectant Conditioner. An anti-humectant, conversely, will block moisture from affecting your hairstyle. This is ideal for curly gals, or people who live in humid areas. Aveda makes a nice anti-humectant product. You can also try humidity-resistance hairsprays like Sunsilk Hold Me Forever, although I find that too much of this kind of spray can make hair look crunchy (not cute!!).

• Thin-haired gals, take note: too many products will make your hair look limp and sad. Try a lightweight serum like got2B Smooth Operator Smoothing Satin Drops, and maybe work a small amount of mousse into your roots for some volume, but stay away from gels, pomades, or heavy cremes.

3. Change up your routine: Winter means dry skin and a dry scalp for me, no matter the climate, so I make sure to change up my shampoo and conditioner to suit the season, too. In winter, I switch to a moisturizing shampoo with tea tree oil, like Nature’s Gate Tea Tree Calming Shampoo, or just to Head and Shoulders for a few weeks if my scalp starts to get itchy. Fittingly, you’ll probably want to work an extra-heavy moisturizer into your ends during the winter as well. My favorite mask is the Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco masque, but I’ve also heard great things about using Vo5 Hot Oil treatments on your ends.

• Added bonus: gentle shampoos and rich conditioners will help keep your hair healthy and prevent those dreaded split-ends!

4. Fight static: My nemesis during the super dry winter months in Colorado was static. You’d be going from indoor dry heat to a dry cold and back to heat again – static-y hair was practically inevitable. If you’ve changed up your routine to include more nourishing, moisturizing products and are still experiencing static and flyaways, keep a travel-size hairspray and a dryer sheet in your purse. Rubbing a dryer sheet (lightly!) over static hair will help to balance out the electric charges in the air, and a quick fix spritz of hairspray will help put your hair back in its style.

5. Don’t fight nature: Even with the best hair products in the world, curly girls are going to have a tough time, no matter what, trying to straighten their hair during a monsoon. (Straight-haired gals are going to have trouble holding curls in humidity, too.) So go easy on your hair follicles and consider embracing your natural hair texture during extreme weather–everyone looks like a wet dog sometimes!!

Photo: IMDB

What are your favorite tips for fabulous hair in humidity? What kind of climate do you live in? Tell us in the comments!

Hollywood’s French Braid Trend: How it Started:

It all began as a simple trick for keeping her bangs and shorter layers out of her face. Lauren Conrad worked a simple braid into her long blonde hair, usually tucked behind her ear or pinned back with some bobby pins.

Photo Credit

Then, her braid evolved into a mini french braid that swooped down the side of her face. Pulling in different sections of hair gave the style a little bit more interest, and showed off her golden highlights.

Photo Credit

Suddenly, braid mania hit Hollywood. Everyone was wearing this front french braid, even to sophisticated evenings like red carpet events! As the love of braiding spread, stylists got more creative. Some, like Leighton Meester’s hairstylist on the set of Gossip Girl, gave the braid a bit of a twist into the back, so it snaked across the back of her head.

Photo Credit

Now, the hairstyle has totally hit the mainstream! One location where I’ve seen the side french braid all over the place? The GYM! In two volleyball tournaments in the past two weekends, I saw the newest trick, the french braided ponytail, on members of 8 different teams!

It’s totally athletic-chic–you’ve got to try it yourself!

Photo Credit: Haley Vecchiarelli

To get this look:

• Grab a small section of hair right in the top center of your part, like you’re starting a normal french braid. If you don’t know how to french braid, here’s a great guide to get you started.
• As you french braid (which means pulling in additional sections of hair to add to the three main “parts” that you’re braiding as you go to create a weaved look), pull in medium-sized new sections of hair near your face/hairline, and on the other side pull smaller, loose pieces from the back of your head (this is what will make it snake down the side of your face instead of going straight backwards).
• Make sure that you keep the side of the braid close to your face pulled very tight! If you don’t, it won’t stay secure and keep its distinctive shape as you go. If this part is problematic, you can adjust by only working in face-framing hair into the braid (and not adding any hair from the top/back side of your hair instead). This will give the braid a defined, almost 3-D feeling because of its strongly defined edge.
• Once you run out of face-framing hair pieces to pull into your braid, you can either turn it into a regular french braid, a regular braid, or pull it back into a ponytail/messy bun. It’s a super versatile hairstyle.

This braiding strategy can give you all kinds of awesome looks. If you pull all your hair back into a ponytail, it will keep bangs out of your face for any sort of athletic activities. However, if you want a more girly, romantic look, try a messy bun like this one:

Photo Credit

Isn’t that fabulous? Totally soft and gorgeous. (And I love how the braid accentuates her highlights!)

Will you try this trend?

How do you wear your hair? Do you ever french-braid it? What’s your favorite way to wear it? Tell us in the comments!

Here in NYC the city is abuzz with Fashion Week mania! Hipster-favorite Erin Wasson showed her Erin Wasson x RVCA collection this past week, and the fashion totally reminded me of what I see in my classes all the time. However, the makeup is what really caught my attention. Check out Marina’s eye makeup here–she’s rocking a smoky eye on the bottom, and a more neutral lid on the top!

To get this look: First, apply an eye primer on your lid and under your lower lashes like this cult fave from Urban Decay.  Then, line top and bottom with a black eyeliner pencil. Next, use a slanted brush to apply a deep dark grayish black shadow like Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Black Flame right on top of your lower liner. Be liberal with it, but clean up any stray powder so it doesn’t look sloppy. Dust over your entire lid with a matte eyeshadow in taupe or brown like Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Rich Sable, and finish the look with quick swipes of mascara on your upper and lower lashes.

Photo Credit: Style.com

This look seems like it’s almost ironic–it reminds me of the way that college students usually look: hip, but a little bit droopy eyed. 20-somethings could have been Wasson’s inspiration, since Mary Kate Olsen has been spotted rocking a similar makeup style on the red carpet.

So what do you think? Would you wear a reverse smoky eye? Have you been following the Fashion Week beauty trends? Tell us in the comments!

We all know that the way you dress can show off who you are, but far too often, the way you smell is only an afterthought.

But think about this: smell is the strongest sense tied to memory! The way you smell can say just as much about you as the way you dress, and you should pay just as much attention to it as you do your wardrobe.

So, play around with fragrance–find your signature scent!

I realize perfume can get pretty pricey, and all of these perfumes may not fit into your college budget, but there are always lots inexpensive alternatives at stores like Victoria’s Secret or Bath & Body Works. You can also invest in a sample size, body mist, or lotion of your favorite scent to save money! If all else fails, save a place for perfume on your holiday wish list!

These are my top 5 fragrance picks for some of the fun scenarios you’ll encounter on campus.

Scenario 1: Big Presentation

Desire: Confidence, intelligence, and some good luck!

Scent: Sophisticated.

Try: Ralph Lauren Romance.

Ralph Lauren Romance is the ultimate in sophistication and class. The scent is clean, timeless, and beautiful.

If you’re trying to project a stylish, refined vibe, go for Romance. It’s a floral fragrance that features rose, white violet, day lilly, patchouli, and ginger, just to name a few notes. Liquid classiness, Romance will give you all the confidence you desire.

Get Yours: Ralph Lauren Romance is available at Nordstrom.

Scenario 2: Date

Desire: Attractive, confident, sweet.

Scent: Confectionery.

Try: Aquolina Pink Sugar.

Studies show that guys love the scent of vanilla. My studies show that college guys love the smell of Pink Sugar.

If you haven’t tried Aquolina Pink Sugar, now is the time! It’s a sultry-sweet scent that smells just like fresh-spun cotton candy and vanilla. I use Pink Sugar hair perfume, and have recommended the fragrance to friends, and we’ve all gotten rave reviews from the boys. They love it.

Pink Sugar is definitely sweet, (and because of this, probably not something you’ll want to wear every day) but it’s perfect for that fraternity formal or hot date with your special someone!

Get Yours: Aquolina Pink Sugar is available at Sephora.

Scenario 3: Finals Week

Desire: Knowledge, memory, calm.

Scent: Fresh, but subtle.

Try: Zents Petal Eau De Toilette.

Zents fragrances are special, but subtle. They use natural ingredients like shea butter and essential oils to create a thereputic experience through their scents, all of which can be layered for unique “custom blends.”

Zents are perfect for those of you who usually don’t wear perfume, or are sensitive to scent–they were created to be gentle, and are loved by those who are usually very sensitive to fragrance! I know this to be true–my dad is extremely scent-sensitive, and my mom and I both wear Zents’ Sun perfume without complaint from him!

I picked Petal for finals, but Zents Eau De Toilettes come in ten different fragrances, all of which would be perfect alone or in combination for a spritz on the wrist before that final exam.

Get Yours: Zents Petal Eau De Toilette is available at Zents.com.

Scenario 4: House Party

Desire: Casual, cute, fun.

Scent: Fruity.

Try: Live Luxe Jennifer Lopez.

I know what you’re thinking: Celebrity perfume? Psh! No way. I thought the same thing, until a friend gave me a bottle of Live Luxe by J.Lo for Christmas last year.

Not only is the bottle totally adorable on my desk, this perfume actually smells great. It’s the definition of flirty and fruity with notes such as pear, melon, honeysuckle, peach, and freesia, but it doesn’t smell juvenile, or overly-sweet. Live Luxe is a perfect, light scent for any casual occasion where you just want to have fun and smell good! Great for party nights.

Get Yours: Live Luxe by J.Lo is available on Amazon.

Scenario 5: Lazy Sunday

Desire: Relax, chill, lounge.

Scent: Soft floral.

Try: Philosophy Pure Grace.

Pure Grace is actually the softer little sister of Philosophy’s best-selling Amazing Grace fragrance. A subtle, calming scent, Pure Grace is great for those lazy, lounging, homework Sundays when you’ve got nothing major going on.

The notes of the fragrance, bergamot, water lily, lavender, jasmine, cool greens, and musk, mix seamlessly together to create a scent that’s comforting and fresh. It’s hard to pick out any of the notes specifically, because Pure Grace is such a nice, soft blend. If you want something pure and simple, pick Pure Grace for those Sunday afternoons.

Get Yours: Philosophy Pure Grace is available at Sephora.

What are your thoughts about scent?

Do you girls have a signature perfume that you ALWAYS wear, or do you like to switch it up? What’s your favorite scent? When do you wear perfume? Let us know in the comments!

It’s football season! For many college students, this is the best part of coming back to school (it sure is for me)!

If you’ve never been to a game or have had trouble maintaining your super cute look at the stadium, here is your guide to game day beauty essentials to make it a fun (and fashionable) experience for you!

Pre-game Beauty Tips:

• Pick makeup that will stay with you all day. For me, that means a moisturizer with SPF and lip and cheek stains. Stains are key, since powders and creams don’t tend to stand up well to sweat/wind/rain. For your face, I like to use Juice Beauty Tinted Mineral Moisturizers since they come with SPF and can even out your skintone. For lips, try Benefit’s Benetint, and for cheeks, blend on one of the Tarte natural cheek stains!
• For eyes, curl your eyelashes and go with a few layers of your favorite waterproof mascara—a minimal routine, but guaranteed to stay with you for the whole day. Choose a mascara that doesn’t get flaky, otherwise you’ll have raccoon eyes by the 3rd quarter. My favorites are Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash (note: not waterproof) and Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara.
• Hair help: Since you’re preparing for anything, I prefer to keep hair at least half up. That way, you don’t have to worry about knots in your hair from wind, or looking like a wet puppy if it rains. Try a half up ponytail, a French braid, or pigtails—this is one of the last times in your life when you can get away with some of these fun schoolgirl hairstyles!
• Have some school spirit! Temporary tattoos, glitter, face paint, and faux “eye black” (that reflective paint that players put underneath their eyes) are totally appropriate for this! I never go to a game without wearing either my Too Faced Starry Eyed Liner or a ribbon in my hair—I’m superstitious and those are my good luck accessories!

Gametime Gear:

• Team colors! You will definitely look like a football newbie if you show up to a game in the wrong colors. You can still be fashionable and have school spirit at the same time. For a guide to what clothing to bring, check out Megan’s take on seasonally-appropriate football attire.
• Supplies: Come prepared! Bring an oversized tote bag or purse–one large enough to stash your chapstick, hairties, and sunglasses, but also your hoodie and your poncho. Do as much as you can to ensure that you’ll be comfortable at the game, no matter the forecast.
• If your stadium allows, take an empty water bottle to fill up at the game to save money and stay hydrated! Stadium food is ridiculously overpriced, so I’m always looking for ways to keep from spending too much.

Are you a football fan? Does your school have a football team? What are your gameday essentials? Share your thoughts!