Holiday shopping is hard. I love it, but it’s difficult finding the perfect gift for everyone on my list. You don’t want to be super impersonal (hello soap!) but some gifts, like clothes, can be too personal to buy for someone else. I’ve found that the best balance between thoughtful and personal is jewelry.

Now, while I would love to buy everyone on my list diamonds, pearls and gold, I think we can all agree that’s not very realistic. So I endlessly browse fashion jewelry, trying to find just the right thing for my mom, sister and friends at just the right price.

Excitingly for me and my quest to find great jewelry for the lovely ladies in my life (and myself too!) is the dominique cohen for Miss Me collection that's about to launch. Dominique usually makes really high-end jewelry with 18-karat gold, gemstones and diamonds—but she partnered with Miss Me to launch a limited collection of 15 pieces of jewelry more in line with a collegiette budget.  Plus Miss Me is getting inspired by dominique cohen in return with four new denim styles featuring more glitz than ever!

The collection features dangly earrings, charm bracelets, bangles, cuffs and necklaces and is available exclusively on MissMe.com starting December 6^th! The pieces are available in rose gold, gold, and silver, so there’s something for everyone on your list. Like the sparkly jeans that pair with the jewels, everything can be dressed up with glam hair, makeup and a pair of heels, or dressed down — so it’s very versatile.

If you want to see the pieces in person, and you live in the Dallas area, you’re in luck! There is a pop-up shop event in Dallas this Saturday! 

Get more on Miss Me by checking out their Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ pages!

This post brought to you by Miss Me. All opinions are 100% mine.

"Girl talk” is code for a top secret discussion kept among ladies and ladies alone. But how much do we really keep from the men in our lives? Collegiettes, we’ve devised a list of a few subjects we girls keep on the DL. Because there are some things that men just don’t understand—never have; never will. Why waste the energy trying to explain?

You don’t tell him...

1. How long you actually took getting ready for that date.

Guys know that women tend to take a little longer to freshen up, but they may not quite know the extent of it.

“I never tell a guy how long it actually takes me to get ready for dates,” says Annie Blanks, a senior at Sewanee. “I like to make him think my hair just naturally fell into that perfect blowout.”

Ladies, if you’ve taken more than an hour to get beautified for your date, there’s no reason he needs to know about it. The fact that you took 120 minutes just to spiral curl your tresses is NBD to us ladies, but men would be shocked to find that out (in that amount of time, they could hit the gym, shower and scarf down three Big Macs. Charming, right?). Some things are better left unsaid.

2. The details of your, um, menstruation.

To put it plainly, your dude does not want to know the particulars of your time of the month.

“I never talk to men about my period,” says Briana Morgan, a recent graduate of Georgia College & State University. “Unless I need an excuse to get out of something.”

Call them crazy, but most guys don’t like discussing the idea of a woman shedding the lining of her uterus. Refraining from the details is definitely not a bad idea. Besides, you have much better things to talk about with your guy—like what you want him to get you for your next anniversary (is a $100 Forever 21 gift card aiming too high?).

3. How much you’ve stalked him on social media.

You check his Facebook at least once a day, you know, just to make sure he’s still into you. Perfectly reasonable, right?

“I would never want to a guy to know that I’ve creeped [on] his Facebook so much, I know his parents’ names,” says Taylor McCollom, a senior at Central Michigan University.

And probably better that he doesn’t find out. Collegiettes, keeping your super sleuthing to yourself is a smooth move. After all, you don’t want to give your guy the impression that you’re a stalker, because you’re totally not. Every woman has to keep virtual tabs on her man, right? It’s a perfectly harmless way to make sure he’s staying faithful (oh no he did not like that girl’s profile picture). And if he ever happens to catch you creepin’, just blame it on hormones: “My period makes me do crazy things!” He’ll shut up immediately (see number two).

4. When other guys hit on you.

So other guys have been giving you attention lately—but not telling your boyfriend about it is smart.

“One thing that I never tell guys, especially if I am in a relationship with a guy, is if another guy hit on me,” says Meghean Gibbons, a recent graduate of Boston University.

You don’t want to hear about the ladies that ogle your man, and he doesn’t want to hear about the guys who gawk at you, especially if your suitors happen to be handsome, hilarious, hunky or any other positive “h” adjective you can think of. Besides, his jealous face is not his cutest look (the green-eyed monster has never been one for beauty contests). Probably best to save the details for your besties. They’ll want to hear all about the hottie who was begging you for your number. Poor chap.

5. How much time you spend worrying about the texts you send to him.

Texting a new love interest is usually kind of stressful (even though it probably shouldn’t be).

“I would never want a guy to know how much time I spend contemplating if I should text him first, or how fast I should text back or what I should even say at all,” says Stephanie Ralls, a junior at Central Michigan University.

We collegiettes tend to think that one extra exclamation mark will make or break a relationship. It’s probably preposterous, but even if you can’t seem to stop stressing about your texts, it might be a good thing that your potential man doesn’t know how frazzled you are. After all, your lengthy deliberations (“Is a winky emoji overkill? Should I wait five more minutes to send it?? Guys, what do you think?!”) are ridiculous but totally normal. We all do it, and maybe even men do, too.

Guys may think they know everything when it comes to us girls, but they’d be surprised at what we’ll never reveal! What else would you never tell a guy? Tell us in the comments below (we promise we’re good at keeping secrets)!

During the awkward stretch of time in between Thanksgiving and winter break, it can be hard to focus on everything you need to get done before the semester ends. The time seems to drag along as you're patiently awaiting quality time with your hometown friends and of course, holiday parties. 

Her Campus is here to give you some motivation to prepare for all of the holiday gatherings and activities you'll be enjoying this month by giving you some ideas to make sure your hair game is on point. Rock one of these cute and easy hair accessories and you'll be turning heads and receiving compliments all night long!

Glitter headband

Glam and festive, a gold or silver glitter headband is a perfect way to ring in the holiday season. Your locks will sparkle as bright as lit-up Christmas lights! Pair the headband with a neutral sweater or your favorite red and green ensemble. Check out the Big Shot Sparkle Headband($20) from Ban.do to score this headband for your own collection.

Knitted headband

Cozy and cute, these knitted headbands are still super trendy and an adorable way to stay warm in the winter. Wear this one with any outfit for a stylish alternative to earmuffs. Target has a wide variety of these knitted headbands($12.99) in an assortment of colors. 

Golden ribbon hair scarf 

Similar to the glitter headband, this golden ribbon hair scarf makes a strong statement, yet is a bit more reserved without all the sparkles. Just like gold ribbon wrapped around all your holiday gifts, this makes the perfect final touch to your outfit. Get your owngold twisted scarf from Ban.do($20) from The Organizing Store!

Snowflake hair pin

Channel your inner Elsa this year with a cute and sparkly snowflake hair clip($16.95 for a set of 4). Delicate and pretty, these pair well with almost any holiday outfit, both casual and dressy. 

Silky red hair bow 

A feminine bow looks classy and chic without much effort. Pair a silk or velvet bow in this bold Christmas color with your favorite tacky sweater when you head to an ugly sweater party, or place it underneath your top knot at an office holiday party. Claire's has so many hair bows in store and online, just like this red velvet bow hair clip($4.50) to bring a festive touch to your outfit.

These cute hair accessories will bring the perfect amount of holiday cheer to all your parties, dinners and get-togethers this season!

When you’re on the job hunt, polishing your resume, writing a killer cover letter and prepping for the interview seem like all it takes to get the job, but that’s no longer enough. Today, social media is such a huge factor in scoring that sought-after position. Platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can help you in so many ways—but they can hurt you, too. That’s why we got the scoop on how to make your accounts work in your favor, so be sure to check out these crucial tips!

Facebook

1. Clean it up

We’d like to think that potential employers are scoping out our social media accounts to find out how talented we are, but there’s a part of us that knows they’re really searching for dirt. So go through your tagged photos, statuses and link shares and remove anything that may seem even remotely offensive. That means any photos from last weekend’s rowdy party, your curse-word-filled rant about the bad day you had and the harsh comment you published alongside a link to a politician’s latest speech should go.

While you want to cleanse your profile of any potentially offensive content you published, Neal Schaffer, a social media strategy consultant, also says it’s necessary to scour friends’ posts on your profile and then remove inappropriate content. “You almost become guilty by association if a recruiter finds something inappropriate published on your own wall, even if by someone else,” Schaffer says.

If you have a friend who tends to post vulgar things on your wall, you may want to consider removing him or her as a friend on Facebook entirely, Schaffer advises. If that’s too drastic of a measure for you, Facebook also has a setting that requires you toreview and approve any posts made on your timeline.

Since your Facebook history may be vast, you can use the free app Socioclean, which scans your entire profile and timeline for profanities, anything suggesting aggression and words of sexual nature or relating to alcohol. By the end of the search, the app gives you a letter grade based on how much it found.

2. Update your “About” section

Though Facebook may not be considered a professional networking site, it’s still a good idea to update your profile in a professional manner with basic information, such as your school, major or current job. If your resume lists your current major as advertising but your Facebook page lists the economics major you had before you switched six months ago, the discrepancy will confuse an employer and could reflect poorly on you.

According to Schaffer, you should be cautious if you choose to list your political party preference or religion. “Showing your affiliation is a risk,” he says. “It could work for you, but it could also work against you, and you’d never know it.” To prevent any potential stickiness, you may want to withhold your preferences altogether.

LinkedIn

3. Craft a professional branded headline

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with a simple headline that explains you’re a student at MIT, make yourself stand out more by explaining what you currently do besides going to school, or what you are aspire to be, Schaffer says. “Ideally you want to … showcase your strengths and differentiate yourself in the limited [amount of space] you already have,” he says.

So instead of writing, “Student studying urban planning at MIT,” you could write, “Aspiring community development director and senior at MIT majoring in urban planning.” If you currently have an internship or hold a leadership position in an organization or campus club, be sure to mention it in your headline. By being as specific as possible, readers can see how you stand apart from others, and they’ll decide whether or not to read on from there.

4. Include a professional summary

The professional summary, which is located at the top of your page, is almost like an elevator pitch because it’s your one chance to draw a potential employer in. “With your summary, you have full control of what people will learn about you, and you can give [potential employers] a good picture of what you’re really about beyond your resume,” says Emily Miethner, founder of MCG Social, a boutique social media agency. “You’re really missing out on an opportunity if you don’t create one.”

For your summary, you could use generic terms to describe the type of worker you are, but alack of personalization will bore a viewer. Instead, include your interests and accomplishments in a non-robotic way. “You want to talk about what your specific passions are and how you are pursuing them,” Miethner says. “You want to impress whoever’s reading, so maybe expand on your biggest accomplishment that you could only mention briefly in your resume.”

5. Add other forms of media

Depending on what field you plan on going into, take advantage of the interactive feature of LinkedIn that allows you to attach your work. If you spent all summer writing for your local newspaper, you definitely want to attach your best articles. If you were a research assistant for a study, include the study, even if there isn’t a designated section with your name on it.

Adding media on LinkedIn is especially crucial if you’re going into any type of creative field. “As human beings, we process visual content much faster than non-visual content, so play that to your favor by adding any presentations, photographs or videos you may have worked on,” Schaffer says.

Twitter

6. Clean it up

Tweeting is about sharing your thoughts and opinions with others, but you don’t want to share so much that it ends up costing you a job. Scroll through your past tweets and weed out any that may be inappropriate.

“As a rule of thumb, stay away from sex, religion and politics,” Miethner says. “So remove old tweets that may involve those topics and try to steer clear of them for future tweets.”

Beyond the topics Miethner mentions, it might be hard to discern what qualifies as offensive to the average person, but try to avoid any negativity, whether it’s about yourself or someone else. Don’t tweet about your horrible tendency to procrastinate or about how rude one of your professors was to you; neither message will reflect well on you.

7. Publish a personalized yet professional bio

Unlike LinkedIn, Twitter is not explicitly a professional tool, but you still want to act professionally, including in your bio. If you want to play it extra safe, you can copy and paste from your LinkedIn headline. But if you want to add a bit more flair, Twitter is the best place to do so.

“To some extent, Twitter is more playful, so you can have a different twist in your bio,” Schaffer says. “But make sure it’s still a part of your brand and it isn’t potentially offensive.”

If your current Twitter bio explains that you’re an aspiring engineer who studies at the University of Maryland, you could add a detail at the end that is less formal in tone, such as the fact that you’re a running enthusiast. Just don’t add any excess fluff (you only have 140 characters, anyway) and definitely leave out silly hashtags like #followforfollow or #yolo.

8. Interact with other influencers in your field

Using Twitter to socialize with friends is okay, but if you’re looking for a job, you should be joining or creating a conversation that involves professionals and topics from your field. “I’m a huge fan of putting yourself out there in a positive way as much as possible so others can get to know you,” Miethner says.

For example, if you dream of working in the magazine industry, join the conversation by tweeting about a particular article covering a subject you are passionate about. The next step would be retweeting or even replying to a tweet published by an editor from your favorite magazine. Even if your tweets don’t garner a response, it will show that you are actively putting in an effort.

“I recommend [engaging] once a week,” Schaffer says. “Try to post something that would be positive for your personal brand.”

While engaging may entail retweeting industry news or other interesting things you find, the bulk of it involves your active participation. Twitter is like one large conversation made up of millions of people, so join in and tweet at others in your field by asking them questions or responding to their tweets. You may not always get a response back, but at least you’re showing an eagerness to take part in the conversation.

On any platform

9. Think about your privacy settings

Whether you decide to scroll through your entire Facebook and Twitter histories or just adjust all of your privacy settings to make your content hidden, it’s completely up to you. But if a potential employer tries to look you up and sees that all of your profiles are hidden, you’re sending him or her a certain message, Schaffer says. “If they see that everything is private, they will start to wonder what you’re trying to hide,” he says.

Although there’s a risk in making too much private, Miethner says that it really depends on the career field you are entering. “If you’re applying for a social media job, you don’t want to make all of your accounts private, but with most other fields, there’s no definitive rule of thumb,” she says. “If there’s one platform that employers will understand if they find it’s private, it’s Facebook.”

10. Correct any inconsistencies

You want to make sure that across the board, all of your profiles have the same information. The layout and presentation may not necessarily be the same, but the details you publish about yourself should not be different. If you update one site, update them all. If you mention that you’re a senior on Twitter, but on LinkedIn you’re a junior, a potential employer could get confused, and you’ll just end up looking sloppy.

Schaffer suggests making your profile photos the same throughout; that way, an employer who’s already seen your LinkedIn profile can more easily confirm they’re looking at the right Twitter account. More importantly, he says keeping the same photo will strengthen your public persona. “Branding is all about consistency,” Schaffer says.

11. Proofread, proofread, proofread

Checking your accounts (especially LinkedIn) for errors may also seem intuitive, but you can easily ignore the task if you’re wrapped up in cover letter and resume editing. If you feel burnt out from proofreading, ask a parent or friend to read through your page. The fresh set of eyes will not only help in terms of finding potential spelling errors, but also in terms of how it reads from a perspective other than your own.

When it comes to Twitter, you may not want to go through your entire history checking for mistakes, but keep in mind that you should always double-check what you type before you hit tweet. How embarrassing would it be if you applied for a copy-editing job and an employer came across a tweet in which you accidentally typed the wrong version of “there”?

Now that you know the most crucial ways to update your profiles, you’re already on your way to having an impressive online presence. Who knows—maybe going through your old posts will be a funny walk down memory lane.

With snowflakes falling and the days growing darker, it’s beginning to look a lot like winter! Now that December’s here, we can’t help but daydream about all the fun to come: cozy days curled up by the fire, holidays with the family and best of all, holiday parties! Be the belle of the ball no matter what you’re doing this winter – these swoon-worthy outfits will make you shine at every occasion! Shop them at Boden using the discount code ‘HC25’ for up to 40 percent off everything (plus free shipping and returns) through December 7th!

Cozy winter day

Nothing says “winter wonderland” quite like hot chocolate, a warm fire, a good book and – above all – cozy clothes! Whether you’re writing your final terms papers in the library while overlooking the snowy quad or finally back relaxing at home (hooray!), you’ll need all the warm and fuzzy essentials to make the most of the day.

Hand Knit Cable Sweater, $218 at Boden
Cozy Desert Boot, $148-168 at Boden
Fun Hat, $38 at Boden
Placid Blue Cord Skinny Jeans, $48-78 at Boden

Don’t even try to deny that you’re obsessed with this Santa’s helper-esque ensemble! Perfect for any snowball fight, chilly trek across the quad or hot cocoa date, this fabulously fuzzy outfit is exactly what we need this winter.

Contrast Pocket Sweater, $58-68 at Boden
Boyfriend Jeans, $78 at Boden
Ankle Socks, $38 at Boden
Cosy Stitch Glove, $28 at Boden

Colorfully cozy and wonderfully warm, this sweater-chic look is one of our favorites for colder days. The relaxed boyfriend jeans are just comfy enough for studying and completely cute enough to rock on campus (and off!), and the pretty primary colors of this sweater are sure to brighten up any gray winter day.

Holiday party with friends

One of our absolute favorite things about the holidays is all the glitz, glam and glitter of holiday parties, because who doesn’t need a little extra sparkle this season?! Of course, you won’t need to bundle up (read: coziness not required) for your winter nights out with friends, but you’ll definitely need a whole lot of edge and embellishments to stand out from the crowd. This year, play up wintery colors like ice blues, glittering blacks, silvery metallics and snowy whites!

Lucy Skirt, $78 at Boden
Metallic Organza Top, $88.90-96.20 at Boden
Mary Jane in Warm Pewter Metallic, $188-198 at Boden
Embellished Clutch, $148 at Boden

For any polished holiday party, you’ll want to look the part! Keep your look simple and chic with a delicately detailed top tucked into a neutral skirt, and don’t forget to add that extra pop of glitter with a knockout clutch and heels. Violà – you’re ready to make some memories!

Party Pencil Skirt, $148-178 at Boden
Silk Cami in Lollipop, $58 at Boden
Soho Ankle Boot in Black, $118.80-208 at Boden
Ribbon & Chain Necklace, $40.60-58 at Boden
Wrap Bracelet in Black Multi Glitter, $23 at Boden

Who says you have to cover up completely for winter? Show off your best self at holiday parties! This slinky camisole is fabulously flattering, and you’re sure to turn heads with this glimmering, shimmering skirt. What better time to rock sparkle?!

Holidays with family

Pre-holiday parties are some of our favorite events of the year (sorry, Halloween), but the actual holidays themselves totally take the cake as the all-time best perks of winter! Whether you’re traveling to see the whole extended fam (prepare yourself) or staying at home for an intimate day with just your parents and siblings, you’ll want to look the part!

Spot Jacquard Top, $52.80-61.60 at Boden
Cambridge Skirt in Green, $58.50-78
Block Heel Slipper in Pewter Metallic and Freckle, $148-168 at Boden
Zip Top Clutch, $75.60-108 at Boden

The perfect holiday outfit is equal parts pretty, appropriate, eye-catching and festive. While you won’t want to show up in any short mini skirts (Grandma might not love it...), you can still rock your personal style with A-line hems, delicate details and just the right hint of polished preppiness!

Embellished Floral Top in Navy, $96.20-103.60 at Boden
Oxford Turn-up in Henna, $70.80-118 at Boden
Chic Ankle Boot in Warm Pewter Metallic, $178-198
Printed Scarf in Pewter Spot, $22.80-38

It’s not every day that we fall in love with a pair of trousers, but consider us smitten! This flattering, on-trend pair from Boden is best paired with beautiful embellished tops, eye-catching metallic boots and festive scarves to play up your holiday spirit. You’re family photo-ready!

Wherever you spend your time this holiday season (and however you decide to spend it), do it in style! Cold-weather chic is our favorite kinds of chic, after all, so bundle up or step into some sparkles – make this winter one you’ll never forget!

In case you missed it, the 18th Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was held in London on Tuesday night—and we’re already dying over what we’ve been able to glimpse from the post-show instagrams of the VS Angels. (All the Angels flying to London together on a private plane? Swoon.) For those of us who didn’t catch it live in London, we’re finally going to get to see the whole thing when it airs on December 9. Can’t wait until then? We’ve rounded up the best moments in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show history—from performances, to iconic Angel moments, and everything in between—so keep scrolling!

1. Gisele Bundchen’s $12.5 million Fantasy bra

Wearing the “Fantasy Bra” (a bra and matching panty set that is decked out in millions of dollars worth of gemstones) has been an honor given to different iconic VS Angels in the show since 2001. In 2005, VS took the sparkle madness to the ultimate level when Gisele donned this sexy Santa look—including a bra covered in $12.5 dollars in diamonds! It’s been the priciest one yet—and we love the festive touch this look has.

2. PINK’s debut

It’s hard to imagine a time without PINK, but in 2006, VS debuted their then-brand-new line for the first time on the runway. There was plenty of glitter, pink (obviously), and Miranda Kerr with a super fab PINK megaphone. Need we say more?

3. Spice Girls reunion

At the 2007 show, the ultimate reunion-of-all-reunions happened when the Spice Girls performed to kick off their comeback tour. Scary, Sporty, Baby, Ginger and Posh looked fab as ever in their 1930’s-esque looks—it’s pretty safe to say VS and these '90s girl-power icons were a match made in heaven.

4. VS Angels make the Hollywood Walk of Fame

It’s pretty clear 2007 was a major year for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—the day before the show, the VS Angels got their own spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Naturally, all the Angels showed up dressed in matching shimmery gold jackets—proof they still shine even off the runway.

5. Kanye West’s performance of ‘Stronger’ as a tribute to his mother

After having to cancel his performance at the 2007 show due to the death of his mother, Kanye’s 2011 performance at the show made for a major ‘AWW!’ moment when he dedicated it to his mother who had died four years earlier, calling her his own “super-angel.” It didn’t hurt that Kanye’s classic pump-up anthem “Stronger” was a totally spot-on choice for the colorful “Super Angels” themed section, either.

6. Cara’s antics

Cara Delevingne never fails to crack us up, but her hilarious antics at the 2013 show still get us every time. Case in point? Busting her hilarious dance moves at the end of the show.

7. The VS (Snow) Angels

We're still obsessed with the “Snow Angels” theme from last year’s show, where the models took to the runway in jaw-dropping elegant white snow angel looks, covered in silver glitter and white lace. The glittery falling snow and Taylor Swift (who basically looked like a VS Angel herself), killing it with “I Knew You Were Trouble,” only made us fangirl even harder. Not to mention, we kind of want in on the Taylor-Karlie BFF-ship.

8. Hit by an Angel

We already can't wait to see what this year's show has in store for us... especially with this Ariana Grande vs. Angel moment to look forward to. Dare we ask you to caption this photo, collegiettes?
 

Want to win six months rent paid in full? Sure you do! The holidays are the best time of the year, but they’re also probably the most expensive; chances are your wallet is hurting badly already, so to ease that pain we’ve teamed up with free citation tool RefME to give you what may be the best gift anyone could ask for this year: free rent!

Yes, you heard right! No crazy frills or entry fees. If you’re a current college student who’s 18 or older, this competition has your name written all over it.

To enter, all you have to do is download the RefME app or sign up online (both free!) and then share a link to them on Facebook or Twitter. Any friends still doing citations by hand will also thank you later – trust us!

Click here to enter (It’s free and takes 10 seconds)! 

(If you haven’t signed up for RefME, you’ll be prompted to do that when you click to share).

Earn up to nine more entries by inviting friends to RefME! To do this, you can easily invite others via text message or email within the app or website using the simple interface. The more friends you invite, the more likely you’ll be the one who scores six months rent for free, up to $700 per month!

The one lucky student who wins will have his or her rent paid from January 1, 2015 through July 1, 2015. What’s more, 10 runners up will receive a choice of a $75 ASOS or Amazon gift card – which are still pretty sweet prizes to walk away with, if you ask us. Don’t live in rented accommodation? No worries. There’s a cash-out option of $2,300 for those who aren’t doling out rent every month. What are you waiting for? Enter here! 

The ultimate bonus is that the application itself is a prize for your study sessions and essay writing; you no longer have to waste time looking up publishing dates and formatting bibliographic info because RefME will do it for you! Just scan your book or look up your source, and voilà: RefME turns it into a citations page that’s ready to be handed in! The mobile and desktop-based app is completely cloud-based, which makes it super easy for you to access your work at any time or place. And you shouldn’t be worried about your citations being in the wrong format, because RefME covers over 6,500 styles to ensure that all meticulous professors are satisfied. Free rent plus the ultimate study hack? It’s a win win that’s calling your name! 

Enter the competition here, or if you just want to download the RefME App or sign up online, click here! 

Though the real joy of the holidays comes from giving rather than receiving, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t look forward to opening those gifts left for us under the Christmas tree every year. Sweaters and gift cards are always a hit, but here are a few gifts we really wouldn’t mind getting from Santa this Christmas.

1. A daily morning coffee delivery from our own personal Starbucks barista.

2. An instant hangover cure.

3. A pair of jeans that fits perfectly even when we’re bloated.

4. An extra five hours of sleep every night.

5. A day in the week dedicated solely to catching up on our television shows.

6. A pair of sweatpants that is both flattering and comfy.

7. Roommates who never eat our food.

8. A fail-proof study system.

9. A decoder for confusing text messages.

10. A fitness class that burns calories but doesn’t make us feel completely inept.

11. An RA who doesn’t care how much noise we make in our rooms.

12. Fat-free, sugar-free froyo that still tastes delicious.

13. A mattress pad that actually makes our twin beds comfortable.

14. A pair of heels that never hurts no matter how long we wear it.

15. A reusable pass for paper extensions.

16. A drink that can keep us caffeinated for an entire day.

17. A satisfying, uncomplicated, exclusive relationship.

From hairstyles to lipstick shades, standards of beauty have evolved and changed greatly over the years. Each decade has its own memorable signature, such as victory pin-up curls from the '40s or big, teased hair in the '80s. For those who want to learn more about each decade's style since 1910 without researching for hours, check out this quick and awesome time-lapse video.

Model Nina Carduner sat in the stylist's chair for this video and shows us just how much beauty has evolved over the course of one century in this fast-paced, glamorous video. Check out the lipstick from the '20s and the Snooki-style pouf from the '60s! Plus, the hair and makeup look from 2000 channels our Avril Lavigne stage flawlessly.

The last decade shown in the video is 2010, and we are totally guilty of taking duck-face selfies on our iPhones after a blow-out, too. Who knows what other beauty trends will follow suit over the next five years before we hit 2020?

What do you think of this video, and are there any beauty looks and eras you'd add?

Sometimes a relationship ends in a big way. Maybe you and your SO got in a huge fight or one of you seriously broke the other’s trust. But other times, it’s not so clear. All relationships go through problems, so when things just start to feel off, it can be difficult to tell whether a relationship needs to end or whether it just needs a little TLC to make things better.

Everyday details can make a significant difference in a relationship, but are they worth breaking up over? Or is this just your typical rough patch? We’re here to help you work through your problems with some sure signs it’s time to let go.

1. Your relationship consistently isn’t satisfying your needs

If you feel unhappy more often than not in your relationship, then it’s definitely time to take closer look at what’s going on. To do this, Jeffrey Sumber, a licensed professional clinical counselor, recommends making the distinction between non-negotiable needs and wants.

According to Sumber, non-negotiable needs are those things that you just can’t compromise on, and they can be different for everyone. For example, one of your non-negotiable needs might be that you need to feel appreciated.

“[In this instance, if you’re] in a relationship where [you] feel an ongoing challenge around not feeling appreciated, [you] should run away from it because [you’re] not going to feel fulfilled,” Sumber says.

Wants, on the other hand, are those things you can give a little wiggle room. You might want an SO who will talk with you about political issues, but that doesn’t make news aversion a deal-breaker. You have to identify those aspects of a relationship that you must have to feel fulfilled, and then make sure that you’re getting those things.

If you’re feeling unfulfilled, try talking it out with your partner before breaking up. When starting this conversation, Sumber recommends speaking in terms of your own needs rather than your SO’s shortcomings.

“[The issue] needs to be about me and not my partner,” Sumber says. “I might communicate my need in terms of an expectation, like, ‘I need you to appreciate me more,’ and my partner might feel obligated and defensive.” Instead, you might say, “I don’t feel appreciated.”

If your relationship perks up and stays up after this conversation, odds are you were just going through a rough patch. But if you’ve communicated your needs more than a couple times and nothing has changed, it’s time to let your relationship go.

2. You’re being physically or emotionally abused

If your SO abuses you physically even once, it’s time to walk away. You should never tolerate violence in a relationship. Call The National Domestic Violence Hotline if you need help leaving an abusive relationship or need someone to talk to.

However, there are more types of abuse than just physical abuse. We often overlook emotional abuse in relationships. We may even attribute the feelings associated with it to one partner’s oversensitivity or already low self-esteem. But if your SO makes you feel bad about yourself or always points out your flaws, you need to take those feelings seriously and leave.

“Any partner who uses physical violence will do it again,” Sumber says. “The challenge is to also consider the emotional violence, or abuse, that happens if one partner is constantly chipping away at the other’s self-esteem. I don’t think that a partner ever has the right to say you look terrible, because we are all beautiful and we all have gifts and we all have challenges.”

If your SO critiques your appearance, your intelligence or anything else about you in a way that is hurtful and not at all helpful, it’s time to break up.

3. You’re not communicating

Do you and your SO speak less and less to each other when you’re apart? Have you stopped sharing your feelings with each other? Or maybe you just have nothing to say. Communication issues are all too common in relationships, and if you’re experiencing them, it’s time to take a look at the causes behind them.

If you and your SO have been together for some time and your conversations still feel forced and uninteresting, you may not really be compatible.

Robert, a senior at Vanderbilt University, says that communication issues were the biggest sign that his first relationship needed to end. “[My ex and I] needed other things to feel the null space,” Robert says. “Every silence was uncomfortable, and we didn’t have anything to say anymore.”

However, sometimes communication issues do arise from a rough patch. For example, maybe you’re both busy and stressed, and your moods are taking a toll on your communication habits. If you feel like this is the case in your own relationship, try putting in some extra effort.

Rhonda Ricardo, author of Cherries over Quicksand: Romance Secrets, Laughter, Wit & Timely Tales to Paradise, says that “The stories I collected [for my book] reveal the fact that heartfelt, daily enthusiasm is extremely important for sustaining loving energy and exciting passion. For example, when your partner texts you a question like, ‘How you are doing?’ if you answer, ‘Great! How are you?’ you just missed a huge opportunity.”

But maybe you are the only one putting in the effort and your partner consistently shoots you down. Or maybe you just don’t feel like trying anymore.

“If you do not feel like including him or her in your good news right now, stop and think about how it will feel to not have them with you to share your accomplishment,” Ricardo says.  “Also think about how it would feel to not have them there if your goals fall flat and you need a caring embrace.” Does this seem okay to you? That’s a sign that it’s time to let go.

4. You’re no longer excited by your relationship

You’re young. You’re in the prime of your life. And you’re totally bored. It’s clear that things can’t stay the way they are, so you need to figure out what’s going on.

Like communication issues, sometimes boredom is actually the symptom of a rough patch.

“I always think that if I’m bored, I’m crazy. There’s just so much to do,” Sumber says. “If I feel bored in the least, then I need to check myself and not my partner. I should never just sit in front of the TV because my partner prefers to sit in front of the TV.”

In this case, tell your SO you’re feeling stuck in a rut. Suggest an adventurous date idea. Your fun and exciting ideas might just rub off on your SO and pull you out of this rough patch. 

But if your SO is never interested in doing fun, exciting things with you even after you’ve made the effort, you might need to look back at your non-negotiable needs. If having an SO who is your fascinating partner in crime is important to you, it’s time to find someone who can fulfill that need.

Jessica*, a senior at the University of Massachusetts, says that she knew one of her relationships needed to end when she stopped finding it interesting. “I just wasn't excited anymore,” she says. “I didn't look forward to dates or phone calls. It became more of an obligation than a want, so I ended it.”

Ricardo says that you can’t force your SO to be more interesting; you can only make sure that you are living a life you personally find exciting and fulfilling.

“If your partner continuously finds it easy to turn away from you at your best and most fascinating and is not interested in ever being fascinating, warm and loving to you anymore, you will become bored, and you’ll know they are not the one for you,” Ricardo says.

5. You feel pressured to change

If you feel like you have to change for your SO, then you’re likely not with the right partner in the first place. Although your SO might help you grow as a person or give you respectful suggestions for self-improvement, you should never feel like your back is up against a wall.

If you and your SO have different goals and values, consider this: It is possible that your SO can challenge you to consider perspectives that you have never thought of before, and this could be a good thing.

“In our twenties, we are evolving in our understanding of self,” Sumber says. “It’s likely that most of our values are constantly evolving. If we get stuck in our values, we become stuck and stagnant.”

But if your SO is pressuring you beyond your comfort level to change your own values, you need to call it quits. Ask yourself, “What is truly in alignment with what I am? Is my partner making demands with what I’m not comfortable with, or is my partner challenging my boundaries?”

Even with something as simple as a haircut, your SO should never make you feel like being who you are is a deal-breaker. And if you feel like that’s the case, it’s time to move on.

When you find yourself wondering if your relationship is meant to last, Sumber recommends asking yourself, “Who am I? What do I need? And what will I do about it?” And if it turns out that you relationship isn’t just in a rough patch, it’s going to be okay.

No matter what, you deserve a life that fulfills you, relationship included. And, as Ricardo says, “Why would you settle for less than a wonderful love life? You are amazing!”

*Names have been changed.

Crime shows are, in two words, absolutely addicting. Maybe it's the suspense, or maybe it's the fact that the detectives and analysts are just so attractive. Either way, crime shows are like potato chips: You can't ever watch just one. Once you've started watching one series, you've begun your downward spiral into Netflix binge-watching until you can't remember which medical examiner belongs on which series and you're secretly wondering if your obsession is going a little too far. It's not. Embrace it. 

1. You’re still holding out for your one true love: Detective Stabler. 

The definition of the perfect man. 

2. Or maybe Aaron Hotchner. 

Even though he hardly ever smiles. 

3. Okay, okay, Dr. Spencer Reid. 

So smart. So beautiful. 

4. Forget being an astronaut - you want to be Olivia Benson when you grow up.

Because she is the queen of kicking butt and taking names. 

5. You’re pretty positive that you could be a criminal profiler if you really put your mind to it. 

Oh yeah. Easy peasy. 

6. So when you first meet someone, you can’t help but wonder if he or she might be a sociopath.

Is it normal to ask your date if he has some unresolved tension with his mother?

7. Your family wonders if it’s healthy for you to sit in front of your computer watching hours of Law & Order: SVU.

Probably not. 

8. You definitely have an opinion on which Law & Order is the best.  

Whether you like plain ol'Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intentor Law & Order: SVU, your choice says a lot about you. 

9. The same goes for CSI.

But everyone knows that it's not CSI: Miami.

10. You’ve figured out how all of the plotlines of these shows usually work.

You think you've got your perp? It's only been 20 minutes! You've got the wrong guy!  

11. You know how hard it is to fall asleep after watching one too many episodes.

Just try to think happy thoughts. Just look at Stabler and Benson and how perfect they are. 

12. You cried when your favorite characters left the series.

You're emotionally attached, okay?

13. You like to throw random legal jargon into casual conversation so that everyone knows you know the law and you’re not afraid to use it.

OVERRULED. SUSTAINED. PLEASE APPROACH THE BENCH. 

14. Because you think that watching crime shows makes you an expert on crime. 

And you are... sort of. 

Monday evening’s British Fashion Awards featured quite the surprise, courtesy of Anna Wintour. Vogue’s iconic editor in chief made waves in her public statement of support for John Galliano, who has been shunted by the fashion world ever since an anti-Semitic rant got him axed from Dior in 2011.

Let’s have a crash course in John Galliano trivia, shall we? In 2011, Galliano was living the good life. He’d transitioned quickly in the mid-'90s from designing for Givenchy to Dior, where he stayed for years. He had also established his own label and and won multiple awards. For fashionistas and non-fashionistas alike, “Galliano” became a household name. However, being famous and successful doesn’t excuse you from being called out for your blatant, drunken displays of racism. When a video surfaced showing the designer saying, “I love Hitler,” (among other horrifying things), the reaction was swift. Dior dismissed him, and after denying the allegations and filing a lawsuit, he spent the next few years laying low—probably a good call. Recently, and with the help of longtime supporter Anna Wintour, he has been making a comeback. He temporarily assisted Oscar de la Renta in 2013 and joined Maison Martin Margiela in early October, taking on the position of creative director.

On Monday, Wintour made it clear that Galliano was here to stay, if she had anything to say about it (which of course, she always does). Not only did she ditch her usual Chanel to wear a Margiela dress, she also chose Galliano to be the presenter of the Outstanding Achievement Award that she received at the event. Both became emotional during their speeches. With this showing, it is clear that Galliano has officially been absolved of his sins by the powers that be in the fashion world.

Is this a feel-good story of redemption, or an example of another powerful person getting away with something? In the end, it boils down to a question of where we draw the line between free speech and hate speech, and whether personal opinions expressed by leaders (in any industry) should affect their professional lives. Galliano’s horrible statements have nothing to do with his abilities as a designer, of course, but should we take into account his role as a public figure? If his opinions have nothing (or little) to do with his art and his career, should they have a bearing on his success?

As public figures across industries have continuously put their feet in their mouths as of late (Think: Donald Sterling, or Elizabeth Lauten), the public has been forced to evaluate whether—and to what extent—personal opinions should affect professional careers. For the most part, those who have offended the public consciousness have stepped down from their positions. This seemed to be Galliano’s fate, but Wintour and others seem to think he has served his time.

Whether we like it or not, private businesses can hire whoever they want, and Anna Wintour can choose her own friends without consulting us. However, in doing so each must assume the consequences of his association with their brands (including Vogue’s).

As for me personally? Let’s just say that the next time I have a few thousand dollars laying around, I’ll be passing over Maison Martin Margiela.

What do you think, collegiettes? Has Galliano earned a second chance? How much should his past mistakes affect his current career?
 

Whether you’re on a time crunch, you're having a bad hair day or you simply need your hair out of your face, a ponytail is always a simple solution.  With these creative hacks, you can easily spice up your go-to hairstyle!

1.  Super Long Ponytail

2. Knotted Pony

3. Triple Knot Pony

4. Ponytail Twist

5. Cascading Side Pony

6. Ponytail Bow

7. Wide Wrap Pony

The jury’s out, ladies! Pantone’s color of the year for 2015 is marsala. What exactly is marsala, you ask? First off, it’s a lovely red wine that goes great with Italian food. More importantly, the color marsala is, as described by Pantone, a “full-bodied red-brown.” It's been predicted to show up as the new it-color in fashion, beauty and design in the upcoming year. What does this mean for you though, collegiettes? It means that it’s time to stock up on everything marsala-colored and rock this amazing new hue, stat.

Here are some of our favorite marsala-colored pieces:

1. BCBG Wine Stretch V-Neck Long Sleeve Maxi Wrap Dress, $112, Bluefly 

This marsala wrap dress is perfect to wear to any holiday parties you have coming up. The color is totally unexpected and you’ll be sure to stand out against all the blacks, greens, and bright Christmas-y reds.

2. Double Breasted Peacoat, $58, Nordstrom

Take a break from your heavy winter coat and try this marsala peacoat. It’ll look great paired with your other dark winter neutrals and keep you warm.

3. Brisbane Mid Rise Surplus Skinny Women’s Pant, $198, True Religion 

Colored jeans are always a good choice. They take any boring old t-shirt-and-jeans look to a whole new level of chicness. Looking fashionable but putting in minimal effort? Sign us up!

4. Avery Crossbody, $175, Rebecca Minkoff

Treat yourself to chic crossbody bag in Pantone’s amazing new color of the year. The gold hardware pairs nicely with the rich color, and the chain brings a ladylike touch to the piece.

5. Wanted Highnoon boots, $89.99, Zappos

Everyone has classic black or brown riding boots. Everyone. This marsala-colored pair is a great alternative to the norm. They also have super cute gold studs going down the back and buckle detailing that help give them a bit of edge.

Well there you have it, Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year! How are you going to rock marsala this year, colegiettes?
 

There’s no way around it: Finals suck. Instead of stressing about finals, prepare yourselves for what’s to come, and you’ll be far better off! All-nighters and endless cups of coffee won’t be necessary if you stay on top of things. We’ve talked to experts from Learning Strategies Instruction at James Madison University to put together this list of tips for surviving finals. Good luck!

1. Plan ahead of time

Leaving studying and final projects for the last minute will just be a hassle later. There’s nothing worse than cramming for an exam the night before – it will stress you out, and you probably won’t do too well as a result. Plan when you’re going to study about two weeks in advance. This way, you’ll have set dates to study for certain exams and will have plenty of time to ask questions and go to office hours if necessary.

“I don’t advise cramming for finals,” says Emily, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. “I did that last semester, and it was a nightmare. I was up all night in the library and could barely function the next day.”  Take our advice and save the money you’d be spending on Starbucks!

Caitlin Powell, a learning strategies instructor at JMU, laid out a five-day study schedule that can be turned into a weeklong schedule for finals:

• Five days before: organize

Organize and review your notes carefully. Prepare a list of all topics that will be on the exam; list them in order of importance so you can focus your attention accordingly.

• Four days before: review and recall

This is the most important step! Review your notes thoroughly until you can recall all of the important information. Concentrate on the topics that are more difficult for you to remember. Use mnemonic devices or visualization to help you recall more effectively.

• Three days before: rewrite and recall

Briefly rewrite all the important information. Review these notes repeatedly. Trying to recall your own explanation will be more effective than trying to recall what the textbook and your professors have said.

• Two days before: questions

Make a list of questions that might be on the exam and answer them in as much detail as possible. “Quizlet is also a good resource,” Powell says.

• Test day: prepare

Review your notes and rewritten notes a few hours before the exam. Take time to relax before the exam. If you are afraid you will forget the information or blank out when you receive the exam, write reminders on the back of the test paper that you can come back to during the exam.

2. Study in groups

If you do it correctly, group studying can be extremely helpful. Before meeting with your group, go over the information on your own. This way, you can ask your peers any questions you may have.

“I love studying in groups,” says Brooke Pearson, a sophomore at James Madison University. “It’s a great way to clear things up without having to make an appointment with your professor.” Group studying can be helpful as long as you and your group members are on the same page about getting work done.

“Of course having a group is important because a lot of people do learn better when they’re with other people,” Powell says. “There always needs to be some sort of goal with a group, what they need to study or accomplish. Set criteria for participation, keep a goal of learning in mind, and everyone can ask/answer questions so everyone feels like they can be open.”

3. Take study breaks

Studying can get extremely frustrating, so taking breaks is definitely a good idea. Try meeting up for coffee with a friend or going to the gym. The endorphins will give you extra energy and make studying easier later on. If you’re staring at a computer screen or textbook for hours, you’ll go crazy!

“If you have two different subjects to study for on one day, let’s say math and history, the recommended time to work on a certain subject is 30 to 45 minutes,” Powell says. “After that, a five- to 10-minute break is suggested. I wouldn’t go over an hour of studying at once on any subject.  If you’re trying to study successfully, I wouldn’t take breaks longer than five to 10 minutes.”

Powell also suggests being active during breaks: going for a walk outside, doing laundry or getting a snack. This schedule can go on for about three hours for one subject. Then it may be time for a longer break, like getting dinner with a friend or going to an exercise class.

4. Find the right location

Your study spot can help or hurt you tremendously. Find somewhere you can focus without going crazy. It may also help to switch locations every once in a while. Staying in your room all day and night will make you stir-crazy, but being outside for too long may get distracting. Figure out where you work best and plan accordingly.  The theory of context-dependent memory proves that if you study in an environment similar to the one you’ll be taking the test in, you will recall the information better.  If you’ll be taking the test in a large lecture hall, try studying in the library where there are a lot of people around.

“My only suggestion for places to study would be not your apartment,” Powell says. “You can go anywhere besides where you sleep. Your mind knows your room for where you sleep, so it will get confused and you won’t get the best amount of work that you can get done.”

5. Don’t overdo it

If you freak out over finals, chances are you’re not going to do as well as you’d like. There’s no use in stressing yourself out and overworking; if you plan ahead and budget your time, you’ll be okay.

“Planning in advance is really going to help with anxiety,” Powell shares. “If you’re stressed, the worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute. Really spreading everything out is going to help. Right when you get back from Thanksgiving break is when you need to be thinking about how many days you’ll be studying for each exam. Make specific ideas about what you’ll be doing for each day. And don’t forget to take deep breaths.”

“Don’t over work yourself during finals week,” says Anna Soyka, a sophomore at James Madison University. “I end up getting more confused if I study too much.” Find the happy medium between not studying enough and studying too much. Save some of your energy for getting through the actual test.

If you keep our tips in mind during finals week, it shouldn’t be as awful as everyone says it is. Sure, you may get overwhelmed at times, but that shouldn’t stop you from being in control and rocking your finals. Don’t save everything for the last minute and figure out which studying techniques work best for you. You can do it, collegiettes!

Here at the Beauty School Blog, we eat, sleep and breathe beauty, so it's no surprise that the holiday season is one of our favorite times of the year. Between the amazing gift sets, tons of minis and limited edition holiday shades, it's impossible not to get excited! This year, we decided to ask our fabulous bloggers about the #1 beauty product on her wishlist this season. Whether you're looking for some inspiration for your own holiday wishlist or you just love checking out what other beauty gurus are coveting, there's sure to be something for everyone!

Nina Aghadjanian, a fourth year at the University of California, Irvine: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream ($95 at Nordstrom)

"My parched skin needs a double dose of moisture and I've heard this cream works wonders! I can't wait to try it." 

Alexa Amato, a junior at Hunter College: Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in '1995' ($19 at Gerard Cosmetics)

"I believe the lipstick was created by one of my favorite YouTubers (Jaclyn Hill). Her goal was to re-create the famous mystery shade Kylie Jenner wears. I think it comes pretty close. Otherwise, it's a really beautiful color and I would totally wear it every day! "

Jen Morgan, a junior at Messiah College: Illamasqua Matte Lipstick in 'Box' ($30.02 at Illamasqua)

"It's a deep scarlet red. I have olive skin, so this shade is said to complement my skin tone and look fabulous."

Shannon Zhu, a junior at New York University: Byredo Parfums Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum ($145 for 50ml at Barneys)

"It's a mesmerizing smell radiating warmth from the concoction of amber, incense and bergamot. I love this fragrance for the freezing months because it makes me feel sexy even though I have on so many layers that I look like a snowman!"

Anais Corrales, a junior at the Savannah College of Art and Design: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry ($4.99 at Target)

"It's a cool alternative to red and it's affordable!"

Samantha Sasso: The Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizing & Brightening Cream ($38 at Sephora)

"I really pay attention to my skincare routine and since I have really sensitive skin the wild rose oil repairs a lot of damage I have from older skincare products and hyperpigmentation."

Emily Smoot, a junior at Clemson University: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria ($22 at Ulta)

"Two of my friends both own the lipstick and it stays on all day like a lip stain, but doesn’t look dry like some lip stains do."

Are any of these amazing products already on your wishlists, collegiettes? 
 

Family gatherings during the holidays are always a little weird, but at least the discomfort is over when the last guest leaves. The poor people in these family portraits get to relive that awkwardness every day thanks to the Internet and whoever's bright idea it was to capture these unbearable moments on camera.

1. "You say you've been a good boy this year? Liar, liar, pants on--well, this is awkward."

2. We think this could double as a family Valentine's Day card (but it'd be even better if Mom could find a matching Cupid's outfit... that wasn't topless, preferably).

3. This family portrait is an innovative take on country-club-meets-Indiana-Jones (in the best way possible). The kid even throws in a jazz hand for extra pizzazz!

4. The most awkward thing about this photo is that the cat is more photogenic than its owner (even with the Santa hat).

5. This family believes Christmas celebrates many things, including joy, giving and, apparently, the circle of life.

6. The photographer suggested a "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" theme, and this family took it literally.

7. Nothing says, "we wish you the best this holiday season" like a card that really says, "my kids are better athletes than yours."

8. We give this family a 10 out of 10 for creativity, but only 9 out of 10 for execution--what is the point of using candles if they aren't even lit?

9. At least three-fourths of the family made the "Nice" list this year.

10. This couple's beloved pet is opposed to giving up his cozy bed for a manger.

11. Big brother is following in Rudolph's footsteps in more ways than one--his friends are definitely going to "laugh and call him names" after seeing this gem.

Hand lotions are way too underrated.

Why are we not using them more often? Winter brings a deadly combination of chilly outdoor winds and indoor heating—which means cracked, dry hands. Our hardworking hands deserve a little TLC, so treat yourself to any one (or multiple) of these ultra rich and nourishing hand creams that we've selected just to combat this upcoming winter. There's something for every budget, and trust us, once your hands are silky soft, you'll never go without hand cream again.

Eos Travel Sized Everyday Hand Lotion, $1.99, ulta.com

We trust our lips to Eos lip balms, so why not our hands? This portable container may look small, but this hand lotion packs quite a punch. It provides all day hydration with a triple threat of shea butter, aloe, oats and antioxidants. Also, it's hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested, and at just $2 each, we're stocking all of our bags with one.

Yes To Coconut Protecting Hand and Cuticle Cream, $5.99, target.com

I think we all know how much cracked cuticles hurt... avoid that this winter by stashing this delicious smelling hand and cuticle lotion in your bag. Infused with virgin coconut oil, which is rich in Vitamin A, C & E, this vegan lotion is going to feel as good as it smells.

Le Couvent des Minimes Aimable Hand Cream, $8, usa.lecouventdesminimes.com

The orange blossom in this hand cream is great not just for its invigorating fragrance. Orange blossom aids in softening the skin while shea butter hydrates in this non-sticky formula, which is a spin-off of the brand's highly successful, original hand cream.

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream, $9, burtsbees.com

This addicting hand cream is the perfect item to keep at your desk. Reach for it anytime you feel your skin pulling taught, and the sweet almond oil and vitamin E will instantly plump your skin while the natural beeswax creates a shield to protect from further drying or damage.

& Other Stories Cotton Care Zephyr Mini Hand Cream, $11, stories.com

If you haven't heard of this brand, prepare to become obsessed! On top of their chic, high quality clothes, their beauty section is a treasure trove filled with products like this hand cream filled with cottonseed oil and vitamin E to give you beyond luscious skin. The rich floral peach and plum smell is warm and comforting—perfect for winter.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream, $11.50, usa.weleda.com

Did you know this awesome brand has been hiding out in Whole Food's beauty section? This product has sea buckthorn oil, sesame seed oil, and essential citrus oils for a replenishing formula that smells totally fresh. The fast-absorbing formula is perfect for on the go!

Glossier Balm Dotcom, $12, glossier.com

Glossier is a new addition to the beauty scene, but they seem to be doing everything right—including this all purpose balm that is truly the bomb dotcom (pun fully intended). It has super long-lasting hydration that is perfect for your hands and instantly soothes irritated skin. The thick, waxy consistency creates a perfect, undetectable layer of protection.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Handcream, $12, usa.loccitane.com

There's a reason why this looks so familiar. Chances are you've already seen this super popular hand cream in someone else's well moisturized hands. It boasts 20 percent shea butter, honey and almond extracts, and coconut oil to transform cracked hands immediately.

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $15, kiehls.com

If you're looking for a hard hitter, this intense salve is exactly what you need. It's truly an industrial-strength salve for your hands, and the coolest part is that the genius formula helps your skin absorb moisture from the air and traps it into your skin. Ugh, we're going to need this in a full body lotion too, please.

Royal Apothic Terra Firma Hand Crème, $24, royalapothic.com

While on the pricey side, there's a reason why this hand crème has a loyal following. It's blended with micro-nixed safflower oil to hydrate hands without any oily residue. The fragrant blend of lemon, nutmeg, violet and musk is perfect for a cozy winter, too!

Which hand creams do you always have in your bag?

With so many African-American women like Kerry Washington and Jada Pinkett Smith embracing their natural kinks and coils, it seems like the natural hair movement is on the rise. A common misconception about natural hair is that basically every hairstyle is the same – a poof here and a twist out there. Luckily, for all the new naturals out there, we’ve whipped out our collection of natural hairstyles that are unique and perfect for any occasion. Try them out if you’re looking for more ways to appreciate your natural hair.

1. Heatless Curls

Yes, you read that correctly—it’s actually possible to achieve flawless curls without using heat! Check out the tutorial below by My Natural Sistas.

2. The Bantu Knot Out

A bantu knot out is another way you can give yourself curls and body without having to worry about the heat damage from a curling iron.

“One thing that’s really important to me and a lot of other naturals is staying away from heat as long as I possibly can,” says Amber, a junior at Columbia University. “I like bantu knots because if I make them tight enough, it makes my hair look shiny and almost like I curled it using a flatiron.”

Want to try it? Check out the tutorial below from natural hair vlogger Tiffany Nichols.
 

3. The Hair Bow

This one’s a little complex, but it’s not as hard to pull off as it looks. It’s a unique take on a classic high bun that’s wearable for any occasion. Check out this tutorial by YouTube user Razorempress to see how it’s done.
 

4. The Side-Swept Braid

This style takes the simple braided crown updo and gives it a little twist. “Styles like this are actually easier for me to manage when I don’t feel like twisting my hair out at night,” Amber says. “I can just put this look together in way less time than it would take me to do a whole twist out.”

We love this tutorial from Loxa Beauty:

• Use a comb to part a large section off for your first braid. Put the rest of your hair in a ponytail. /
• Starting in the corner of the front section, start braiding downwards and across.
• Braid your hair all the way to the end.
• Begin braiding the other side. 
• Once both braids are finished, grab the front braid and wrap it around your hair, pinning it to the other braid. Leave the other braid down.
   

5. The Classic Pompadour

Channel your inner Janelle Monáe with this classic updo. This style is simple and easy and can be done on short or medium-length natural hair. For the visual learners, here’s a video tutorial from My Natural Sistas.
 

6. The Pineapple

Though this style is better known as a style that most naturals wear to bed at night, it can actually be worn on any occasion. It’s cute, fun and great for those winter mornings when you’d rather spend more time in your bed than in front of a mirror trying to perfect your appearance. This video tutorial from CurlsNLipstick will show you how to nail it.
 

7. The Frohawk

This style, which is a combination between an Afro and a Mohawk, will definitely turn some heads. Whenever you want to spice up your hairstyle, a frohawk is definitely the way to go.

“I usually just wear my fro most of the time because of how convenient it is,” says Brittany, a junior at the University of Georgia. “My hair can be so annoying and difficult to deal with that just wearing it out like that is like a built-in statement piece. I can say something with my hair without actually trying.”

To create your “statement piece,” watch this video tutorial from Mini Marley.
 

Try out a few of these simple natural styles to give yourself a unique look! What are your favorite natural styles, collegiettes? Tell us in the comments!
 

Christmas is one of our favorite holidays, but it can also be stressful. Between all of your family and friends and their different tastes, Christmas shopping can get hectic and expensive. Here are the thoughts we all have while shopping during the holiday season.

1. Okay, I need to get presents for my mom, dad, brother, cat, dog, aunt, uncle, cousin and roommates.

2. *Checks bank account balance* Maybe just immediate family this year...

3. Wait, do I need to get something for that guy I’ve been seeing?

4. It’s only been a few weeks - what if I get him something but he doesn’t get me anything?

5. What if he thinks I’m obsessed with him?

6. Am I obsessed with him?

7. Okay, no present for him.

8. Mom’s not too hard to shop for; I’ll just get her some cute and inexpensive jewelry from Francesca’s that she’ll probably never wear.

9. *Looks at price tag* Ouch, not so inexpensive.

10. I’ll get it anyways. She birthed me; she deserves it.

11. Now for Dad... what do you get the man who has everything?

12. *Thinks for 20 minutes* Okay, next person!

13. My brother returns everything I ever get him, so does it really matter at this point?

14. Does he still even play video games? Whatever. *grabs a handful of random games and movies*

15. Okay, back to Dad.

16. Whenever I ask him what he wants, he just responds, “Good behavior and good grades,” so... I really have to brainstorm here.

17. Maybe a new cologne to add to his untouched collection of 50.

18. Sold!

19. And just enough money left for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel. Merry Christmas!