Cooler weather couldn't come sooner, and with it autumn hues to match. But instead of swiping on (or slipping into) some oh-so-predictable foliage-themed finds, expand those seasonal horizons and reach for something unexpected. Your trusty Beauty Editor is back with a thorough review of some on-trend beauty buys, testing the waters (and some fresh fall shades) so you can reap the most out of your next fall haul, minus time-wasting trial and error. 

The palette? Spicy metallics, wispy wines and autumn aquas. 

Eyes

Product: NYC City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow

When I heard I was testing fall products, my mouth watered for well-known fall favorites (like that darling emerald above—to die for). So when my mailbox unveiled a seemingly summery blue, I was... pleasantly surprised! When a chill rolls around, we typically reach for something dusky and warm. But there's tons to be said for deep jewel tones, and I was all for test driving the alluring aqua East River Romance, vibrant violet Central Park Tulips and shimmery white Rockefeller Center Snowflakes shades of the collection.

Product-wise, these clever sticks earn brownie points for usability—the crayon-like design makes application a breeze even in a pinch, and the controllable shape lends itself to bold liner looks as well. Just be gentle, as the creamy shadow cracks easily. I found it took quite a few strokes for the shadow to resemble the shade of the casing, and the chalky formula clumped a bit much for my liking. But at such an affordable and accessible price ($2.99, CVS), an extra minute of blending may be well worth it. And while 24 hours may be an advertising stretch, this shadow (used to nail my first-ever reverse cat-eye) did last me through a long Friday night with minimal fade, which, tbh, is all a girl can ask for.

Color-wise, the swipes won't exactly mimic the advertised color. All in all, each shade was more sheer and shimmery than expected, which isn't a negative, but just something to be wary of. And for added vibrancy, try using the chalky Rockefeller Center Snowflakes as a base shadow before coating on your color.

So did the purple, blue and white really live up to fall expectations? I'd suggest these shades as transitional grabs. In deeper, more saturated tones, these babies could make it through winter. But as is, their cooler hues will work well wheeling you through the last of this season's Indian Summers. 

Lips

Product: Rimmel London Keep Calm Lip Balm

My pout had the pleasure of puckering up for shades Rose Blush and Berry Blush—both of which were thoroughly impressive. These balms packed a serious punch, introducing instant moisture and plump to some pretty chapped lips (dry air, meet your match). The formula glided on easy-breezy, and the color lasted around an hour (and let's be real, through a few kisses) before reapplying. Upon application, my lips felt dreamily smooth and fully quenched. Bonus? Both flavors colors had a fruity taste and smell to match their flirty tints. 

Rose Blush gave my lips a punchy, pink-orange tint that could easily be used year-round, offering a pleasant take on more drastic tangerine hues. Berry Blush epitomized true fall color, with hints of raspberry, pomegranate and wine (colors, not flavors, but I'll admit, it did taste sweet!) that perfectly capture a winter-berry aura without being overbearing. So if you're not one for more moody hues of raisin and plum, try this balm on for size—the fuchsia flare will become a go-to favorite. Grab one (or both) for a perfect autumn pout, and some fun packaging ($2.50, Walmart).

Nails 

Product: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel 

Let's get one thing out in the open. I'm already addicted to these polishes, to the point where I've retired the rest of my polish drawer in favor of this magical formula (yes, magic). 

For those unfamiliar, two coats of Miracle Gel Color ($9.99, CVS) and one coat of Miracle Gel Top Coat ($9.99, CVS) are all it takes to secure a salon-like gel finish, UV-free. And while the price may be off-putting, the benefits are well worth it. The polish engineers at Sally Hansen promise a last time of up to two weeks, and they mean it—my toes have been chip-free for almost three! The two-step kit boasts unbeatable shine that just doesn't dull, and unlike with other polishes that basically never dry, the process is relatively quick and totally pain-free. All in all, the only person these manicure mavens will disappoint is your go-to manicurist—nail salons, meet your biggest rival.

My nails had a lovely date with shades Terra-Coppa and Up the Ante—two posh autumn shades you'll be dangerously attached to all fall long. Up the Ante offered a creamy finish I have yet to find in any other polish, and you won't find this color anywhere else. The silky purple shade presented a blend of orchard and wine hues, sporting tones simultaneously rich and soft. So if you're looking for a go-to shade to cozy-on-up with, this polish will reign as an autumn regular.

Full disclosure: Terra Coppa is the only glitter polish I've ever liked. Glitter formulas tend to miss the mark, requiring what feels like endless coats to achieve solid, consistent coverage. But this metallic show-stopper slided on effortlessly saturated—your nails really will resemble the bottle. With flickers of copper, gold and rust (resembling gorgeous foliage and sparkling cider), this polish pampers. If only I could've swiped this on for high school Homecoming—alas, I'll settle for shimmering throughout the seasonal festivities to come. 

The takeaway from my fall color beauty haul? Opt for a beauty bag stocked with a blend of classic cool-weather color favorites and up-and-coming autumn trends. I'm thoroughly impressed with the eye-catching (and affordable!) products this season has to offer. Time to flaunt it, fall-loving ladies. 

Growing up, we watched our fair share of Disney movies, filled with princesses and princes. Inevitably, we found ourselves wishing we could be rescued by a prince, fall in love in the jungle or run away with a guy who has a pet monkey. Little did we know that we would eventually find guys just like the Disney princes when we got to college!

Although they may not share the same names or look particularly animated, you definitely know a few guys who match these princes' descriptions. This is what the Disney princes would be like if they actually existed at a campus near you.

Prince Florian: The Tinder Expert

Let’s be honest: although Snow White’s prince was supposedly in love with her before she bit into that poisoned apple, he didn’t show up until it was time to give her a smooch. If he were in college, he’d constantly be swiping right and trying to meet up with whatever pretty girl needed to be “rescued.”

The Beast: The Ultimate (Misunderstood) Frat Bro

The Beast is that guy who absolutely loves his frat, his pledge brothers and parties—and he might have a bit of a beer belly. While he’s often written off as someone with a one-track mind (if you know what we mean), the Beast still has a heart of gold and loves nothing more than a romantic dinner date. He will continue to be turned down by any girl he asks out until he finds that special someone who sees beyond his rough exterior.

Prince Eric: The Campus Legacy

He’s not famous on campus because of some impressive party trick, but because the new library is named after his very wealthy father. Many girls are after Eric for his money, but he’s just a typical guy who just wants to be different from his family and fall in love with a genuine girl. He’s often seen in coffee shops and bookstores or hanging with his dog.

Tarzan: The Dropout

He’s that guy who got tired of conforming to society’s standards. College? Not for him. After a mere month at university, he left to travel the world (because even a semester abroad wasn’t quite adventurous enough). Tarzan is a free spirit, and perfect for one of those bad boy phases that every girl seems to go through at some point in her life.

Hercules: The Guy Who Lives at the Gym

It could be six in the morning on a Monday and he’d still be at the campus gym hitting the weights. “Cardio” isn’t in his vocabulary, and he’s always willing to tell you that (and to talk about how much he lifts in general). He’s been accused of taking steroids multiple times, and his Instagram is full of the hashtag #gains. If you do see him anywhere but the gym, he is most likely wearing a muscle tee.

Prince Philip: Everyone’s Best Friend

It’s hard to find someone on campus who doesn’t love this guy. He’s cute, funny and always down to go out (partly because he’s a good dancer). He’ll give you the best compliments, and stick up for you no matter what! Despite him being friends with everyone, girls are constantly falling for him because of his poetic soul.

Aladdin: The Rebel Your Parents Wish You’d Never Met

We all know him: the elusive and mysterious guy who sits at the back of every class and makes random but insightful comments. Despite his creative nature, he doesn’t like following any sort of rules. Therefore, he also doesn’t care for authority—whether it's the law or your parents. 

Prince Charming: The Star Football Player

His plays are often shown on ESPN, people slyly take pictures as he walks by them on campus and all of the girls at your school are dying to get just one date with him. Even though he's insanely popular, he’s still down to earth. When he does settle down with a girl, he’s extremely committed to their relationship, even though others continue trying to steal his affection.

Captain Li Shang: The Straight-A Student

He doesn’t just study—he stays after class, goes to his professors’ office hours and is constantly meeting with his advisor. This guy is most likely on a scholarship, which just makes him more determined to do well. On a Saturday night, you can find him at the library or at home studying.

Regardless of the movie, it’s pretty easy to spot at least one Disney prince’s twin somewhere on your campus. Keep a look out, ladies!

Hey collegiettes!

We know you love reading HC on your laptops, your smartphones, and your tablets... but now you can truly curl up with HC because our first-ever book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life, just hit stores!

Order your copy online here or head to your local Barnes & Noble! And be sure to check out our upcoming schedule of book signing events and see if we're coming to your area!

The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life covers everything you need to know to rock college, from how to get along with your roommates to how to avoid the 'freshman 15', deal with tough professors, snag internships, decide whether to study abroad, and much, much more.

Whether you're already an upperclassman or are just getting ready to go off to college next fall, this book has everything you need to survive and thrive on campus when it comes to all aspects of your life. Our book also includes handy resources like a template roommate contract, dorm room grocery list, and more.

Want a sneak preview? Read an excerpt from our book here then order your copy!

I can't wait to hear what you think!

HC Love,
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus

We know how dreary dorm rooms can be. The boring white walls, the cold tile floors and the scratched wooden furniture don’t exactly shout, “Welcome home!” That’s why we’ve teamed up with Martha Stewart Crafts to give one lucky winner the chance to completely reinvent her living space!

If you love all things DIY, you’ll be in craft heaven with this amazing kit including $150 worth of Martha Stewart paints, a $200 Whim Twin Bedding Set and more than $200 of other miscellaneous crafting supplies. Ready to make your dorm totally Pinterest-worthy? Enter to win now!

MSLO Giveaway

Feeling like your day-to-day look is a little bland? Listen up, collegiette –– accessories can fix that! Every item that you use publicly is basically an accessory—which means there’s a whole frontier of new items you can customize based on your personality, way beyond your earrings and lipstick color. Whether your phone needs a little something extra, or your sick of your plain old backpack, we’ve come up with 10 totally new ways to accessorize your everyday style and take your items from drab to FAB!

1. Change your phone case

You probably haven’t considered your phone case an accessory before—but hear us out. It’s definitely the number one item you have with you at all time, and since you’re always on it, your case is always visible. We’re obsessed with the ClickBack Phone Case, which allows you to literally swap out the back of your phone and switch it out with different designs in seconds—so you don’t have to pay for a bunch of expensive phone cases and don’t have to deal with the hassle of removing the entire case. You can change your case based on your mood or outfit. Sign us up!

2. Upgrade your planner

For all of you girls who love to be organized, you know how exciting it is when the time comes around to buy your planner for the following school year. Your planner is basically an extension of your personality!  Let your agenda stand out from the rest by decorating it with cheap and cute items like washi tape. Seriously though, what feels better than writing in your cute, customized agenda?! Not much, we’ll tell you, not much.  

3. Decorate your laptop

Protect your precious laptop and look trendy while doing it; these days, there are so many retailers creating cute laptop cases and keyboard covers. Add some decals from your favorite band, or a school organization you are involved in to let your personality shine through. Styling your laptop is an adorable and affordable way to spice up your college experience!

4. Reinvent your water bottle

These days, everyone is toting a water bottle with them to class. Want to make yours stand out, collegiette? We recommend trying the bkr Water Bottle, which has an outer silicone cover that you can change to a variety of different colors! If you’re feeling even more adventurous, or don’t feel like purchasing a new bottle, try creating your own design on your current bottle with Sharpies or bumper stickers.

5. Layer your lanyard

Let’s face it –– to survive college, it is basically necessary that you carry a lanyard. Feeling like your boring lanyard is cramping your style? Add key chains! Shop in your college bookstore for a school key chain you can rep around campus, or hit up Amazon and search for cheap-but-cute chains that reflect your personality! You can always DIY your own, too!

6. Style your backpack

Don’t even lie ­–– we all notice the backpacks that our classmates are carrying. Want to make yours a little less basic? Go crazy and customize! There are so many options with this one; hit up your local craft store to pick up some fabric glue, key chains, pins, monograms, fabric patches or scarves and go to town on that bag!

7. Wrap your headphones

Headphones might be the most frustrating things ever… Seriously, isn’t anyone else sick of all the tangles that exist no matter how gently you place them in your bag?! Well, collegiettes, we have a one-of-a-kind way to solve this problem and simultaneously make them even more adorable: grab your favorite shade of string and wrap away. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try intertwining two colors for an easy and effective look that will make you stand out!

8. Bag your books

You probably remember this trend from middle school, but guess what? We’re bringing it back! With the price of college textbooks these days, it is vital to that you keep your rental books in good condition so that you won’t be overcharged when you return them. We recommend you have some fun with it! Combine a traditional brown grocery bag with the shopping bags from your favorite stores and create a masterpiece that will have your books looking flawless.

9. Revamp your cover photo

We’re serious—your cover photo is the ultimate accessory. Your Facebook cover photo shows the world who you are—friends and creepers alike. Find a beautiful Pinterest quote or a funny still image from The Mindy Project to pair with your profile pic.

10. DIY a laptop case

Laptop cases aren’t exactly cheap—but they’re a great way to show instant style and keep your prized possession safe. There are SO many adorable DIY laptop cases you can find online—and you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

When you want to change up your day-to-day look, be different! Never be afraid to experiment with things outside the box, collegiette –– you never know when you could be starting the next big trend!

The Republican party couldn’t sustain so many candidates forever. Gov. Scott Walker became one of the first to go when he announced his withdrawal from the presidential race Monday night at a press conference in Madison, Wis.

Walker spoke of the need for the Republican party to return to a more optimistic view, saying that this election season had devolved into personal attacks and a focus on the negative.

“Today, I believe that I am being called to lead by helping to clear the field in this race so that a positive, conservative message can rise to the top of the field,” he said. “With this in mind, I will suspend my campaign immediately.”

He encouraged other Republican candidates to consider dropping out of the race as well, “so that the voters can focus on a limited number of candidates.” Seems pretty unlikely that anyone will take him up on that.

The New York Times reports that Walker was running out of campaign money and had dropped in the polls, leading him to the decision that staying in the race wasn't worth it.

Well, this narrows the GOP playing field…sort of. Now the question is, who's going to get Walker's endorsement?

In the latest episode of The Mindy Project, Mindy gave birth to her and Danny’s son. Though she protested the entire episode for a scheduled C-section in the most lavish birthing suite we’ve ever laid eyes on, Baby C decided to come a bit early while Mindy was trapped on the subway. But Danny arrived just in time, and the episode ended with sweet little Leo Castellano making his TV debut. Here’s why we already know that Mindy and Danny will be amazing parents.

1. They’ll teach him valuable life lessons.

After all, they do have years of experience being lovable screw-ups.

2. Danny will be the practical dad.

Common sense will be his forte.

3. While Mindy will be the cool mom who shares the really important tips about howto survive this big, crazy world.

“Sneaky places to hide alcohol” isn’t exactly a skill you can put on your resume, but it’s vital nonetheless.

4. Food will always come first.

No two people are more obsessed with food than Mindy and Danny, so this kid will never have to worry about where his next meal is coming from.

5. Leo will learn how to be confident.

But in a cute, not at all annoying way.

6. Mindy and Danny are not afraid to fight a little.

Their best quality, if we do say so ourselves.

7. They’re willing to look silly.

Even if it isn’t exactly intentional.

8. Fun, kid-like activities are already on their list of favorite things to do.

Now they have a better excuse to ride—and fall off—the carousel.

9. Their baby will be a social media darling.

You know Mindy’s already deciding what filter Leo looks best in.

10. They’ll handle the tough situations with ease.

And if we’re lucky, a whole lot of comedic flair.

11. They’ll constantly be competing for the title of best parent.

Which will obviously make them both better.

12. They’re committed to making it work.

The engagement, the house. They’re the picture of domesticity, right?

13. Most of all, if they love him half as much as they love each other, that Leo is one lucky kid.

They already look pretty much head over heels for this guy.

We all love Netflix, but it’s not without its faults. The streaming service was criticized earlier this month when Dr. Adrienne Keene took to social media point out the sexist, culturally appropriative description given to Pocahontas: “An American Indian woman is supposed to marry the village’s best warrior, but she yearns for something more–and soon meets Capt. John Smith.”

Keene wrote on her blog, Native Appropriations: “the description reads like a porn or a bad romance novel… The use of ‘woman’ and ‘yearns’ is so…gross. The problem? It overly sexualizes the film, and only positions Pocahontas in relation to her romantic options, not as a human being, you know, doing things.” Nailed it. Yes, the movie is wildly historically inaccurate and is problematic in its own way (as is true of many Disney movies), but this description seems to conveniently leave out all the other plotlines—you know, like the one where she risks her life to save her entire tribe from war with the English colonists?

Keene compared this female-led film’s descriptions to those of other Disney films that feature male protagonists. For example, Tarzan: “After being shipwrecked off the African coast, a lone child grows up in the wild and is destined to become lord of the jungle.” And, for Hercules: The heavenly Hercules is stripped of his immortality and raised on earth instead of Olympus, where he's forced to take on Hades and assorted monsters.” Notice a pattern here? Virtually all Disney movies, whether the main character is male or female, has a romantic plotline of some sort—yet only in the female-led movie does Netflix decide that that’s the main focus.

Not only is the description sexist, but culturally insensitive. “Of course Pocahontas wouldn’t be content with her backwards Native ways with her Native man… she yearns for something more,” Keene wrote. “SPOILER ALERT: It’s a white dude. Of course. It’s perpetuating the idea that white colonizers are better, more than, and the solution to Native savagery.”

After Keene’s point gained some visibility on Twitter, Netflix wrote her an email and has since changed the movie’s description. “Thanks for bringing attention to this synopsis,” the company wrote. “We do our best to accurately portray the plot and tone of the content we're presenting, and in this case you were right to point out that we could do better. The synopsis has been updated to better reflect Pocahontas' active role and to remove the suggestion that John Smith was her ultimate goal.​”

The film’s description now reads: “A young American Indian girl tries to follow her heart and protect her tribe when settlers arrive and threaten the land she loves.” Gotta love the power of social media to let us have our voices heard—now, if only the entertainment industry could acknowledge gender equality without us having to ask first.

After a stressful week of papers and meetings, there's nothing better than a weekend relaxing with our girls. Want to do something other than studying together at the library? It's time for a girls' night out! Here are our top five picks for fun things you can do with your BFFs!

1. Go to a fashion show

Miss New York Fashion Week? Make like a fashion editor and head to College Fashion Week, coming soon to Boston (October 3), New York City (October 10), Washington, D.C. (October 17) and Atlanta (October 24)! Besides getting a sneak peak at fall’s hottest trends, you’ll get a giant goody bag chock full with swag from our favorite brands, like Shake Shack, Skinny Pop, People StyleWatch, Luna, Simon Malls, SOREL and more! Listen to cute male a capella groups, make friendship bracelets at the Little Words Project Arm Party Booth and take a cute new prof pic with your besties in one of our photo booths—all at a hot and happening venue in the city!

2. Go bowling

Bowling is a classic and will take you way back to your middle school days. Lace up those shoes and rent a few lanes. Add in a few boxes of pizza and you’ve got a perfect night.

3. Go to a new bar in your town

Trying out a new bar is always fun—but let’s be real, the best part is getting ready with your friends. Vote on a new joint and then do each other’s hair and makeup and pick some glitzy get-ups. Once there, sip on some sophisticated cocktails (a welcome change from the frat party fare of beer and jungle juice, we’re sure) and maybe you’ll even snag the numbers of some campus cuties!

4. Go to a concert

Whether Taylor Swift is coming to town or you’re just supporting a friend’s a capella concert, listening to music with friends is a great way to spend a Saturday night. Host a pre-party at your place, get dressed up together and then go support the arts!

5. Stay in

Put on pants to go out? Puhlease. Ditch the whole girls’ night out idea, put on your PJs and stay in! Bake something delicious and ready your Netflix queue with classics like The Notebook and Titanic. Once you’re done ugly-crying from the cinematic drama, make some homemade facial masks and call it an evening. There’s really no better way to end a stressful week.

Ready to plan the best GNO ever? Register now to join us at College Fashion Week in Boston, New York City, DC or Atlanta to get exclusive access to this season's hottest trends, a not-to-be-missed show, tons of free stuff and so much more!

It's hard to believe, but according to Mashable, selfies have killed more people than sharks in 2015. So far this year, twelve people have died from selfie accidents while only eight have died from shark attacks. Cue Jaws theme music.

Sounds pretty crazy, right? The majority of these incidents occurred from people falling, but other issues include trains, animals and even selfies during the Tour de France. The lesson we can all learn from this is that activities that require a lot of attention (running with bulls, driving, etc.) are not ideal for snapping selfies. While getting hundreds of likes on a photo is cool, let's get real—it's SO not worth your life.

Many places are banning selfie sticks to prevent danger, and they may have the right idea. How far are you willing to go for the perfect selfie, collegiettes?

In a world of perfectly proportioned, airbrushed images of perfectly gorgeous women, it’s easy to look in the mirror and get discouraged. This can be exaggerated if you’re struggling with your gender identity and aren’t comfortable in your body to begin with.

Because trans* people have so little representation in the media, it can be hard to love yourself when you can’t see yourself anywhere else. While it’s natural to want to better yourself, it’s important to remember that even though you may not look like Beyoncé, you’re ***flawless all the same. Here’s your guide to learning to love your body—stretch marks, dimples, bushy eyebrows and all.

Fake it

Kanye West may be controversial, but he gets at least one thing right: Acting like you’re the best is the easiest way to make you feel like you’re the best. When you’re feeling bad about yourself, just tell yourself how great you are. Sooner or later you’ll start to believe it! Post that selfie, compliment your own outfit and walk down the sidewalk like you own it.

Be positive

It’s easy to pull a Mean Girls and stand in front of the mirror bemoaning your man shoulders and weird hairline, but obsessing over your perceived flaws is no way to better your self-esteem. Instead, find three great things about yourself every day—you made someone laugh, you aced your chem test, your eyeliner wings are perfectly even. Before long, you’ll start noticing the good before you even think about obsessing over the bad!

Find people like you in the media

When you turn on the TV or flip through Vogue, it can be hard to find someone who looks like you, and that can be really isolating. While we still have a long ways to go in terms of representation, shows like Orange Is the New Black and other queer-friendly TV shows are setting a good example by showing developed characters who share your skin color, body type, sexuality or gender identity. Your school might even have LGBTQ+-focused classes where you can learn more about gender and sexuality and start to realize how totally normal it is to not be cisgender or straight.

Don’t overthink it

Feeling like your identity doesn’t match your body or thinking you need to conform to a specific way of expressing yourself can be suffocating, and dealing with those feelings can take a very long time.

“I think it's mostly due to a very strict gender binary with strict rules of gender expression,” says Sarah, a non-binary college student.

Whether you’re transitioning or not, it’s important to remember that it’s your body and no one else’s; It doesn’t matter what other people think about your appearance.

“Gender and bodies and expression are all such different things, and even though it's hard to accept certain things about your body sometimes, ultimately, you have to remember that as long as you feel okay in your body, it doesn't matter what others think,” Sarah says.

Compliment others

You may be skeptical of this one, but trust us! Every time you go out, notice something nice about everyone you see or talk to, and don’t be afraid to share it with them. Once you notice how gorgeous or stylish or smart everyone around you is, you’ll realize that you’re someone else’s everyone. Someone else walking around campus is going to notice something awesome about you, even if you aren’t feeling it.

Surround yourself with positive people

This might just be the most important piece of advice you’re ever going to get. Friends are supposed to support one another, so if you feel like you’re being attacked or brought down every time you hang out with your bestie, find people who are going to lift you up and encourage you to be your best version of yourself. If your friends don’t support your sexuality or gender identity, it’s definitely time to get out of those friendships; Their toxicity is just going to lead to self-hatred unless you realize that they’re the ones who need to change, not you.

Reward yourself

Treat yourself like a friend. When you’re down, comfort yourself, and when you’re up, applaud yourself. Part of this is, in the wise words of Donna Meagle, treating yo self. Buy the dress that makes you feel sexy and confident, or let yourself have a cupcake after a hard day. You have to be your own best friend sometimes, and letting yourself have some quality self-care time is a great way to start to feel better about yourself.

Loving yourself might just be the hardest thing you ever do. When you’re repeatedly told that your body is wrong or that your gender is unnatural, it can be a constant battle just to remember that your life really is worth something. Your relationship with yourself is the longest one you’re ever going to be in, so you have to make it the best one you’re ever going to be in. You’ll thank yourself later!

Think you might be suffering from an eating disorder? The National Eating Disorders Association has a free and confidential screening to help you determine next steps. If you're looking for more information, be sure to call the NEDA helpline. Looking for ways to help spread the word? Find out how you can get involved on your campus.

Another day, another study finding that the problem of campus sexual assault is as ubiquitous as ever. The results of one of the largest surveys conducted on the subject were published by the Association of American Universities yesterday, and found that 27.2% of female college seniors reported experiencing “nonconsensual sexual contact”—by force or incapacitation—sometime in their college careers.

The results are hardly surprising, as they are similar to those of previous college sexual assault studies. This survey is important because it is so large—150,000 students from 27 different schools participated. Also, many elite colleges, including all of the Ivy League schools except Princeton, were included. Because these types of surveys define sexual assault differently from one another, making it difficult to come to consistent conclusions, it’s important to note that this survey defined “nonconsensual sexual contact” as anything from touching to penetration.

The survey also found that rates of reporting assault are still alarmingly low—28 percent or less of the most serious incidents are reported to "an organization or agency." Some of the reasons for not reporting: Participants "did not think anything would be done about it;” they were “embarrassed, ashamed, or [thought] that it would be too emotionally difficult” or they did not think it was “serious enough."

Also important: Almost half of participants “have witnessed a drunk person heading for a sexual encounter,” and “among those who reported being a witness, most did not try to intervene.” Of course, the real problem is that people are being put in these situations in the first place—but it’s still on all of us to step in and help our friends in need.

President Drew Faust of Harvard University, one of the schools that participated in the survey, wrote an email to the Harvard community in response to the study’s publication. “I find it extremely distressing to read these survey results, as I know others will,” she wrote. “But we must confront the realities documented by the survey as we develop a comprehensive effort to combat sexual assault, one that engages our entire community in a sustained and effective manner.”

“Clearly we must do more,” Faust added. “In the coming days and weeks, I want to hear your thoughts about what I can do, what you can do, and what we can do together to end sexual assault at Harvard.”  She stated that she intends to have the deans of the University present plans to increase community conversation and action.

All of these campus assault studies are part of President Obama’s White House Task Force, which is attempting to solve the issue by acknowledging that the first step is to study and understand it. While no two studies are exactly alike, they all come to the same disturbing conclusion: Campus sexual assault is rampant, and the resources to deal with it are lacking. How many more surveys will we have to take before we come up with a real plan of action?

The Barden Bellas are back in Pitch Perfect 2 and we could not be more thrilled. Fierce musical performances coupled with hilarious one-liners? The aca-gods have clearly smiled down on us this time, collegiettes.

We’ve partnered up with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to make sure you get your a cappella fix—for free! One lucky winner will receive a Pitch Perfect 2 Blu-ray Combo Pack, which includes the film in Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD.

As a bonus, we’re also giving away onePitch Perfect 2 soundtrack and a pair of Beats By Dre headphones! Now you can listen to the Bella’s perfect pitches everywhere you go because let’s be real, you’re still not over the “Cups” song (and neither are we).

Enter now for your chance to win this Pitch Perfect 2 package!

Pitch Perfect 2

It's National Voter Registration Day, so we've partnered with Rock the Vote to #CelebrateNVRD by getting as many collegiettes signed up as possible! Voting is crucial to making our country work, and as collegiettes, we have even more power in the polls than you might guess. Not registered? Girl, put down whatever you're doing and get on that, because...

1. We didn't always have the right to vote.

We owe it to super-suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Ida B. Wells to make our voices heard. They endured violence, insults and even prison while fighting for suffrage. The least we can do is click a link to register.

2. It's the feminist thing to do!

Women's issues are shaping up to be a huge part of the conversation around the 2016 election. The debate over defunding Planned Parenthood could lead to a government shutdown, Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina have been dealing with insanely sexistcomments and legislation about campus sexual assault is causing controversy across the country. With all this going on, we definitely have to vote to let our legislators know how we think women should be treated in this country.

3. Young people will be no joke in the next presidential election. 

According to Rock the Vote, millennials have the opportunity to make up the largest voting bloc in the country in the 2016 election. But in order to do that, we have to be registered to vote.

4. Registering is RIDICULOUSLY easy.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed as a college student, what with classes, extracurriculars, friends...all while trying to fit sleep in there somewhere. But don't even worry about checking registration off your list—Rock the Vote can help you register to vote online in under two minutes! They also have tons of online resources about rules for registering in each state, registration deadlines and pretty much anything else you'd be wondering about. Not convinced? How could you say no to Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera and all the other amazing celebrities who support Rock the Vote??

5.  Girl power is real—use it.

Women vote more than men, which means we have bigger numbers and more power at the polls. In 2012, 63.7 percent of women turned out to vote, compared to 59.8 percent of men. The only way to keep up the trend? You guessed it—register to vote TODAY so you'll have no problem casting your vote!

6. We've got a more diverse perspective than any other generation.

When elections roll around, the people who vote should be representative of the nation as a whole. Unfortunately, that usually doesn't happen, and certain groups don't have as much clout as they should. Rock the Vote says 43 percent of millennials are people of color—the most diverse generation. It's SO important that we use this power to affect the way our country is run!

7. Ladies. LADIES. We have to hold this guy—and all the candidates—accountable.

As GIF-worthy as Trump's face may be, he's been consistently sexist so far during this election season. From insulting Megyn Kelly's debate moderation to commenting multiple times about Carly Fiorina's face, he's proving again and again that he doesn't respect women (though he maintains that he will "take care" of us). Let's use our votes to let the candidates know exactly how we feel.

Head to our voting widget on the right to get started with your online registration now! Let's work together with Rock the Vote to #CelebrateNVRD and make 2016 the year of #HerElection.

One of the best things about the transition between seasons is the opportunity to give our wardrobes a total upgrade. We've already brought out the luxe sweaters and dusted off our boots, but changing into our fall favorites isn't complete without a few fresh updates—so when there's a sale, we're there. And collegiettes, there is nothing better than Kate Spade's surprise 75 percent off sale. Here's what we're shopping:

1. Hamilton Heights Cody, $169 (regularly $398)

Backpacks are having a moment, so go full on collegiette-chic with this black leather beauty, which will let you carry your daily essentials across campus hands-free.

2. Wise Owl Coin Purse, $39 (regularly $98)

We'll take ALL the cute animals, thanks.

3. Metropolitan Pearls Studs, $19 (regularly $48)

Pearls aren't just for your grandmother anymore—the proof is above. The dainty touch of sparkle paired with the slightly oversized pearl modernizes this classic look.

4. Cause a Stir Francis, $89 (regularly $198)

Still in denial about the end of summer? Keep the beachy vibes going with this fun tote, which also doubles as a daily reminder to always be bold!

5. Stripe Ramona Top, $55 (regularly $228)

Channel French girl fashion in these black and white stripes! This tee is both effortless and chic.

6. Selma Sneakers, $99 (regularly $228)

When you're on campus from your first 8 AM lecture all the way until the end of your library study sesh long after midnight, there's nothing more important than comfort. That's why we're completely obsessed with these adorable flamingo slides, which add a playful punch to any outfit.

7. Charlotte Street Alek, $79 (regularly $258)

Don't worry—we didn't forget about weekend wear! No matter what your Saturday activity, this pretty pink crossbody bag is IT. From daytime errands to late night dancing, this bag is just the right accessory to brighten up your look.

There are so many things we wish we could say to our exes, from regrets to jabs at them. Whether you have a good or bad relationship with your ex, you likely have things that are on your mind. We've put together a list of the sad, funny and mean things we wish we could say to our exes!

1. I miss you.

2. You made me so sad sometimes.

3. You were hotter when we dated.

4. I hated that shirt you wore all the time.

5. You have really hot friends.

6. You're a really bad singer.

7. I hated talking to your parents.

8. You aren't that good of a cook.

9. You took up too much of the bed.

10. You always know how to make me laugh.

11. You know me better than anyone else does.

12. I still love you.

13. I hate what you did to me.

14. I think about you all the time.

15. I hate all the shows you watch.

16. Your new girlfriend isn't cute.

17. No matter what, we'll never forget you.

Your ex may want to make you scream sometimes, but that's natural. Some of these things may be okay to say to them, but others may be better off kept to yourself! Just remember that you aren't alone and you'll get through whatever drama or tension there may be with your ex. Good luck, collegiettes!

Ask a Collegiette, college search, looking at college Are you a smart and savvy pre-collegiette looking for answers to some of your most personal questions about college? You know, the ones about boys, classes, roommates and parties that your school’s guidance office can’t help you with? Jen is here to answer those questions! Whatever your concern, she’ll do her best to help you so you can make sure you don’t just survive college, but rock it!

When should I start thinking about what colleges I want to apply to? I’ve been worrying about it since I was in the sixth grade! (To be fair, my brother was a junior at that point.) I'm a sophomore, and I've just started thinking that I'm worrying too much now. – Lila

Lila,

Wow, you were definitely on your A game thinking about college at such a young age! I have an older sister who is five years older than me as well, so I understand how having someone in the house going through the college process can make you start thinking about it more.

As a sophomore, I think you’re at the perfect age to begin considering and researching your options. However, even though this is true, you’re not at a point in your high school career where you need to be worried about choosing a college just yet. This should just be a time when you explore your options and take a tour of schools you might be considering.

If you haven’t gotten to a point where you’ve already considered specific schools yet, you can always check out one near your home just to get a feel for what college is like. You can also think about a few basic college-related questions, such as whether or not you’re comfortable going to college out of state if necessary, and what type of qualities you’d like your future school to have. Another idea would be to talk with your parents to get a sense of your financial situation, since it’s a necessary conversation to have when planning for college and it’s better to start it now rather than later.

When you were a freshman, all that mattered was adjusting to high school and maybe finding a few clubs to join to boost your experiences and your resume. Now that you’re a sophomore, I’d suggest building onto the extracurricular activities you may have found. This means you should make sure you’re at all the meetings, and you could also consider running for a leadership position in whatever club or activity you are part of. You can consider taking the PSAT, which will help you to understand what the SAT will be like when you take it your junior year.

Plan a meeting with your guidance counselor as well, since he or she will be able to answer all of your college questions and can help relieve any anxiety you might be facing related to the college application process. A great small step to take would be to make a free account on the College Board website, where you’ll be able to research different schools and have access to various college prep materials.

Above all, just continue enjoying your time in high school while you have it, since it goes by so quickly! Make sure you watch all of your favorite shows on Netflix while you still have extra free time, and go on lots of little adventures with your friends whenever you can – try and make every little moment Instagram-worthy!

It seems like you’re a planner, so if you want to learn more about what your next two years in high school might be like in terms of college prep, here’s a little bit of insight to calm your nerves: As a junior, you’ll need to make sure your grades are good, you’ll take your SATs and you’ll really begin to buckle down in your college search, taking tours often and finding out what sets a good applicant apart from the crowd.

When you’re a senior, you can begin your actual college applications in the fall, and once you receive acceptances, you’ll make a decision of where to go to school. If you apply early action or early decision, you should know of your acceptance before winter break, but if you’re applying during the normal application period, you should know in the early spring. An early-action application means you can apply to school(s) and know of your acceptance early on without being tied down to the school(s) if you do get accepted. Meanwhile, when you fill out an early-decision application, you’re obligated to go to the school you’re accepted by, so only do this if you’re 100 percent sure you want to go to a particular school. During the latter half of your senior year, you’ll work on your pre-college life skills and master them before you arrive on campus.

My biggest advice for you is to take a deep breath and relax, since even asking this question shows that you’re responsible and proactive, which is awesome! Enjoy the rest of your sophomore year, and remember to have fun!

For many students, college is the time to explore possible career options via internships. We’ve all heard stories about internships (whether they were good or bad), and some of us have experiences of our own. While TV shows and films have addressed the world of interning in the past, we’ve yet to see a movie that examines it quite like The Intern. Directed by Nancy Meyers and starring Academy Award winners Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, this film is guaranteed to appeal to both older and younger audiences. We caught up with Meyers, Hathaway and De Niro during the film’s press day in NYC, and learned all the behind-the-scenes secrets about the film!

The Intern, developed from Meyer’s screenplay, tells the story of Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a senior citizen who has realized that retirement isn’t what he imagined it to be. Desperate to find an activity to fill the empty void in his life, he applies for a senior internship at an online fashion company created by Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway). Ben comes into Jules’ life during a moment of immense stress, but she quickly realizes that he is just the person she needs. The result is a film that is hilarious, touching and completely relatable. 

Even though movie casts often gush about how they love working with each other, there was a genuine sense of respect and appreciation among Meyers, Hathaway and De Niro at The Intern press conference. This dynamic translates perfectly on screen, and explains why the relationship between the two main characters is so effortless and believable. As seasoned actors, Hathaway admitted that she and De Niro didn’t find it necessary to engage in any bonding activities prior to filming. “I just trusted that everything was going to be okay; we didn’t do anything special,” she told us. Hathaway found it quite easy to work with De Niro, who she described as “zen,” “approachable” and “a Jedi.” Likewise, De Niro had nothing but kind words to share about his co-star. “I had a great time doing this film; it was just a really terrific experience,” he said.  

Drawing on today’s technologically-driven culture, Meyers has created a movie that directly speaks to young people, while also relating to older generations. “I thought Nancy made amazing observations about how old school meets the new world and each is made better because of the other,” Hathaway eloquently put it. 

Although Ben is a widower in his 70s, his character shouldn’t be discredited as an older man who can’t contribute to a modernized company. As De Niro points out, there is a tendency “to feel that when you’re a certain age and get older, you’re less relevant in some ways, and that’s just not the case.” On the contrary, Ben proves to be an integral person in Jules’ company. “One of the things I love about the movie is that Jules has so much heart, and she builds an incredible structure. … They have bones, but there’s no connective tissue in it. And nobody in the company knows how to build connective tissue, and that’s when Ben comes in and he kind of figures out how to get everyone to connect to each other,” Anne shared. “Ben doesn’t judge her; he just observes her and gives her a safe space full of compassion and understanding, and she thrives in it,” she added.    

For Hathaway, playing the role of a young CEO of a startup company was vastly different from her previous film characters. “Up until now, I’ve made a lot of my movies from a place of insecurity, neuroses and self-doubt. I kind of got tired of it and decided to make one from a more positive place and to feel good about what I was doing and to embrace the unknown,” she shared with us. “I had a wonderful time making this movie, and I think it yielded a more relaxed performance. I’m really proud of the work we all did, and it turns out that you can make a movie without nonstop sleepless nights,” she added with a laugh.  

While audiences will have plenty to take away from the film, Meyers, Hathaway and De Niro assured us that they have a newfound appreciation for the interns they encounter in their day-to-day experiences. In fact, Meyers told us that she unconsciously wrote one of her own interns into the film! Best boss ever? We think so. And although Hathaway doesn’t have interns of her own, she shared a story from an encounter with an intern at a recent photo shoot. “I was greeted at the door by an intern and I think that because of our movie, I went out of my way to pay her more attention and ask about how she was, why she was doing this, and where she wanted to go,” Anne said. “I have some interns who I now work for,” De Niro jokingly told us.   

Despite wonderful performances from Hathaway and De Niro, they were extremely humble and attributed the film’s final product to Meyers, the woman behind the entire operation. “You look at Nancy and see this tiny, adorable woman with awesome hair. And at first glance I had no idea of the tenacious, uncompromising, inexhaustible powerhouse that she is. I’m so lucky that I got to work with her on this,” Hathaway said of her experience with Meyers. Likewise, De Niro echoed Hathaway’s sentiments towards Meyers. “Nancy was very specific about what she wanted and I totally get that and understand it, and it was terrific,” he told us. For Meyers, attempting to film a movie over the course of 15 weeks was somewhat of a challenge. “I was racing on rollerblades the entire time,” Meyers said with a laugh. Thankfully, Meyers had De Niro’s “zen” demeanor to help her maintain her sanity. “There are a gazillion people running around on set and he’s just sitting in a chair, having a little tuna sandwich, on a phone. He’s always there when you need him, calm,” Meyers said.

Summer is beginning to turn into fall, the “Dancing with the Stars” cast has officially been announced and if you’re not back in school already, you will be soon. All of these things add up to one goal: finding a workout plan that will help you attain the toned, lean, dancer body to rock in fall fashion and last the whole year! We’re all envious of a dancer’s strong, flexible body, and these workouts will have you leaving the gym feeling more graceful and toned than ever. It’s easier than you think to incorporate these exercises into your daily workout!

1. Do 30 minutes of cardio every day

Cardio workouts promote lean muscles and a healthy metabolism. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts keep your heart rate up and help you burn fat and build strength. 

Do 45-second intervals of high knees, mountain climbers, burpees and jump squats with 10 seconds in between each exercise to work out your whole body and burn fat! Repeat these intervals two to three times per day.

Julianne Hough’s trainer, Astrid McGuire, has a 10-minute HIIT video that’s great motivation and fun to follow along!

2. Lift lighter weights

Collegiettes, if you’re striving for a dancer’s body, it’s important to tone muscles like a flexible, graceful ballerina. That means using lighter weights and longer reps in order to build strength without bulking.

Grab a weight light enough that it feels manageable to do 25 lifts. Doing so should be easier to maintain control and focus on toning your current muscles rather than bulking them up.

According to Cara Raines, a ballet instructor in Sacramento, CA, using lighter weights for longer repetitions will not only develop and tone muscles, but will also increase endurance and enhance a greater control of your body, which will translate into more graceful movement overall. She recommends that collegiettes start simple; use lighter weights in bicep curls, lunges and tricep kickbacks, for 25 - 30 reps at a time.

3. Try Pilates

Not only does Pilates develop long, lean muscles in your arms, legs and core, it also increases your flexibility to give you a more fluid, graceful manner. Doing Pilates a few times a week will strengthen your core, increase control and balance and leave you with a taut midsection, arms and legs, without bulking up. Melanie Ludwig, a personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness, Inc., stresses the importance of incorporating pilates for balanced musculature. Ludwig also noted that in combination with cardio and resistence training, Pilates will keep your workout routine varied, and, "by varying what you do, your body has to respond to more stimuli which keeps it guessing and reacting."

Typical Pilates routines include core-strengthening workouts along with a focus on stretching and toning your arms and legs. Pilates is great for squeezing exercise into a busy day, because it’s high intensity, quick and can be done at home without gym equipment! Pilates Anytime, a YouTube dedicated to creating a community of Pilates lovers, has several videos that make Pilates easy to do at home while the instructor gives encouragement and motivation – there are no excuses!

4. Strengthen your core with sit-ups, planks and pullups

According to Rae Michaud, a Dance major at UC Irvine, it’s important to do sets of regular sit-ups, crossed leg sit ups and planks to increase core strength and balance. She suggests that you try to do sit-ups every morning and evening in order to maintain a routine and continue the strength building; it’s easy to get into the habit, and will also boost your energy in the morning!

Ludwig also notes that to appear longer and leaner, like a dancer, it's important to carry yourself tall and workout your arms. During core exercises, incorporate reps of pullups and push-ups in order to tone your shoulders and upper arms, which will improve your posture while developing your core and arm muscles. Ludwig recommends that collegiettes, with varying schedules and classes, should be sure to work out at least twice a week - once in the week and once on the weekend - and set continually managable goals. As your ability increases, it will be easier to find time throughout the day to keep working out, and eventually you'll see the results you've been working towards!

5. Do some sumo squats

Sumo squats are a variation of regular squats that will increase flexibility as well as toning more than your thighs and back region. Raines incorporates sumo squats into every warm-up routine to simultaneously stretch and workout her dancer’s legs and back.

A sumo squat is demonstrated here, and it’s essentially a regular squat with your legs shoulder-width apart, and knees and toes pointed outward instead of straight. This position increases the areas of your legs and back to stretch by increasing resistance, so the rewards will also increased! Like sit-ups, these can be made more challenging by holding some light dumbbells close to your chest during the squat.

6. Stretch

Every collegiette dancer knows the importance of stretching, and it is the #1 recommended tip when trying to achieve a dancer’s body. Michaud suggests that you begin and end every workout with relaxing, long stretches, including the butterfly stretch (holding your feet together, knees to the floor, and resting your head as far forward to your feet as possible), the cat stretch (lying down, hands under your shoulders, and stretching your back slowly up to the ceiling) and hurdle stretches (sitting down, one leg stretched out, the other tucked in as you reach towards your outstretched foot). Stretching will prevent injury, make any workouts more manageable, and save you soreness for the next day’s workout. These stretches will also increase flexibility as you’ll notice you can stretch farther and farther each time!

7. Dance

Of course, if you want to get a body like a dancer … dance! Take classes at your college rec center, or find a Groupon to try a new dance class, or start dancing it out like Cristina and Meredith. Dancing burns calories, uses a multitude of muscles, and is a fun way to take a break any day!

Monique Conant, a fourth year Chapman student, recommends Zumba. According to Conant, she has been taking Zumba classes since freshman year because it's a, “fun, energy-boosting workout that not only keeps me in shape but has helped me work through stress during the week!”

Zumba has gained popularity in the last few years because it combines dance and interval training workouts without pushing you too hard. According to the national Zumba website, “Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness-cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility … We take the ‘work’ out of working out!”

If you want a dancer’s body, of course you're going to have to dance!

With these seven additions to your routine, you’ll be flaunting a dancer’s body in no time. Lots of these workouts can be done at home, used as a break in a busy day and can oftentimes alleviate any stress by boosting your energy. It’s fun and will help with any fitness goals – so step to it, collegiettes! It can be easy and exciting to work toward a dancer’s body, and like Cristina Yang says, “Shut up. Dance it out.”

There's a lot that goes into producing and testing makeup. Not only do we expect our products to have excellent staying power, everything from our foundations to our lipsticks need to look great in all situations: under the fluorescent lights in a lecture hall, in the sun during lunch on the quad and under the flashing lights at your weekend haunts. But—thanks to the likes of Kim Kardashian—we have a new standard for makeup... it needs to look good in a selfie.

That's why CoverGirl, which has always tested its makeup under all types of lighting, is now running a selfie test before products hit shelves.

“We’ve got one type of consumer who is constantly taking pictures, and what really matters to her and her social group is how she looks in a selfie,” Sarah Vickery, CoverGirl’s principal scientist, told the New York Times. “It’s something we really have to pay attention to.”

The most difficult product to nail is foundation; to look natural, the formula for each shade needs to be absolutely perfect. This past summer, CoverGirl released its Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation, which was only produced after testing 43 different formulas over two years. It was also the first product to undergo the selfie challenge, and the research team took it seriously; they took selfies using both the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 6.

So go ahead—for the sake of research—take a selfie!