Denim: an innately versatile and timeless fabric, dominating dress codes of runways and street-style stars of decades. Its sheer wearability makes denim a trusty, fail-safe item to return to when in sartorial doubt, from jeans to denim shorts and jumpsuits, a fabric unanimously worn and loved by people with a multitude of styles. The jean jacket is a closet essential which channels authenticity and laid-back coolness – you can’t beat a classic like the jean jacket, but if you’re looking to add a touch of individuality to your doom look, you can add some cool customized detailing by painting your denim. 

Painted jean jackets revive the individuality and authenticity of denim, breaking away from traditional jean styles by celebrating the one-of-a-kind artistry of self-painted denim. From beautiful prints to bold, playful illustrations and slogans, painted jean jackets channel vintage and nostalgic 90s vibes, that perfect extra layer for cooler summer days. 

Whether you're totally obsessed with astrology or are just curious about the power of the planets and your zodiac sign, it doesn't hurt to check in on current astrological ongoings for a bit of ~insight~ into your life. Here's what the week ahead has in store for your sign — you just might find some valuable intel on everything from elevating your daily grind or hitting your boldest goals (@Leo, you’ll be better able to visualize and share your wildest dreams!), to making the most of your relationship. Read on for what to expect this week and if you know your rising sign/ascendant, you're going to want to take that in, too. 

Aries 

From Wednesday to July 7, Mercury moves forward in your romance zone, fueling your self-expression and flirtation game. If you’ve been wanting to share what’s in your heart with a potential S.O. or bae, you’ll be able to approach it with even more confidence now. If you’ve been wanting to indulge in a sexy text marathon, the vibe is right for that too. On Thursday, the moon pairs up with Uranus in your money zone, and you could be inspired to make a sudden change related to your hustle. You can totally trust your gut on this one. 

Taurus 

If you’re feeling less than confident when it comes to a creative project for a class or work on Monday, blame Venus in your money zone squaring off against Neptune in your networking zone. Sticking to the facts and leaning into collaboration with classmates or colleagues can help you get through this rough spot. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your sign, spurring you to make a sudden decision related to a personal goal. You’ll feel dead-set on acting independently and chasing your dreams right now. You can—and should!—100% own that. 

Gemini

On Monday, Venus in your sign squares off against Neptune in your career zone, stirring up confusion around conversations and projects related to school or work. You might even be beating yourself up a bit mentally, worrying that you’re going to disappoint your professors or higher-ups on the job. Take heart: This is just a confusing, hazy moment, and once the dust settles, you’ll get the job done. Then, from Wednesday to July 7, Mercury moves forward in your communication zone, taking your already out-of-control social life to the next level. Prioritizing all those parties, networking events, and other hangs can help you preempt burnout. 

Cancer 

Researching a new side hustle or having big convos that help you bring in extra cash can come even more naturally once Mercury moves forward through your money zone from Wednesday to July 7. You’ll be putting your financial goals into words in a way that can make your vision become reality. On Sunday, the moon in your spirituality zone squares off against Neptune in your higher learning zone, and you might be questioning how you really feel about your current academic track. The catch: You might not fully trust how you’re feeling, because it’s hard to get a grip on reality right now. Trust that in time, you’ll have more clarity.

Leo 

On Wednesday, you can look forward to a burst of confidence around sharing your biggest, boldest aspirations and being able to articulate your wildest dreams, because Mercury will move forward in your sign until July 7. You’ll be even more likely to have deep, meaningful conversations with your classmates, colleagues, and BFFs about the subjects that matter most to you. You can use this energy to manifest sweet collabs that you’re truly invested in. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your career zone, which could set the stage for a surprise, a twist in the road you weren’t anticipating, related to school or work. Embracing change sets you up for success now.     

Virgo 

You could be in your feelings and interested in journaling, meditating, or just carving out more solo time after Wednesday, thanks to Mercury moving forward through your spirituality zone until July 7. You’ll be drawn to planning versus acting, self-reflection and opportunities to express your emotions creatively. All of these practices can help you set intentions around your personal goals. Then, on Friday, the moon in your adventure zone harmonizes with Saturn in your romance zone, you’ll be all about making a serious plan—to have fun and get out of your comfort zone with BFFs and/or bae. Think staying in to experiment in the kitchen with an exotic recipe or heading out on an impromptu road trip.

Libra

Brainstorming colorful, exciting ideas with your friends, classmates, and co-workers comes even more naturally while Mercury moves forward through your networking zone from Wednesday to July 7. You’ll be on a roll when it comes to landing on interesting, engaging group projects. And stimulating collabs with others get you thinking about your long-term wishes and goals. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your intimacy zone, which could have you craving change in your closest relationships. Speaking up about what you want now is a must for your emotional well-being.

Scorpio

When Venus in your intimacy zone squares off against Neptune in your romance zone on Monday, you could have a tough time pinpointing the actual status of your current relationship situation. You may be more apt to idealize a partner or freak that your potential bae is ghosting or checked out emotionally. Wait until this truth-blurring moment has passed—and you have more info—before you worry too much. Then, from Wednesday until July 7, Mercury moves forward in your career zone, making it easier for you to approach a professor or boss and have a productive conversation about your long-term goals. Speaking your mind with confidence and focus can land you in the spotlight. 

Sagittarius 

You’ll be drawn to deep, philosophical conversations and researching your options when it comes to honing your current skill set and taking your academic career to the next level, given Mercury’s forward movement through your higher education zone from Wednesday to July 7. Embracing your urges to learn more and enjoy new experiences can be especially fulfilling in this moment. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your health zone, inspiring you to switch things up with your fitness plan. You may want to check out a new meditation app or trying a different yoga studio. Your gut can inform the right move. 

Capricorn 

You’ll be able to express your deepest feelings in a more sensitive way and tune into your intuition even more than usual while Mercury moves through your intimacy zone from Wednesday to July 7. For that reason, you’ll do well to have that major heart-to-heart with a best friend or partner. You can reach a mutual understanding and find a healing path forward. On Friday, the moon in your creativity zone harmonizes with Saturn in your sign, and you’ll be psyched to get to work on a passion project. As long as your heart is in it, it won’t even feel like you’re working, and you’re sure to impress others with your focus and determination.  

Aquarius 

You could be torn between the activities you want to do and what you feel like you need to do on Tuesday when the moon in your communication zone squares off against the sun in your daily routine zone. Instead of relying on outside sources to lead the way, trust yourself—you know exactly how you should proceed. You’ll be fired up to hit joint goals with your partner or BFF while Mercury moves through your partnership zone from Wednesday to July 7. Put your heads together to figure out the best game plan, and then, get on it. You’ll find you’re stronger working together than apart. 

Pisces

You might find it hard to see the truth underlying a conflict with loved ones, friends, or your roomie on Monday when Venus in your home zone clashes with Neptune in your sign. Confusion reigns supreme right now, so wait until you have more clarity before drawing conclusions. Then, getting on track with your fitness plan and other health care could very well be on your mind while Mercury moves forward in your health zone from Wednesday to July 7. Dive into researching your best action plan, experiment with different stress management techniques, and make any appointments you’ve been putting off. You’ll be busy but psyched to be learning more about how to take better care of yourself. 

Over the weekend, Her Campus wrapped its 8th annual Her Conference in NYC, and truthfully I'm feeling more empowered than ever to get it done. All of this newfound career inspo courtesy is courtsey of keynote speakers  Michelle Carter, Cara Santana, Amber Tamblyn, and Jessica Marie Garcia. Here, the most inspiring quotes from their speeches that will get you revamping your resume, putting on your pink power suit and spreading all things girl power. 

Whether you're totally obsessed with astrology or are just curious about the power of the planets and your zodiac sign, it doesn't hurt to check in on current astrological ongoings for a bit of ~insight~ into your life. Here's what the week ahead has in store for your sign — you just might find some valuable intel on everything from elevating your daily grind or hitting your boldest goals (@Leo, you’ll be better able to visualize and share your wildest dreams!), to making the most of your relationship. Read on for what to expect this week and if you know your rising sign/ascendant, you're going to want to take that in, too. 

Aries

From Wednesday to July 7, Mercury moves forward in your romance zone, fueling your self-expression and flirtation game. If you’ve been wanting to share what’s in your heart with a potential S.O. or bae, you’ll be able to approach it with even more confidence now. If you’ve been wanting to indulge in a sexy text marathon, the vibe is right for that too. On Thursday, the moon pairs up with Uranus in your money zone, and you could be inspired to make a sudden change related to your hustle. You can totally trust your gut on this one. 

Taurus

If you’re feeling less than confident when it comes to a creative project for a class or work on Monday, blame Venus in your money zone squaring off against Neptune in your networking zone. Sticking to the facts and leaning into collaboration with classmates or colleagues can help you get through this rough spot. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your sign, spurring you to make a sudden decision related to a personal goal. You’ll feel dead-set on acting independently and chasing your dreams right now. You can—and should!—100% own that. 

Gemini

On Monday, Venus in your sign squares off against Neptune in your career zone, stirring up confusion around conversations and projects related to school or work. You might even be beating yourself up a bit mentally, worrying that you’re going to disappoint your professors or higher-ups on the job. Take heart: This is just a confusing, hazy moment, and once the dust settles, you’ll get the job done. Then, from Wednesday to July 7, Mercury moves forward in your communication zone, taking your already out-of-control social life to the next level. Prioritizing all those parties, networking events, and other hangs can help you preempt burnout. 

Cancer

Researching a new side hustle or having big convos that help you bring in extra cash can come even more naturally once Mercury moves forward through your money zone from Wednesday to July 7. You’ll be putting your financial goals into words in a way that can make your vision become reality. On Sunday, the moon in your spirituality zone squares off against Neptune in your higher learning zone, and you might be questioning how you really feel about your current academic track. The catch: You might not fully trust how you’re feeling, because it’s hard to get a grip on reality right now. Trust that in time, you’ll have more clarity.

Leo

On Wednesday, you can look forward to a burst of confidence around sharing your biggest, boldest aspirations and being able to articulate your wildest dreams, because Mercury will move forward in your sign until July 7. You’ll be even more likely to have deep, meaningful conversations with your classmates, colleagues, and BFFs about the subjects that matter most to you. You can use this energy to manifest sweet collabs that you’re truly invested in. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your career zone, which could set the stage for a surprise, a twist in the road you weren’t anticipating, related to school or work. Embracing change sets you up for success now.  

Virgo

You could be in your feelings and interested in journaling, meditating, or just carving out more solo time after Wednesday, thanks to Mercury moving forward through your spirituality zone until July 7. You’ll be drawn to planning versus acting, self-reflection and opportunities to express your emotions creatively. All of these practices can help you set intentions around your personal goals. Then, on Friday, the moon in your adventure zone harmonizes with Saturn in your romance zone, you’ll be all about making a serious plan—to have fun and get out of your comfort zone with BFFs and/or bae. Think staying in to experiment in the kitchen with an exotic recipe or heading out on an impromptu road trip.

Libra

Brainstorming colorful, exciting ideas with your friends, classmates, and co-workers comes even more naturally while Mercury moves forward through your networking zone from Wednesday to July 7. You’ll be on a roll when it comes to landing on interesting, engaging group projects. And stimulating collabs with others get you thinking about your long-term wishes and goals. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your intimacy zone, which could have you craving change in your closest relationships. Speaking up about what you want now is a must for your emotional well-being.

Scorpio

When Venus in your intimacy zone squares off against Neptune in your romance zone on Monday, you could have a tough time pinpointing the actual status of your current relationship situation. You may be more apt to idealize a partner or freak that your potential bae is ghosting or checked out emotionally. Wait until this truth-blurring moment has passed—and you have more info—before you worry too much. Then, from Wednesday until July 7, Mercury moves forward in your career zone, making it easier for you to approach a professor or boss and have a productive conversation about your long-term goals. Speaking your mind with confidence and focus can land you in the spotlight. 

Sagittarius

You’ll be drawn to deep, philosophical conversations and researching your options when it comes to honing your current skill set and taking your academic career to the next level, given Mercury’s forward movement through your higher education zone from Wednesday to July 7. Embracing your urges to learn more and enjoy new experiences can be especially fulfilling in this moment. On Thursday, the moon and Uranus pair up in your health zone, inspiring you to switch things up with your fitness plan. You may want to check out a new meditation app or trying a different yoga studio. Your gut can inform the right move. 

Capricorn

You’ll be able to express your deepest feelings in a more sensitive way and tune into your intuition even more than usual while Mercury moves through your intimacy zone from Wednesday to July 7. For that reason, you’ll do well to have that major heart-to-heart with a best friend or partner. You can reach a mutual understanding and find a healing path forward. On Friday, the moon in your creativity zone harmonizes with Saturn in your sign, and you’ll be psyched to get to work on a passion project. As long as your heart is in it, it won’t even feel like you’re working, and you’re sure to impress others with your focus and determination.  

Aquarius

You could be torn between the activities you want to do and what you feel like you need to do on Tuesday when the moon in your communication zone squares off against the sun in your daily routine zone. Instead of relying on outside sources to lead the way, trust yourself—you know exactly how you should proceed. You’ll be fired up to hit joint goals with your partner or BFF while Mercury moves through your partnership zone from Wednesday to July 7. Put your heads together to figure out the best game plan, and then, get on it. You’ll find you’re stronger working together than apart. 

Pisces

You might find it hard to see the truth underlying a conflict with loved ones, friends, or your roomie on Monday when Venus in your home zone clashes with Neptune in your sign. Confusion reigns supreme right now, so wait until you have more clarity before drawing conclusions. Then, getting on track with your fitness plan and other health care could very well be on your mind while Mercury moves forward in your health zone from Wednesday to July 7. Dive into researching your best action plan, experiment with different stress management techniques, and make any appointments you’ve been putting off. You’ll be busy but psyched to be learning more about how to take better care of yourself. 

Yep, you read that right. Flowers are summer ‘19’s biggest accessory, and I’ll tell you why. They’re pretty, smell nice, and elevate any picture or home they’re in. 

While you can get bouquets at your local bodega, supermarket, garden or park, it can be hard to decide which flowers you want. A mixed bouquet? Monochromatic roses? So many choices. Luckily, the members of InfluenceHer Collective have got you covered with quite the arrangement (pun fully intended). Scroll on for major flower inspo. 
 

Keep it basic

No matter how big or small, a bouquet totally screams summer. If you’re not sure what color or type of flower you’re picking up yet, stick with neutral colors in your outfit. That way it’s guaranteed to match!

Frame your feet

Are your shoes to die for but you feel the photo’s missing something? Add a bouquet! It’ll highlight your fancy footwear, especially if you match the flowers to your shoes.

Bring friends

Okay, these technically aren’t bouquets, but how cute is this group photo? Flowers and friends make everything better. You can all wear bright colors to match the flowers and each other.

Play coy

Nothing wrong with letting the flowers be the stars of the show! For a little extra pop, you can wear a lipstick that matches the bouquet.

Monochrome

If you dress monochromatically one day and find yourself needing matching accessories… you guessed it. Since there are so many different colors of flowers, you can really pick almost any color.

Flower crown

Are your hands to full to hold anything? Go for a boho-chic vibe and throw some flowers in your hair. You’re bound to look (and smell) good. 

Florals? For Spring?

And summer too. If you love all types of florals, wear ‘em both. The combination is super cute, especially if you can find a bouquet to match the print on your fit!

Whichever bouquet you decide to pair with your fit, it’s bound to look great. I’m already inspired to grab some chrysanthemums. Which edit was your favorite? 

All looks brought to you by members from Her Campus's InfluenceHer Collective. Are you an aspiring fashion influencer or blogger? Apply to join Her Campus's community of millennial and Gen Z influencers today!

It’s time to face the dreaded, age-old question: when is the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Be honest with yourself when you answer this, because it’s probably been longer than you want to admit. Especially if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t wear makeup every day, you can slip into complacency when it comes to the state of your brushes (“Oh, it hasn’t been that long, I haven’t used them that much…”). Sometimes the truth hurts, though, and the reality is that your brushes are probably a lot grosser than they appear, even if they’re not caked with foundation.

Don’t believe me? Here’s an ugly fact for you: makeup brushes acquire bacteria pretty much as soon as you start using them, and that bacteria can come from (and add to) oil and dirt on your skin, as well as your makeup products. And even if we don’t see those germs, they’re growing — Byrdie editors tested their brushes for bacteria and found small colonies growing on them, even though they’d been washed in the last couple of weeks. Gross, right? Just like you wouldn’t go weeks or months using the same unwashed towel after a shower, you shouldn’t be reaching for the same brush again and again without giving it a good cleansing regularly!

But just how regular should those intervals be? Great question. Here’s the lowdown on getting your favorite brushes back to the super-soft condition you bought them in.

How often should I refresh them?

In an ideal world, you should clean your brushes after every single use. Honestly, though, who has the time?

I certainly don’t, which is why I’m much more partial to the advice given by Elle, which is to clean them every week, and wash them once a month (there’s a difference – who knew?). Depending on how many brushes you have (and how gross they are), it shouldn’t take you too long to actually wash them, as waiting for them to dry is the most time-consuming part, so think about setting some time aside in your schedule to just get it out of the way.

Related: Um, Your Pillowcase Might Be Affecting Your Skin — Here’s How to Make Sure It Isn’t

What’s the best way to clean them?

Alright, it’s time to get down and dirty. This is when it comes back to the question of “cleaning” versus “washing” or “wet-washing,” as Health puts it. Cleaning is a lot quicker and simpler: you can buy a brush cleanser spray like NYX’s On the Spot ($10) or Sephora’s Dry Clean ($14). All you have to do is either spritz your brushes and then use a paper towel or tissue to get rid of the surface residue, or spray the cleaner directly onto a paper towel and then sweep the brush through it until the makeup on it is gone. Easy.

Washing, on the other hand, is a bit more involved—you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and get ready to scrub. You will need a gentle shampoo or liquid soap that will eliminate gunk without destroying the brush’s bristles. The gentlest way to clean them is to swirl and sweep the brushes in the palm of your hand with the soap until they’re clean, but if you want to make sure you’re getting everything off, a textured palette or mat like this one from Real Techniques will be your new best friend. The idea is that the textured surface will get between the bristles more thoroughly and make sure they’re truly clean.

Once you’ve cleaned the brushes, you can run them under water again to straighten out the bristles if they’ve been bent at all during the washing process, and then guide them back into their original shape with your hands so that they dry correctly.

Speaking of drying, there’s one important tip you need to be aware of: don’t dry them with the bristles up! If water slips down beneath the bristles into the handle of your brush, you’ll be damaging them in the long run since this will eventually loosen the glue that keeps the bristles intact. If your brushes are sopping wet when you’re ready to dry them, you can pat them with a paper towel to soak up excess water before laying them out. You can buy a brush drying rack like this one from Sonia Kashuk ($15 at Target) if you’re feeling fancy, or simply lay them flat on a towel with the head sticking out from the edge of your table or counter. This allows the brush to have air on all sides, so the entire brush is drying at the same rate (and so the bristles on the bottom won’t flatten and ruin the shape).

Is there a faster way?

If washing and drying makeup brushes was a fast affair, you’d probably be a lot less likely to put it off. Stylpro understands that mentality, apparently, because they’ve created the Stylpro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer ($35 on Amazon), which sounds like the machine of my lazy, makeup-obsessed dreams.

Stylpro claims that your brushes will be clean and dry within 30 seconds, which means you should be able to use them immediately instead of waiting hours for them to dry. You choose the right “collar” for your brush, add some liquid cleanser to the bowl, and then turn on the device, which will spin your brush in the soap and get all the makeup and dirt off. Once it’s clean, you simply keep spinning it out of the liquid, and it will dry in seconds. Check out this demo by YouTuber Paula Holmes to see for yourself!

What’s the cheapest way?

If you’re reading about these spray cleansers and machines and your first thought is some variation of that “I have $3” meme, I get it. Spending more money than you already do on beauty products — and not even the fun, sexy ones, like eyeshadows or lip products — is probably not that appealing. Plus, sometimes the best things in life are cheap. That’s why this technique is my personal favorite, since it uses a product you already have in your kitchen: dish soap!

Not all dish soap is created equal, though — Elle specifically recommends Dawn, which is literally used to clean baby ducks affected by oil spills which A. is adorable and B. means it will be both gentle and effective on your brushes. You don’t need a lot—you don’t want to overwash your brushes, which could make them coarser and less able to smoothly apply your makeup—so only add a few drops to some warm water.

Related: My Fave Affordable Skincare Brands for When You’re Broke, But Still Want to Buy Serums

When should I just throw them out?

As much as I wish makeup brushes were everlasting and that none of us would ever have to shell out money for new ones, that’s just not the case. Taking proper care of your brushes with the techniques above will do wonders for the longevity of your tools, but sometimes you have to face the inevitability that it’s time to replace them.

There’s not really a certain length of time after which you should be tossing your old brushes, but definitely pay attention to some key signs: if you notice your brush isn’t going back to its original shape, if the bristles start coming out, or if it has a strange smell (aside from the normal makeup smell, of course), you’ll want to get rid of it. If it’s not applying or blending as well as it used to, either, that’s definitely a red flag—after all, what else are brushes for?

Washing your makeup brushes doesn’t have to be too hard or too expensive, even if it’s often not the most fun item on your to-do list. If you need some motivation, though, just remember the feeling of brushing those super-soft, brand-new bristles on your face back in the day when you first bought your brushes. You can get that feeling back — it just takes a little extra care!

Whether it's a dorm or your first apartment, your space might feel more like a holding pattern and less like a home — maybe the walls are blank, or the windows don't bring in enough light. Whatever it may be, the good news is that it can be transformed. You can upgrade wherever you're living so it feels like your dream world, and I know because I did it. 

Enter my two-bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey, that started out as a, quite frankly, grim environment. The living room window was off-centered and small compared to the large wall they were built into, and the walls felt like they were closing in on me. Overall, it wasn't great and I knew there was a lot to be done. See for yourself: 

Upsetting, right? Prepare for a very dramatic transformation, y'all. As a former editor at House Beautiful, I learned a few insider tricks from Decorist designer Jessica McCarthy, who first taught me this: There's nothing an accent wall can't fix. I thought I was stuck with the walls I had since I live in a rental, but Jessica taught me that adhesive wallpaper was perfect for anyone living in a temporary space. I ended up going with a pink floral design from Etsy shop (seriously!) Sweet Pea Wall Design. It's essentially a giant sticker, so when it's time for me to move on I can easily peel it off. 

Blush Floral Wallpaper, Sweet Pea Wall Design available on Etsy, $34; Shop Now

To fix the devastating window issue, Jessica recommended a curtain wall to really open the space up. The small off-centered window was taking away from the high ceilings, so this was a great fix. With curtains and a rod from Bed Bath & Beyond (mhm) the room instantly became more chic and airy. Even better is that when I actually open the curtains, it gives the illusion that the windows are centered. 

Lesson learned: Do not underestimate the power of peel and stick wallpaper or curtains. 

Follow @PrettyDorms on Instagram and submit your Tiny Transformation by tagging your photos with #prettydorms!

Meet Buy It Now, Or Cry Later, our monthly roundup of cute, chic, funny, or just truly essential things our editors are buying right now. Because we like to shop, and you like to shop, so let's shop together, shall we? RIP to our bank accounts. 

It’s hard to get up and get moving in the morning, I get it. Coffee helps, but sometimes there’s not enough java in the world for me to be happy about leaving my cozy nook and dealing with my 8 a.m. American Politics class. I do have a solution for you, though. It may not be a solution, but it will do one of two things, if not both: It will leave you with a laugh or smile and probably up your clout among your neighbors. So let’s make those floormates jealous with some floor mats! I provide you here with seven of the most inspiring, hilarious, and adorable doormats that you need right now to revitalize your front door. 

1. Shut the Front Door

Shutting the door is probably a smart idea. Also, I think my Grandma says this when she’s surprised. 

2. Schrute Farms

Office fans anyone? Dwight is personally my spirit animal if you were wondering. 

3. Hi I'm Mat. 

This is like when you say “I’m hungry” and your dad says, “Hi hungry, I’m dad.” 

4. Beer and Dog Treats

The mat doesn’t lie. Dog moms and tacos have requirements. 

5. Procaffinating

As my friend Juan likes to describe it, "Coffee: made from beans sculpted by the Greek gods themselves, roasted by our majestic sun, and brewed with the clearest of our water." Also helpful before a stressful day. 

6. Babe Cave

Yes, girl, you transform your space into an independent, hangout space with wine and dogs!

7. Wine/Work

Priorities. Pass the Merlot.

Sometimes we take life too seriously. With work, school, friends, and drama it's easy to get so overwhelmed and it’s good to realize that life isn’t that serious. Having a daily reminder to smile right when you walk out the door could be the missing piece to your puzzle. So good do the thing. Go buy that welcome mat and name it “Mat.” Be silly and have fun. 

For more decor inspo, follow @prettydorms on Instagram!

Location: North Providence, Rhode Island
Square-footage: 650
Bedrooms: 1 
Bathrooms: 1
Monthly rent: $1,100

Nestled inside a renovated mill building in North Providence Rhode Island is quite possibly the coziest first apartment you will ever find. "There's a ton of history here, and a majority of the things I bought are second hand so they have a story behind them too," explains Molly Roonan, who created the perfect space without overspending. 

With 650-square-feet to cover, Molly started with a dreamy cerulean couch (from Marshalls, thank you very much) and decorated around that. "I usually go to my local thrift stores once or twice a week, antique shops, TJMaxx, and HomeGoods," she explains. And, while the studio space looks boho chic and expensive, Molly didn't overspend. "You don't need the most expensive couch or chair to make your space cool," she says, adding that she didn't spend more than $100 on anything in the space. 

Since it's a studio apartment, her kitchen is basically her bedroom, but she's perfected how to make it work. And, whenever it's feeling a little off, you can find Molly rearranging everything. "I move my furniture around quite a bit to try to maximize my space." 

She advises anyone in their first apartment to take it slow. If you’re living in this space for a while, take your time and figure out how you want to design it in a way that you will love. “Google cool local antique stores and become friends with the owners! They’ll let you know when they get something in that might fit your style (trust me, this works!)” Thanks, Molly! And, if you want more of her space, Molly is documenting her finds at @homewithmolls. 

Follow @prettydorms on Instagram for more decor inspo and submit your apartment here to be featured! 

This article has been syndicated from Landry Has Landed, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.

The quote above sums up why I love Paris. For me, it’s not always just about what each city has to offer in terms of sightseeing or activities, but rather how much influence the unique culture and characteristics of that place can be captured and embodied by an individual visiting there. I think my favorite thing to do in Paris is sit in a cafe or bistro and embrace that experience firsthand. 

There’s something about sitting in a street cafe, soaking in the Parisian culture, that makes my heart so happy. I could spend hours sitting outside a cafe in those quintessential Parisian rattan bistro table & chair sets, with a cappuccino or a glass of wine, watching the world pass me by. There is so much this beautiful city has to offer, but I felt the need to dedicate an entire post to a few of my favorite cafes that I feel cannot be missed when visiting the City of Lights.

1. La Maison Rose

The beautiful hilltop village of Montmartre is my favorite Parisian neighborhood in Paris, and the iconic La Maison Rose is a must when visiting this magical area (and possibly my favorite cafe due to its location and charming façade)! This insta-famous rose house has been serving coffee for over 100 years, and was a spot that Van Gogh and Picasso would visit while living here.

Before Montmartre became a part of Paris, it was a little village covered in farms, vineyards and windmills (some of which you can still find today.) During the late 1800’s-early 1900’s, it was a haven for artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec due to its more affordable costs of living and cheap wine. This is how the artistic community and cabaret culture (Moulin Rouge) in Montmartre began to form. Unfortunately, I’ve never been inside sense it is closed and under construction quite a lot, but I’m determined to get a cappuccino from there one day! The history behind this must-visit cafe is captivating, as well.

2. Le Consulat

This historic cafe in Montmartre is nestled on its own little island, and was also visiting by many acclaimed artists and writers that flocked in to the area in the 19th century (Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Sisley and Monet.) The inside showcases the quintessential, charming vintage Parisian cafe, plus an extensive wine and beverage menu. I haven’t had the chance to eat here yet, but the French cuisine is said to be divine, so its definitely on my list next time! Isn’t this the perfect spot to sit and people watch in the lovely, Montmartre?

3. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole

I mean, can a storefront get any more beautiful than this? Wisteria adorn almost every corner of this magical cafe, and vibrant colors of aqua, purple and gold bring this charming cafe to life. The inside is something out of a fairy tale, embellished with so much history at every turn. You can even go upstairs and take a picture out of the balcony (like I shamelessly did, ha!) if you want to feel like a fairytale princess.

4. Shakespeare and Company Café

Shakespeare and Company has a new cafe attached to the legendary bookstore, that will give you all the feels! I love Shakespeare and Company so much, so I was super excited to see check out this new spot! As soon as you step into this historic bookstore, you will feel as though you have gone back in time to Paris in the 1920’s! Shakespeare and Company, arguably one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world (and my personal favorite), was a gathering place in the 20’s for several then-aspiring writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, James Joyce and Ford Maddox Ford.✎ Every room and corner of this bookstore (and café) will captivate you with its enchanting nature. I didn’t want to ever leave!

5. Odette

This charming cafe is right around the corner from Shakespeare and Company and has the cutest exterior!

6. Café Bohème Paris

If you know me, you know by these pictures that this boho-chic cafe speaks to my bohemian soul! The ambiance and eclectic decor in this cafe is captivating! As with all the cafes we visited, it was hard to leave! The cappuccino and croissants were amazing, as well.

7. Café de Flore

The iconic Café de Flore is a spot that is definitely not to be missed while visiting Paris! It is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, celebrated for its famous clientele (both past and present). High profile writers and philosophers were known to dally in this corner cafe. The menu is a little more pricey here, but SO worth it. I had one of the best cappuccinos I’ve ever had here, and could have sat in that bistro table all day and watched the world pass me by.

8. Les Deux Magots

Iconic Brasserie opened in 1885 serving traditional French fare. I mean, just look how stunning it is!

9. La Galette Des Moulins

Another favorite charming Montmartre café! Situated right around the corner from the famous Place du Tertre, which is a square in the center of the neighborhood where you can find several artists displaying and selling their work.

10. Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef and chocolatier, known as the “Picasso of Pastry.” Come here for the best macarons, as well as tarts, cakes, chocolates and ice cream.

I hope this list helps you when planning your next trip to the City of Lights!

Read the full post here.

Are you an aspiring influencer or blogger? Apply to join Her Campus's community of millennial and Gen Z influencers today!

Follow @InfluenceHerCollective on Instagram.

The ultimate female dream team — Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey — are gearing up to reveal one epic collaboration for the soundtrack of the reboot for Charlie’s Angels.

On Wednesday, Cyrus and Grande teased fans with a quick 14-second video with the logo of the upcoming Charlie’s Angels reboot. 

“Trailer tomorrow @charliesangels,” Grande wrote in a tweet, tagging the official Charlie’s Angels Twitter account.

Cyrus also shared the teaser video, writing, “WE ARE COMING!” and tagging the film’s account, Grande and Del Rey in the post. 

Del Rey posted the clip as well, adding that the trailer would be released tomorrow, and tagged Cyrus, Grande and the official Charlie’s Angels social media account. 

The Charlie’s Angels account shared the video as well, and like Grande, noted that the trailer would be coming tomorrow,PEOPLE reports.

The new Charlie’s Angels film, directed by Elizabeth Banks, will star Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska as Angels Sabina, Alena and Jane, according to ABC News.

In the reboot film, the Angels have gone global, with multiple teams of women tackling dangerous assignments. Banks, Patrick Stewart, Sam Claflin and Djimon Hounsou will play the Angels’ handlers, all of whom are named “Bosley,” like in the original TV show and the first two films.

The first Charlie’s Angels film (2000) featured the popular single “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child. The sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, was released in 2003. Both of the films starred Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu, ABC News reports. 

The Charlie’s Angels reboot is set to hit theaters in November.

Prince William said it would be “absolutely fine by me” if his children came out as gay or lesbian. 

The royal visited the Albert Kennedy Trust, an organization in London that supports young members of the LGBTQ community, on Wednesday to learn about the issue of LGBTQ youth homelessness, PEOPLE reports. Prince William was having a discussion with a group of individuals supported by the organization when he was asked how he would react if his children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte or Prince Louis — came out as gay or lesbian in the future. 

“Do you know what, I’ve been giving that some thought recently because a couple of other parents said that to me as well,” the Duke of Cambridge said. “I think, you really don’t start thinking about that until you are a parent, and I think — obviously absolutely fine by me.”

Prince William went on to say that he and wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, had talked about the possibility and how they would give their children the best support they possibly could particularly since their children live in the public eye, The Telegraph reports. 

“The one thing I’d be worried about is how they, particularly the roles my children fill, is how that is going to be interpreted and seen,” he said. “So Catherine and I have been doing a lot of talking about it to make sure they were prepared.”

“I think communication is so important with everything, in order to help understand it you’ve got to talk a lot about stuff and make sure how to support each other and how to go through the process. It worries me not because of them being gay, it worries me as to how everyone else will react and perceive it and then the pressure is then on them,” the Duke of Cambridge added. 

This isn’t the first time that Prince William has shown his support for the LGBTQ community. In 2016, he posed for the cover of Attitude Magazine, where he also spoke out against cyberbullying, E! News reports. 

“No one should be bullied for their sexuality or any other reason and no one should have to put up with the kind of hate that these young people have endured in their lives,” he told Attitude. “The young gay, lesbian and transgender individuals I met through Attitude are truly brave to speak out and to give hope to people who are going through terrible bullying right now. Their sense of strength and optimism should give us all encouragement to stand up to bullying wherever we see it.”

“What I would say to any young person reading this who’s being bullied for their sexuality: don’t put up with it — speak to a trusted adult, a friend, a teacher, Childline, Diana Award or some other service and get the help you need,” the royal continued. “You should be proud of the person you are and you have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Morning! While you were sleeping (or staying up to binge-watch Friends for the tenth time, or pulling an all-nighter in the library), a few things went down that you’ll probably want to know about. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and get scrolling. 

Rumor Has It

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading to South Africa!

The royal couple and newborn son Archie will be traveling to South Africa this fall, according to British High Commissioner to South Africa Nigel Casey, who confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit Wednesday while delivering remarks at a reception in Pretoria, South Africa, for Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, USA TODAY reports.

Jacaranda News posted the news with a video of Casey at the press conference, predicting that the visit would be “great” for South Africa’s economy.

“That’s great news for us,” Casey said. “I predict it’s also good news for the South African economy because I predict a hat and frock-buying frenzy ... which could well restore economic growth all on its own.”

Casey’s comments are the first details revealed publicly about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s long-rumored plan to return to Africa on an official visit, ABC News reports. 

While Buckingham Palace has not released any details on the royal visit, the Daily Mailreported that “it is understood” that the royals’ trip will range beyond South Africa and will focus on Commonwealth countries, including potential stops in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

Royah Nikkhah, royal correspondent for The Sunday Times, told Good Morning America in April that the couple was planning to take Archie with them to Africa.

“As it stands the plan is that Harry and Meghan and their newborn baby, in probably about six months, will take a trip to Africa and tour several countries in Africa, and around October time probably visit two or three different Commonwealth nations, which are of course the nations in Africa that have a close relationship with the U.K.,” Nikkhah said in April.

“The countries that they will be going to haven't been decided yet. That’s a discussion that is ongoing between the government and some of the host nations who want to have Harry and Meghan,” she added. “The tour will be on behalf of the government but very likely to be some countries that Harry and Meghan have a close connection with.”

Africa is very close to Harry and Meghan’s hearts. 

After all, Harry whisked Meghan away to Botswana a few weeks after the royal couple’s first date in 2017. The Duke of Sussex has also said in previous interviews that Botswana will always hold a special place in his heart because he, Prince William and Prince Charles escaped to Africa to “get away from it all” after his mother Diana’s death in 1997.

News You Can Eat

Our two favorite loves in this world are coffee and chocolate, but when you combine the two, the result is pure perfection. Luckily for us, Dunkin’ has partnered with Hershey’s for a candy-coated, caffeinated collaboration that will make your a.m. coffee game just that much better. 

For a limited time, candy-lovers and coffee enthusiasts can grab iced coffees made with Kit Kats, Heath bars, and Hershey’s Cookies ‘n Crème, Cosmopolitan reports. 

The new Kit Kat Coolatta is a frozen beverage that features Vanilla Bean-flavored Coolatta mixed with crispy wafers of Kit Kat. If you’re more of a Heath bar fan, you’ll love Dunkin’s Heath-flavored coffee, which combines milk chocolate and English coffee tastes. The Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme flavored coffee mixes white chocolate with notes of cookie flavors. Also, both flavored coffees can be hot, iced, an espresso drink, frozen coffee, or frozen chocolate, so the options are endless. 

But if you’re craving a delicious Dunkin donut, Dunkin’ is also offering a Hershey’s Cookies 'n' Creme Donut — a square-shaped donut filled with vanilla buttercream and topped with Hershey’s cookie crumbles. We’re already drooling!

In addition to all of these new sweet treats, Dunkin is looking to make life just that much sweeter. According to Delish, every week through July at nationwide Dunkin’ locations, at least one customer will be surprised at the counter with a Sweet Escape trip to the Bahamas for two. Sign us up!

It’s definitely time for a Dunkin’ trip!

Then This Happened

A recent heart-wrenching photograph of a migrant father and daughter who drowned Monday in Rio Grande River near Brownsville, Texas while attempting to cross from Mexico into the U.S. has sparked new calls to deal with the immigration crisis. 

According to the Associated Press, Oscar Alberto Martínez Ramirez had reportedly carried his daughter, Valeria, to the U.S. side of the river before returning for her mother, Tania Vanessa Avalos. The young girl reportedly jumped in after her father, and when he tried to rescue her, they were both swept away by the current. 

The heartbreaking photo shows the daughter tucked under her father’s shirt for protection with her arm draped over his neck. The image underscores the dangers migrants and asylum-seekers face trying to reach the U.S. and the desperate measures they resort to when current policies work to deter them. 

Numerous media outlets and publications shared the photo captured by journalist Julia Le Duc. 

According to ABC News, President Donald Trump reacted to the photo Wednesday while on his way to the G20 summit in Japan, blaming Democrats. 

“I hate it. If they fix the laws, you wouldn’t have that,” Trump said, referring to asylum and “loopholes.”

“It can be a very rough river...very dangerous. They should change it so that people won’t come up, so they won't get killed,” Trump continued. “Open borders mean people drowning in the rivers. That father, who probably was this wonderful guy with his daughter — things like that wouldn’t happen.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday morning next to a poster-sized version of the photo. 

“President Trump, I want you to look at this photo. These are not drug dealers or vagrants or criminals. They are people simply fleeing a horrible situation in their home country for a better life,” Schumer said. “So, President Trump, if you want to know the real reason there's chaos at the border, look in the mirror.” 

"We all — Democrats, Republicans, Americans — have a responsibility to act here,” Schumer added.

The Senate was expected to vote on Wednesday on emergency border funding, including money at detention centers where reports say children have been mistreated, ABC News reports.

The photograph has drawn attention from around the world to the desperate conditions that migrants face in their home countries and during their journey to reach the U.S.

“The deaths of Oscar and Valeria represent a failure to address the violence and desperation pushing people to take journeys of danger for the prospect of a life in safety and dignity,” Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said in a statement on Wednesday. “This is compounded by the absence of safe pathways for people to seek protection, leaving people with no other choice than to risk their lives.”

Happy Thoughts

Happy Friday Eve!

Image via Giphy

There’s a fair share of shoe trends making the rounds this summer, from barely-there strappy heels to dad-style sporty sandals. But one of the most noteworthy breakout trends of recent spring/summer runways is the almost-naked, minimalist translucent shoe. From Kim Kardashian’s infamous transparent Yeezy heels sported back in 2016 to Chanel’s PVC boots which first made an appearance in 2018, the fashion landscape has seen a myriad of designers including Balmain, Prada and Louboutin all releasing their own iterations of the trend. 

The controversial runway trend has trickled into mainstream and high street stores thanks to it becoming celebrity-approved, with stars such as Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid all making recent appearances in PVC shoes. Wonderfully wearable and versatile thanks to their lack of color, which makes styling them as easy as can be, there’s an iteration of the look in every form to work with every sartorial need — from wedges to kitten heels, flats and slides, bare all with our pick of the most covetable see-through shoes. 

Looking at this marble desk, you’d probably think, "That's got to cost $500, maybe $1,000? Whatever it is, I can't afford it." I feel that because I thought the exact same thing. Honestly, I sometimes try to avoid looking at dream apartments and dorms because I know that I could never afford a marble desk. But do I have news for you. This "marble" desk is the sum total of a plain wooden desk your dorm comes with plus a whopping $8.48. How, you ask? Marble contact paper, my friends. That's right. This Boston University student went to Lowe's, grabbed some contact paper, and went wild in her dorm room—her desk, her drawers, the coffee table, even a lovely cocktail setup. 

Have you ever seen anything so chic in a dorm room? Now, I know you are probably a small bit blown away and wondering how you can bring this incredible hack to life in your space. Enter Geneve,  the marble-loving student who was inspired when one of her best friends. “Before freshman year started, a good friend of mine already started school at Baylor and she did this to her dresser and I told her, 'I'm stealing this idea,” she tells Her Campus. After that, Geneve hit up Lowe's.

I repeat: This dorm room transformation cost under $10 from Lowe's. If that's not the best deal on the planet, I'm really not sure what is (find it here). Here's a tour of Geneve's room so you can get the full effect: 

Since I am no contact paper expert, I asked for her best tips to create such a perfect and seemingly simple application. Geneve says, “[it takes] lots and lots of patience! Folding over the edge helps. And mini scissors.” Get ready for this major life hack: “If you get massive bubbles, a thumbtack can actually poke a microscopic hole that you can squeeze all the air out of.” Genius. 

Well, I am extremely impressed and currently pulling out my wallet so I can Amazon Prime this to my door in the next 15 minutes — yes, it's on Amazon too. 

All photos courtesy to Geneve Lau. 

For more dorm room inspo, follow @prettydorms on Instagram!

The 2020 race is officially on! With 20 candidates eyeing the Democratic Presidential Nomination, the first round of debates has been split into two nights, the first on Wednesday in Miami, and the second following on Thursday night. 10 candidates kicked off the debate, making their pitch to voters on topics like immigration, abortion and climate change. 

If you’ve been lukewarm about keeping up with politics this season, we get it (and depleting mental health from all the news on Twitter is very real). But this is the most diverse candidate lineup in history, and for the first time ever there’s more than one woman taking the stage. So for college women across the country, there’s a lot at stake and also a lot to look forward to. 

Here are the night one highlights and biggest takeaways. 

1. Candidates were sensitive to include LGBTQIA+ communities in their answers

In what felt new for a Presidential debate, the trans community was included in conversation. Julian Castro, the Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development asserted that they shouldn’t be left out when discussing reproductive rights. 

Later in the evening, Senator Cory Booker emphasized the need to address the “incredibly high rates of murder,” especially of African Americans, within the LGBTQIA+ community. 

2. Women’s rights & equal pay 

Senator Amy Klobuchar quickly made note that all three women on the stage (Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard) have fought for reproductive rights. Perhaps the boldest statement on the issue was Senator Warren explaining she wanted to make Roe vs. Wade a federal law in order to solidify abortions and a woman’s right to choose beyond the court system. 

Julian Castro, who was raised by a single parent, promised that if elected he would pass the Equal Rights amendment to ensure equal pay for equal work.

3. Only two candidates support the abolition of private insurance

Healthcare is a hot topic that is deeply intertwined into other social issues ranging from education to class to race, so it was natural for candidates to expect questions about their stance on private insurance. (Quick Definition: Private insurance is any health insurance policy purchased by an employer or by an individual from a private insurance company.) 

Elizabeth Warren and Mayor Bill de Blasio both support eliminating private insurance. Warren emphasized that she stood with another Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders and Medicare For All (Quick Definition: Medicare, which has been around since 1965, is the government-run health insurance program that covers all Americans 65 and older and is funded by taxpayers.)

4. Warren has a plan for that

Warren has been polling well lately, potentially due to rolling out policy after policy – and even finding time to help a Twitter user make a plan for her love life. 

During the first hour of the debate, she spoke about her stance for Medicare For All and explained how the hardest question she has answered in her town-hall tours has been from kids worried about gun violence at their school. She concluded the debate by promising Americans she’d fight to make the government work for them.

5. Inslee’s not going down without fighting climate change

While each of the Democratic candidates have been vocal about the need to address climate change, the Governor of Washington Jay Inslee wants to be able to tell his grandchildren he did everything he possibly could to fight climate change. While Inslee had the least amount of speaking time, he passionately detailed what he’s done in his state to create clean jobs, adding that he wants to implement more jobs in clean energy across the United States.

6. Gun violence silence

Booker mentioned he didn’t understand how someone could buy a gun without a license, but that driving a car without a license is illegal. Sen. Amy Klobuchar briefly touched on a buy-back program for assault weapons. 

For young people, gun violence is one of the most important issues and viewers felt the topic wasn’t addressed by many of the candidates. 

7. An economy for everyone

Dodging the question about his thoughts on a tax rate on the countries richest people, Beto O’Rourke insisted that the economy needs to work for everyone. Warren, however, has adamantly stated that the economy needs to work for more people than just the top 1% of earners.

The second democratic debate will be hosted by NBC on June 27 and feature frontrunners in the race including former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Kamala Harris and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

As college students, we don’t really have the time to go shopping at high-end beauty stores, nor do we have the budget to continuously splurge on expensive products. However, for the rare times you dodecide tosplurge, you should probably do your research and be aware of what's really worth your money.

To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of makeup products I can’t get from drugstores, that might be on the pricey side, but that are so worth it.

1. Liquid Matte Lipstick

Huda Beauty, sephora.com, $20; shop now

For years, I have been on the hunt for the perfect matte liquidlipstick. After trying out many different brands, I finally came across Huda Beauty’s liquid lipsticks. They’re matte without drying out your lips, they’re lightweight, and they don’t rub off throughout the day. I did a burger test and it definitely passed! Where has this lippie been all my life?

Related: 11 Top-Rated Beauty Products Under $15 That Are ~Thriving~ On Amazon RN

2. Mean Money & Hu$tla Baby Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter

Fenty Beauty, sephora.com, $36; shop now

This product is basically a two-in-one highlighter, which makes it so worth it. The side with Mean Money is great for daytime or simple looks, while Hu$tla Baby is perfect for nighttime. You could totally mix the two as well!

3. All Nighter Setting Spray

Urban Decay, sephora.com, $32; shop now

I cannot leave the house without using this product as a finishing touch to my makeup. It’s super long-lasting, makes my skin look flawless, and it also comes with a lot of product inside.

4. The New Nude Eyeshadow Palette

Huda Beauty, sephora.com, $65; shop now

This palette has a variety of pigmented shades within the pinkish-nude realm, and I’ve gotten so many compliments when I use it! The shadows are super fun to play with, and can be used for any type of look. Plus, it’s pretty great for putting on display on your vanity and just admiring its beauty.

5. Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier, sephora.com, $39; shop now

It’s good for both baking and setting your face! I never skip this in my makeup routine because it creates a filtering effect on my skin and it's also super easy to use.

Related: 8 Tiny Beauty Products That Are Totally Worth The Money

6. Better Than Sex Mascara

Too Faced, sephora.com, $24; shop now

Ever since I discovered this mascara three years ago, I haven’t found the need to buy a different kind. It lengthens my lashes like no other, and I’m absolutely in love with it!

7. 24/7 Waterline Eye Pencil

Urban Decay, sephora.com, $21; shop now

As someone who uses eyeliner religiously, but also wears contact lenses, it’s difficult to find eyeliners that don’t make my eyes water. This pencil was amazing in helping me bring the tears to an end and also staying in place all day.

All of these products are ones that I have bought over and over again. Sometimes high-end makeup products might disappoint in terms of their quality or size not matching up to the price, but there are definitely a lot of options that could potentially become your holy grail.

Follow Manal on Instagram.

July 4th is coming up, which means s’mores, fireworks and a good barbeque. For me, though, it means sales (and I love a good sale). I’m talkin’ Zara, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom and more. 

They’ve got some cute summer pieces for you to rock now, but also leftover winter pieces that you can wear next fall (and grab at a super discounted price). I’ve rounded up some of my favorites from the hottest sales RN.

Zara

Tie Dye Skirt, Zara, $20, shop now

This skirt not only nails the tie-dye trend, but it’s under $20. It’s definitely a statement piece but can easily be paired with a graphic tee and sneakers for a cool girl look. Sold!

Forever 21

Smocked Wide Leg Jumpsuit, Forever 21, $25, shop now

You need this jumpsuit for 3 reasons: it’s super cute, a whole outfit in one AND an extra 30% off. The bright color and ruching make it perfect for summer. Consider it added to the cart.

PacSun

TWIIN Call Out Belted Culotte Jeans, Pacsun, $69, shop now

Not only is the raw hem super cute, but these pants are guaranteed to be super flattering. They’re high-waisted, belted and they flair out (which makes your waist look slimmer). These are a great alternative to basic black pants.

Urban Outfitters

BDG Jules Puff Sleeve Cropped Jacket, Urban Outfitters, $69, shop now

Need a light jacket for a cool summer night or the transition from summer to fall? This one’s the one for you. It’s a light yellow, which will match most outfits but add a pop of color. You can also tighten the bottom for an altered fit.

Nordstrom

Topshop Volt Platform Slide Sandal, Nordstrom, $38, shop now

These are the ‘90s shoes you don’t want, but need. There’s a basic black to match everything, or a more statement snakeskin if that’s your thing. Either way, I love the sporty sandal edit, and these are a win in my book.

Shop now before these sell out (or I buy them). And yes, this is what I’ll be doing this weekend. Which sale are you shopping first?

Twitter announced Thursday that it will now penalize politicians who break its rules about community safety, even if that politician is President Donald Trump. 

The social media company previously gave some leeway to public figures, including government officials, when their tweets violated its terms of service, citing “public interest.” The company has often been criticized for not taking enough action against hate speech and threats of violence on the platform, ABC News reports. 

On Thursday, however, Twitter announced that it would flag tweets from government officials who break its community safety guidelines as “abusive” and de-prioritize those tweets in searches. However, the tweets will be allowed to stay up.

“In the past, we’ve allowed certain Tweets that violated our rules to remain on Twitter because they were in the public’s interest, but it wasn’t clear when and how we made those determinations,” the company wrote in its announcement. “To fix that, we’re introducing a new notice that will provide additional clarity in these situations, and sharing more on when and why we’ll use it.”

While the new policy won’t be retroactive, Twitter says that users will not be able to view these flagged tweets by political figures the social media company monitors, unless the user clicks to view the post on a screen displaying the message: “The Twitter Rules about abusive behavior apply to this Tweet. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain available.”

According to the company’s announcement, flagged tweets will now look like this:

Image via Twitter

The social media platform will apply the new policy to verified accounts of government officials and those running for office that have more than 100,000 followers, HuffPost reports.  

Twitter said it will develop a team to determine if the tweets are a matter of public interest based on key criteria, ABC News  reports. The team will consider if preserving the tweet will allow the public to hold the government or official accountable, as well as if there are other sources of information about the statement available for the public to stay informed. Twitter will also take into consideration whether the removal of the tweet would prevent people from understanding an issue of public concern and if the tweet provides a “unique context or perspective not available elsewhere that is necessary to a broader discussion.”

If the tweet violates the platform’s rules and the company finds based on their review that it is not within the public interest to keep the post up on the site, the company will require that the account owner remove the tweet. 

Twitter and other social media platforms, such as Facebook, have previously struggled to successfully implement and enforce rules on hate and abuse. 

During an interview with HuffPost in January, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had a hard time giving an example of what it would take for the company to remove tweets from the platform, despite examples of misuse. When asked in “If Trump tweeted out asking each of his followers to murder one journalist, would you remove him?”, Dorsey responded, “That would be a violent threat. We’d definitely ... You know we’re in constant communication with all governments around the world. So we’d certainly talk about it.”