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5 Festive New Year’s Eve Makeup Looks

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Skip your basic beauty routine on New Year’s Eve—this night is all about festivity and fun! Whether you’re going out, having a party with friends or dining with your family, New Year’s Eve is the perfect night to try some more daring makeup looks. We talked to Rachel Lew, a Baltimore-based makeup artist, about how to look bold without looking over-the-top!

1. The look: Sophisticated shimmer

We’re not talking about the roll-on body glitter you had in middle school. Shiny (but subtle!) metallic shades are perfect for nighttime parties. Lew says that shimmer doesn’t have to be gaudy to wear or too difficult to apply. The best place for it? Your eyes!

“Think super-shimmery, metallic shades of gold, silver and other fun colors,” she says. “That would look great all over the lids.”

How to do it

Lew recommends LORAC’s 3D Liquid Lustre ($16 at Ulta), which is a liquid eye shimmer. It’s creamy and light and can be used alone or applied over other eye shadow to add some sheen. If you’re going to wear it alone for just a hint of shimmer, swipe a bit of eye makeup primer on your lid to lock the color in, then lightly brush the shimmer onto your lids.

If you want to enhance an eye shadow you already have (which will make it look more iridescent), just apply the shimmer straight over your eye shadow—try it over jewel tones or basic beiges. “With this trend, you'll definitely be showcasing your eyes, so go easy on the lips and try a nude or soft pink color,” Lew says. This is a great party look that will have all eyes on you on NYE!

2. The look: Red lips

It’s a classic for a reason! Red lips look good on basically everyone and will be a bold change from your day-to-day look. Skip normal (glossy) red lipstick, though, because “red matte lips are current,” Lew says. “Pick a true red to brighten your face or a deeper red (more crimson) for a sultry look.”

How to do it:

“Rocking matte lips starts with having smooth, moisturized lips,” Lew says. Start by gently exfoliating your lips with a DIY sugar scrub (a warm, wet hand towel will work, too), and then leave a thick lip balm like Vaseline on for 10 minutes to really moisturize them. Remove the thick balm and apply a lighter lip balm followed by the matte lipstick. Lew recommends Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Divine Wine ($7.99 at Ulta). Blot your lips with a tissue or a paper towel, and apply another coat. If you’re concerned about being precise, Lew recommends using a lip brush like Sephora’s Retractable Lip Brush #60 ($10).

“With red lips, you'll want to keep the rest of your face simple,” Lew says. “A cat eye and lots of mascara would be a great look.” This look is sexy but totally sophisticated—perfect for a classy NYE cocktail party.

3. The look: Champagne highlighter

Champagne isn’t just the perfect NYE drink—it’s also a great way to brighten your face. “People often neglect [highlighter], but, like concealer, it can really brighten your complexion!” Lew says. “It's a great way to perk up the face during the cold winter months.”

The exact color you should choose will depend on your skin tone: Pale to medium tones work well with champagne, and medium to dark tones look best with a peach. This is a radiant look that lets you rock your inner and outer glow—totally in the New Year’s spirit.

How to do it:

Lew recommends BECCA’s Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights ($25 at BECCA). Apply the highlighter at the highest point of your cheekbones. Not sure where that is? Lew says, “Use your finger to point from the top of your ear toward your nose to find it.”

This product comes with a wand, but Lew suggests just using your fingers so the product goes on more smoothly. “A little goes a long way,” she says. “Don't use too much, or your face will appear too shiny in photos!”

Dab a tiny bit of highlighter along your cheekbones and blend with your fingers. Pro tip: You can also swipe a tiny bit underneath your eyebrows to make your eyes pop.

4. The look: Falsies

We know falsies seem daunting, but hear us out: false eyelashes make a big impact, and they’re not as hard to use as you think.

“New Year's Eve is your chance to wear and rock those false eyelashes you've been wanting to try,” Lew says. “They're flirty and will look great in photos!”

False eyelashes may be a bit too much effort for your everyday look, but they’re perfect for a special event like your NYE party.

How to do it:

Lew likes Ardell Natural Lashes Demi Wispies ($12.29 at Amazon) because they look really natural. According to the makeup artist, the key elements of natural-looking falsies are varied lengths and shorter edges. Follow the instructions listed on the particular pair of falsies you get (some involve glues, others adhesive), and don’t be afraid to trim them if they’re too long.

Enhance the look with liquid eyeliner like Stila’s waterproof one ($19 at Ulta). Be sure to line your eyes after you put on the falsies and finish off the look with glossy lips.

5. The look: Pastels

Pastels aren’t just for spring anymore—they’re a top trend this season, according to Lew. Pastels are an unexpected but chic choice for your NYE party, and, when done right, they look fun and sophisticated.

“Baby blues, mint greens, light pinks and soft greys are all fantastic options,” Lew says. If you have pale skin, cool tones like light blue and green are great picks; lavender and peach are particularly striking on dark skin. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, though—just maybe avoid yellow!

How to do it:

“If you want to try out pastel-colored makeup, the easiest way to do it is through blushes and lip colors for baby pinks, and pencil eyeliner for baby blues and mint greens,” Lew says. Keep it wearable by choosing one pastel you like, and keep the rest of your makeup in more neutral colors like black and nudes. “You can accessorize with gold jewelry for a modern look!” Lew says.

Why not try a new makeup look for New Year’s Eve? Whether you (finally) go for the falsies or decide on a classic red lip, you’ll be sure to look festive and fun when you ring in 2016!


You Won't Be Able to Model in France Without a Doctor's Note

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There has been a lot of effort in 2015 to change negative body images, and France has now taken drastic steps to help this fight by banning models who are deemed unhealthily skinny. The fashion capital will now require all models to produce a certificate of good health from a doctor before they can work. The same bill also requires that publications indicate if their images have been photoshopped. Those who violate this law could face six months in jail and/or a fine of 75,000 Euros (roughly $82,000). 

France has long been trying to change the unrealistic standards models are held to. While they previously considered using Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine a model's eligibility to work, they hope these laws will be more comprehensive and, above all, successful. With the alarming increase of eating disorders and people who are underweight, this legislation hopefully reduces the harmful standards of beauty the fashion industry currently promotes.

We hope this law will help change the negative body imagery in the fashion industry as well as the unhealthy standards models are supposed to uphold. Furthermore, we hope this inspires other countries to take such measures to help end the unhealthy standards the fashion world reproduces. Wanting models to be underweight and malnourished simply to achieve a certain desired look is helping no one. It does not represent the variety of different body types we all come in nor does it affirm the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Hopefully this leads to a change in the fashion industry that promotes more realistic and healthy standards of beauty!

Taylor Swift's Top Squad Moments in 2015

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This was definitely the year of #squadgoals for Taylor Swift! From Instagram posts to paparazzi shots, we were treated to a flurry of Tay and her famous friends. We love the girl power that Taylor and her friends rocked on and off the red carpet this year. Check out our favorite Taylor Swift squad moments of 2015: 

When Taylor showed up to the VMAs with her WHOLE squad 

There's no need to choose just one date when you can bring your entire crew! In August, Taylor posed for photos with her entire squad at the VMAs and gave us some serious #squadgoals. She posed with famous gal pals such as Hailee Steinfeld, Karlie Kloss, Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid, and Mariska Hargitay—and they all looked amazing.

When Taylor showed us you can totally hang out with your ex

It looks like there's no hard feelings between Taylor and her former boyfriend Joe Jonas. The two posed for a photo alongside Tay's good friends (and Joe's then-girlfriend) Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss, as well as Taylor's current beau Calvin Harris. Not only is it totally awesome to see these exes hanging out with their current flames, but that boat ride looks amazing. We can only imagine what it must be like to spend a day with this group. 

When Taylor Swift became a godmother to Jaime King's son 

Honestly, who wouldn't want Taylor Swift as their Godmother? This moment signified a special moment for Taylor's longstanding friendship with actress Jaime King. We know that Taylor is going to a be a great Godmother and that he's a lucky little boy to be raised in the midst of Tay's famous squad! 

When they goofed around at the American Music Awards

When you're with good friends, you know it's not possible to stay serious for too long. Taylor celebrated yet another awards show alongside her besties, all while looking fabulous. This trio inspired us to loosen up and live in the moment when in the presence of friends. Though they may not be Insta worthy, silly photos always make for the best keepsakes. We loved seeing Taylor and her friends' sillier sides and be reminded that celebrities just like us—well, sort of. 

When her squad celebrated their birthdays together

Friends who celebrate together, stay together. Taylor celebrated many friends' birthdays throughout 2015 and each time we experienced extreme FOMO. It's great seeing friends being there for each others' milestones and supporting one another along the way—this is exactly the motto any friend circle needs to stand the test of time! 

When she featured her girl gang in her 'Bad Blood' music video 

Um, can we just talk about the girl power in this music video? Taylor made music video history when she unveiled her video for Bad Blood which featured most of the faces from her famous squad, including Lena Dunham, Cindy Crawford, Jessica Alba, Ellie Golding and Hayley Williams... just to name a few. Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) also made special appearances! 

When she and her squad slayed at the Billboard Music Awards 

This was another event in which Taylor proved partying it up with your besties can make some of the best memories possible. Taylor and her gang—this time including Zendaya, Hailee Steinfeld, Lily Aldridge and Martha Hunt—posed for some seriously fierce photos and made us all wish we had somewhere to go that included wearing fancy gowns and getting our smize on.

When they hosted an epic baby shower for Jaime King 

This baby shower had everything from a crazy photo booth to top hats to a star-studded VIP list. When Taylor and her friends threw a baby shower for Jaime it gave us major squad envy! Seeing these ladies celebrating each others' momentous events and just being plain silly makes us want to get together with all our bests, now! 

When they casually posed for group photos like this 

We don't really know what all these ladies were doing prior to this photo, but whatever it was, it must have been fabulous. The girl power in this photos is awesome. We love to see our favorite women hanging out together and just having some good ol' fun. In this photo, Tay poses with the Haim sisters, Lorde, Serayah and Halston Sage. Is it just us, or are you dying to find a blue bike just to recreate this scene?

When her BFFs supported her at the British Summer Time music festival 

Just like we would do for our besties, many of Taylor's friends showed up to support her when she performed at the British Summer Time music festival in June. Not only did these ladies deliver major festival fashion inspiration, but the demonstration of love here was amazing. Taylor's fantastic support system was evident here, proving her squad is about more than just appearances.

When she and her squad showed the world how to throw the best pool parties 

Taylor took some time off from her crazy schedule to hang out with all of her friends in one place—and beat the heat in the best way, may we add! Tay's squad moments aren't all fierce poses and paparazzi photos. She also chills with her girls (and some guys) on the down low—at epic pool parties! Maybe next time we can score an invite? 

When she surprised us with celebrity guests at ALL of her 1989 Tour stops 

We can't even count on all our hands and feet how many famous faces showed up alongside Taylor during her 1989 Tour! Taylor partnered up with members of her squad to give concert goers the best experience possible. Some of her famous friends that made appearances included Miranda Lambert, Charlie XCX, Lorde, Mick Jagger, Alanis Morissette, Idina Menzel and Steven Tyler. Oh, and Taylor also sang "Smelly Cat" with Pheobe Buffay, aka Friends actress Lisa Kudrow. No big deal.

Taylor's enviable celebrity friendships are inspiring us to amp up our squad goals for 2016! We can't wait to see what Taylor and friends do in the next year (and who might make a first appearance in the squad). Girl power is an awesome thing and this is a great reminder that sometimes the best thing is to be surrounded by good friends—whether you're rocking the red carpet or sharing a bowl of popcorn over an evening of Netflix. May your #squadgoals be stronger than ever in the New Year, collegiettes! 

Kesha Won't Let Legal Troubles Get in the Way of Her Music

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If you've been wondering where Kesha has been lately, the singer has been tangled up in a nasty legal dispute with music producer Dr. Luke that has prevented her with from coming out with any new music. Evidently the dispute prevents her from working with any music producers, publishers and record labels, thus why we haven't heard any classic Kesha party anthems tearing up the radio stations. But have no fear—Kesha is back and better than ever! 

Over the Holidays, Kesha posted a video to her Facebook of her performing her hits "Blow" and "Timber" alongside her new band, Yeast Infection. She captioned the video "HAPPY HOLLERDAYS from Y E A S T I N F E C T I O N!!! I love all of my ANIMALS!!! thanks for all of the support this year!!! Don't worry NO ONE will ever shut me up." Kesha and the band performed the songs at The Springwater Lounge in Nashville on December 23, which was said to be an intimate and hush hush performance. They brought a raw, grungy feel to her music that we are completely loving! It showed off the real talent in Kesha's voice, something that is often overshadowed by her synthetic-heavy pop music.


 

HAPPY HOLLERDAYZ from Y E A S T I N F E C T I O N!!! I love all of my ANIMALS!!! Thanks for all of the support this year!!!....Don't worry NO ONE will ever shut me up.

Posted by Kesha on Friday, December 25, 2015

During an October interview with EW, Kesha had expressed how desperately she wanted to get back to making music. She said, "I'm dying to put out music, I'm like dying, literally. But while I can't, I'm just gathering ideas and just praying for the day to come soon that I can put out music." But, she added that she has been keeping herself busy in the meantime. "It's fun to explore different art mediums and right now my [music] career is kind of on hold. I'm finding other ways to express myself and have outlets and connect with my fans. I'm kind of open to all of it. Creatively, my brain's been exploding. I've been painting and redecorating and reupholstering—I'm all over the place and literally creatively exploding all over my life." 

Is this a late Christmas miracle? We think it might be! Even if we still don't have any new Kesha music, it's awesome to see her back on stage and giving a new spin to her older hits. We love that she is still finding ways to express and share her artistic talents, and can't wait until she can finally put out new music. Hopefully that time comes sooner rather than later! 

6 Hidden Ingredients in Foods You Probably Eat All the Time

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We’re constantly eating (because, duh), but there are actually some ingredients in common foods that nobody really knows about. Oftentimes, these ingredients aren’t even directly listed in the nutrition information, but disguised within words that don’t sound as alarming. This is one of the main reasons that people have allergic reactions, only to find out what’s really in their food when it’s too late. To prevent this and any uncertainty about what you’re eating, Her Campus has compiled a list of some of the most common hidden ingredients, along with their alternate names if you want to avoid them!

1. Rennet

Also called: Microbial enzyme (only for vegetable rennet)

Also known as the enzyme that comes from the stomachs of cows, lambs and other animals, rennet is an ingredient found in a majority of cheeses. While the amount used varies depending on the brand and type, it’s practically necessary for the process of making cheese, meaning it’s hard to avoid! This can be alarming to vegetarians, so try to stick to the cheeses that don’t have rennet. According to nutritionist, chef and author, Patty James, there is another way to obtain non-animal rennet (for those with vegan diets), but it still alarms some. “There is a source of genetically modified rennet derived from plants injected with cow genes,” James says.

2. Yellow Dye No. 5

Also called: Tartrazine, E102

Yellow Dye No. 5 is found not only in a lot of foods, but also in shampoo, cosmetics products and drinks. “A lot of processed cereals contain dyes, such as Yellow #5, which may contain traces of lead and arsenic,” says Jennifer Calo, clinical registered dietician and nutritionist at Compass Nutrition. Studies have shown that elements like arsenic and lead have caused a multitude of health problems in people around the world. Processed foods in general tend to contain dyes. James says that Yellow Dye No. 5 can also contain mercury, which is known for being toxic, and benzidine, which has been linked to bladder and pancreatic cancers.

3. Trans fats

Also called: Partially hydrated, mono- and di-glycerides

While this doesn’t sound as shocking, nearly one in 10 processed products sold in the U.S. contains trans fat, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to registered dietitian Adrienne Raimo, these can be found in anything from butter to chips. While avoiding trans fats altogether is ideal, it’s extremely difficult. Instead, the American Heart Association recommends that no more than 1 percent of your daily calories come from trans fats.

4. Sodium Nitrate

Also called: Nitrate of soda, Nitratine

Commonly found in hot dogs, bacon, jerky and other meats, sodium nitrate’s main purpose is to block the growth of bacteria. Though it may seem like something that would protect our health, a study done by the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii and the University of Southern California suggests that this preservative raises the risk for cancer. Studies have also shown that down the line, increased levels of nitrate can also lead to a higher possibility of death from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The World Health Organization recommends “an Acceptable Daily Intake for humans of 5 mg sodium nitrate or 3.7 mg nitrate per kg body weight, which equals 222 mg for a 60-kg adult.”

5. Shellac

Also called: Resinous glaze, Confectioner’s glaze, Pure Food Glaze, Beetle Juice

You might know about shellac due to the gel manicure craze, but it’s also found in your food. Jellybeans and candy corn are coated with this ingredient to appear shiny. Harmless, right? Well, that depends on if you’re into eating secretions of the Kerria Iacca insect, because that’s what the substance is derived from. Watch out: You might even find this product in organic foods, such as on apples, to mimic their natural wax!

6. Rodent Hair

The FDA actually allows a certain amount of rodent hair for a variety of products. Their reasoning behind this is due to it being an “unavoidable defect.” As a result, these hairs are commonly found in cinnamon, chocolate and peanut butter.

If you were shocked by some of these ingredients, you probably haven’t been checking the nutrition labels on the food you eat. Even if you do, you might assume everything listed is safe, when that’s not always the case. While there are often alternative names, food companies are entirely aware of how often things go unnoticed, and will simply list the ingredients since the law requires them to. If you want to avoid things like shellac and rennet, it’s important to know what’s actually in your food!

17 Crop Tops You Should Wear for New Year's Eve

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Crop tops come in all sorts of different shapes, cuts, patterns, and materials, so they are an obvious choice when it comes to planning your perfect New Years Eve outfit. Whether you pair one with some leather leggings or a killer skirt, you're bound to have an outfit to remember. Check out some of our favorite options! 

1. ASOS High Neck Kimono Sleeve Crop Top with Open Back ($51 at ASOS

Even though this crop top is in a basic black, those bat wings are sure to make a statement! Keep the kimono trend alive by opting for a crop top with trendy, flowy sleeves. Pair this piece with something loud on the bottom, like a leather skirt or bright palazzo pants, and you'll be sure to keep heads turning all night. 

2. V-Neck Crop Top ($15 at Forever 21)

If your style is a bit more simple, opt for a classic silhouette. The red color of this top gives it a festive feel, while the deep V cut works to give it a sexy vibe. You can pair this with anything from jeans to a skirt. Plus, this crop top is definitely versatile enough to wear again and again after the New Year's Eve festivities have ended. 

3. Tough it Up Crop Top ($54 at Tobi

If you're struggling with figuring out what to wear, go for a faux leather crop top! This is a huge upgrade from a basic black crop top, but it's still versatile enough to pair with almost anything on the bottom. You can go bold with a leather on leather look or try this top with a printed skater skirt. 

4. The Ragged Priest Prey Bell Sleeve Crop Top ($48 at Nasty Gal

See-through materials are a serious trend at the moment. Have fun with this unique crop top by pairing it with a statement bralette underneath and some funky accessories. Make sure to keep it simple on the bottom so that this piece is the focus of the outfit.    

5. Smell the Tulips Crop Top ($26 at Tobi

Yes, you can totally rock florals in the winter! The darker colors on this crop top make it appropriate for winter time festivities, but the floral pattern gives this piece a fresh update. You'll love that you can rock this look no matter what the season. 

6. ASOS Premium High Neck Top in Lace ($90 at ASOS)

Whether you wear this piece with a bralette underneath or overtop of a sparkly dress, this number will definitely be a show stopper. The intricate detailing of the lace is to die for and the high neck and long sleeves gives you a bit more coverage if it's especially cold where you are. We have a feeling this piece will also be a staple in your wardrobe come festival fashion season!  

7. Mia Stripe Cut Out Texture Bralet ($16 at Boohoo

It can be hard finding a crop top with an interesting pattern, so we love the fresh update this pinstripe print gives to this piece. Achieve the most badass outfit around by pairing this top with the matching bottoms and a fitted leather jacket. Or, go a more feminine route with a classic skater skirt and some dainty jewelry. Either way, your outfit will be a showstopper! 

8. Glitz & Glamour Sequin Crop Top ($56 at Tobi

Contrary to popular belief, pastels are not just a summertime color. This crop top is awesome because it combines the beauty of sorbet colors along with classic sequins—perfect for an NYE night out on the town. Match your heels with the soft colors of this shirt or go with an all-black ensemble to let this shirt be front and center. 

9. Nasty Gal Franki Bustier Crop Top ($48 at Nasty Gal

This piece manages to be sexy without showing too much skin. The fact that it has long sleeve means it's perfect if you need to dress for cooler temperatures. Pair this with a colorful, printed bottom for a bold look or dare to go monochromatic with a white skirt. Dazzle with some trendy earrings and then you're good to go. 

10. Printed Cotton Spandex Jersey Sleeveless Crop Top ($26 at American Apparel

Go flirty with your outfit by rocking this lip-printed crop top. This top is perfect if you're wanting a comfy and casual outfit for your NYE celebrations, but still want to look adorable at the same time. Rock this with a classic leather jacket and some colored jeans for a stylish and funky look.

11. Sequined Crop Top ($22.90 at Forever 21

 

This crop top will ensure that you shine brighter than all the lights this New Year's Eve! The traditional cut of this crop top and flattering gunmetal hue means you can style this with virtually anything. Just remember to add some statement heels and you'll be ready to go. 

12. Always Right Strapless Crop Top ($36 at Tobi

Stand out in a sea of dark colors in this bright neon top. Make the color of this shirt pop by pairing it with all black or go bold with a printed skirt or pants. Add a statement necklace to compliment the deep sweetheart neckline and, of course, don't forget to rock some extra sass. 

13. Esme High Neck Cut Out Strappy Bralet ($16 at Boohoo

Between the large cut out, strappy detailing, and soft velvet texture of this piece, all eyes will be focused on you. Pair this with a basic mini for a classic outfit or go with some high waisted pants for extra coverage.  

14. ASOS Sleeveless High Neck Sequin Chevron Top ($76 at ASOS

Wear a shirt that is as colorful as your personality! This one will make you stand out amongst a sea of black-on-black outfits. Make sure you wear something basic on the bottom so you can let this loud top do the talking! 

15. Nasty Gal Love the Nightlife Sequin Crop Top ($128 at Nasty Gal

While this crop top may be a bit of an investment piece, we have a feeling you'll definitely get your money's worth! The jewel tone colors of the stripes mixed in with the sequins are always in style and the one-strap shoulder makes this piece one-of-a-kind. With a top like this, there's no need for flashy accessories.

16. Fiona Off the Shoulder Top ($44 at Tobi

The unique detailing on the top of this crop top makes it a classy, fashionable option to rock on New Year's Eve. Pair this option with anything from your favorite high waisted jeans, a traditional pencil skirt, or that pleather skater skirt that's been hanging in your closet for ages. Whatever way you choose to style it, you're sure to look like an off-duty model. 

17. The Print Lulu Crop Top ($42 at American Apparel

Rocking a print is one of the easiest ways to stand out with your New Year's Eve outfit. This crop top has a versatile black and white pattern that is easy to match with other colors for a bold look or with basic black bottoms for something more simplistic. Better yet, you can have fun picking out bold accessories to pair with this basic piece. 

No matter what crop top you choose, make sure you rock your outfit with an extra amount of confidence! Half the fun of going out is planning the perfect outfit to wear, so have fun choosing looks that'll help you ring in 2016. You will look fantastic no matter what you wear!

5 Things You Never Knew About Condoms

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Condoms: We know what they are, what they’re used for, where to get them – but that’s pretty much it. With a new brand (or even flavor) popping up every day, it can be hard to keep up. Nonetheless, it’s important that you stay educated when it comes to safe sex, and condoms are an important aspect of that – especially since they’re 98 percent effective. We’ve gathered five things regarding condoms that you definitely need to hear:

1. Condoms are not one-size-fits-all

It’s pretty common knowledge that condoms come in different sizes; however, knowing and always wearing the correct size is extremely important. For example, if your guy’s condom is too big or small, he might lose his erection, or worse: it could slide around or even slip off.

According to Melissa White, condom expert and CEO of Lucky Bloke, nearly 35 percent of men need to be wearing a smaller condom. Bringing this up to your guy might be awkward, but you definitely need to if a condom has ever felt loose, come off inside of you, or you’ve found him complaining that it feels like he’s wearing a paper bag. For an alternative solution, White recommends trying Japanese condoms. “The beyond seven is a nice, thin condom that’s great for a man who might need a smaller size but doesn’t know it,” she says.

Related: 7 Myths About Safe Sex, Debunked

2. Non-latex condoms aren’t just for people with allergies

Those allergic to latex cannot use “regular” condoms and often turn to polyurethane, polyisoprene and nitrile condoms. The characteristics of the different materials vary; however, there are numerous advantages to non-latex condoms.

For one, White says that they naturally transmit body heat very well. Polyurethane condoms are also extremely strong, and can be made thin as a result. Sarah*, a junior at Pitt State University, says she actually prefers non-latex condoms – particularly those made of polyurethane. “My boyfriend is allergic to latex, so we tried a Trojan Bareskin type, and I ended up loving it.”

3. Where you keep your condoms matter

Yes, where you keep your condoms can determine their effectiveness. Don’t worry, there are no outlandish rules regarding the specific handling, but it is important that you avoid leaving condoms in places where it’s either extremely hot or cold.

One place that is particularly dangerous as well as common is your car. Erica, senior at the University of Central Florida, learned this the hard way. “One time, I threw condoms in the middle console of my car,” she says. “I had forgotten about them until my boyfriend and I needed one, but it actually ended up breaking. Thankfully, it did so before anything had started.”

4. Condom expiration dates are important

Just as the storage of condoms matter, so do the expiration dates. It can be easy to brush these off as they’re typically printed small and on the back, but don’t! Latex does degrade with time, so it’s likely their effectiveness could worsen. Irritation, increased risk for STDs and pregnancy are some of the risks posed while using an expired condom. The easy way to avoid this is to simply check the date on the packaging!

5. Lube is a condom’s best friend

Many collegiettes might think that lube is only necessary if they can’t get turned on, but that’s not the case at all! According to White, condoms can actually dry out women due to the latex. To avoid this dryness and any pain, try lube.

There are a variety of different types of brands, and if you’re not quite ready to go browsing the shelves of the local drug store, the internet is a great resource. White’s company actually sells lube (and condom!) samplers that allow you to try different products, whether they’re pre-packaged or you build your own.   

At the end of the day, condoms are probably one of the last things that you think about. However, so long as you are sexually active, they’re an important part of your life. Stay educated (and safe!), collegiettes!

19 Things Only the Chronically Late Will Understand

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1. This internal dialogue: “Okay, so if I get up now, I have 15 minutes to change and 10 to be out the door. Easy!”

“...That is, if I even make it out of bed in the next half hour.”

2. The fact that starting a project an hour before it’s due has become so second-nature to you that you aren’t even sure if you could get started earlier and actually finish it

3. Swearing every time you’re late that this will be the last time

But you mean it this time! ...Okay, or maybe once or twice more.

4. Your friends are so used to your lateness that they’ve started telling you events start earlier than they actually do

That way, you might just manage to be a couple minutes late instead of twenty.

5. You’ve downloaded at least three different calendar apps by now

And you’ll keep downloading them for the rest of your life... One of them has got to actually be helpful!

6. Getting a watch as a passive aggressive birthday present

With a card that might even have a little doodle of the white rabbit on it. That’s you!

7. The satisfaction of running into a room just as the clock ticks the exact minute you were supposed to arrive

Shouldn't you be getting some kind of award for this?

8. Professors’ glares and pauses when you walk in late and have to take about three hours to find somewhere to sit down in the lecture hall

Sometimes you have to just give up and sit on the floor anyways.

9. Real adrenaline rushes come from work emails asking how the project you have due tomorrow is coming along

It’s going great, boss! I’ve definitely actually started working on it. Totally didn’t forget about it until I got this email just now. Just gonna stay up all night working on that...

10. Missing the openers at concerts, which can be either a blessing or a curse

Either you were pumped to watch them open, or you didn’t know who they were anyway and now you’re that much closer to seeing the headliners come on!  

11. “Hey, remember when that thing happened yesterday?” “No, what?” “You were here!”

But you were late. Late enough to miss that hilarious thing that happened in the fifteen minutes before you arrived. It’s okay, you’ll hear your friends telling their kids about it in a few years. It was that funny.

12. Questioning how you still have any friends even though you’ve made them all wait half an hour for you to show up at least once...

 

13. And being grateful that they still love you anyway!

14. Apologizing at least three times a week while all flustered and exhausted

I’m really sorry it took me so long--You can tell by how out of breath I am right now, right?

14. That awkward moment when your excuse for your lateness sounds totally fake—but it isn’t!

15. The internal debate over whether to actually come up with a fake excuse or not

And these are the ones that sound more real..At least, you hope so.

16. Getting ready to leave in 15 minutes, flat

You have an 8 am tomorrow? It’s cool, you can totally wake up at 7:45 and make it there on time. Probably.

17. The satisfaction of arriving somewhere early for once...

18. And the total cluelessness about what to do until the actual starting time

19. Having everyone’s eyes on you when you walk into a room late

 


15 Ways Justin Bieber Sexually Awakened You in 2015

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He's talented in every single way possible, and that has definitely not gone unnoticed by us in 2015.

1. Sorry

Bielieber or not, you can’t deny that this song is fire and makes you want to dance. Sorry.

2. Sorry (Acoustic Beginning)

Can we have him?

3. His throwback pictures of him and Selena.

He's not afraid to express how much he misses her and that's sexy. Guys, take notes.

4. His new neck tattoo.

Does he even have to ask? Yes, we'll fly away with you. We'll buy our own plane and chase after yours if the invitation wasn't really meant for us.

5. The Bora Bora mishap.

Heeeey, Justin. :)))

6. His Calvin Klein Ad.

That smolder. Those Calvin's.

7. Carpool Karaoke - Vol. 2.

If this is what a car ride with Justin is like, sign us up. Silliness, singing, and shopping = swooning for days.

8. His Apology Video.

Admitting to being nervous on Ellen and owning up to his past mistakes are traits about a man that we love.

9. That time Justin got wet at the AMAs.

Need we say more? The entire performance can be viewed on Rollingstone's website

10. When Bae cleaned up nice.

11. Every time he posted Instagram pictures of his siblings.

No one can deny a guy who treats his siblings like the world.

12. When he called us all out in “What Do You Mean?”

We admit, we don't know what we mean either. But, getting called out on our shit is sexy.

13. The classic One Less Lonely Girl serenade.

Making one girl feel special, one concert at a time.

14. The Justin Bieber and Questlove Drum-Off.

Adding "can play the drums" to the list of things our dream guy must be able to do.

15. That time when he had stubble.

5 Myths About State Schools You Shouldn’t Believe

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Maybe you’ve dreamed of attending an Ivy League school your entire life, or maybe you’ve pictured yourself thriving at a small liberal arts college for years. But whether it’s for financial or academic reasons, or just a change of heart, hundreds of thousands of college students go on to study at one of the nation’s many state universities. Despite the stereotypes surrounding them, there are plenty of fantastic options for receiving a top-tier education at a public university.

The real difference between public and private institutions is where their funding comes from. Public schools can accept government funds, while private schools rely on tuition and donations (hence, private tuition is often so much higher). Even so, there’s often not a huge difference between the endowment funds of public and private schools––some public schools even have larger endowments than Ivies!

Now that we’ve covered the major difference between the two, here are some of the biggest misconceptions about state schools that you shouldn’t believe.

Myth #1: State schools should be a backup

It’s not uncommon for people to assume that someone is attending a state school because their first choice school didn’t work out. “When I decided to go to the University of Alabama, everyone was shocked and disapproving,” says Helmi Henkin, a sophomore at the University of Alabama. “Since I grew up in a suburb near Stanford University, where the academic atmosphere since kindergarten was always highly competitive, they felt I was wasting my potential.”

In reality, state schools are actually some of the most reputable and innovative institutions in the country––public or private. Schools such as University of California-Berkeley, UCLA, University of Virginia, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill all rank in the top 50 universities in the nation, according to US News. Many of these schools even beat out brand-name private schools like New York University, Tufts University and Boston College (and their tuition is just a fraction of the cost––even if you’re an out-of-state student).

“One big myth that I was told going into college was that by attending a state school, I wouldn't have as good of a shot at getting jobs in the future versus kids who went to Big Ten schools,” says Alyssa Damato, a sophomore at Illinois State University. “This could not be any further from the truth. [Illinois State] has given me so many opportunities and resume builders that I don't believe I'd get to experience had I gone elsewhere.”

Because state schools are often very large, they offer nearly endless options for majors, classes and courses of study––which is particularly advantageous if you’re starting school undeclared, or aren’t totally sure if you’ll stick with your current major. If you go to a liberal arts or more specialized school, your schedule may be much less flexible, especially if you end up changing your mind.

Myth #2: You’re just a number

It might be hard to feel like you can stand out when your school’s population is made up of 25,000 to 50,000 students––but you totally can! “Many of my classmates feared state schools because they felt the large student body would lessen their opportunities to stand out,” says Helmi. However, state schools often have hundreds of student organizations––whether it’s club or varsity sports, Greek life, or based around a common interests––where you can find your niche (not to mention make great friends and build up your resume).

“Going to a big state school is beneficial to my education because of how many opportunities there are to personalize my campus experience, from hundreds of student organizations to dozens of faculty research labs,” adds Helmi. More people often means more resources and facilities, which is why state schools are often among the most innovative out there! Though you may have to do a bit more digging to find your place, with so many options, you can be sure your perfect state school is out there somewhere.

Myth #3: You’ll get less attention from professors

It’s pretty easy to assume that more students means professors have to spread themselves thin, right? Wrong! Most schools, no matter the size of their student population, make it a big point to ensure that students can get personalized attention from their professors. Seriously, average class size and student-to-professor ratio are huge factors in determining annual college rankings.

For example, the student-to-faculty ratio at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, which has nearly 30,000 undergrads, is 15 to one, according to the College Board. Boston College, which is a mid-sized private school with about 9,000 undergrads, has a ratio of nearly 13 to one, says the College Board.

“Many of my introductory classes were relatively large, sure, but most of my classes are pretty small,” says Helmi. Even smaller colleges often have introductory class sizes of more than 100 students, so this is something you’re likely to run into no matter where you end up. “My professors are easily accessible outside of class through email or office hours,” she adds.

“I've had great experiences with professors even though I go to a state school,” says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University. “They're always so kind and welcoming, and are truly there to help! The professors have nothing to do with where the school's funding comes from.”

“I actually have quite a few smaller classes where teachers call you by name and actually talk to you one-on-one in teacher meetings,” says Chelsea Schroeder, a freshman at Bowling Green State University. “In the few bigger classes, we also have recitations where students are in small classes to learn hands-on with a teacher. It’s very convenient and easy to learn, plus I get to meet new people and see them around on campus!”

Professors are often drawn to universities where they’re inspired by students and where they’ll have opportunities to pursue their desired area of research––regardless of whether they’re public or private.

Myth #4: Everyone parties all the time

Even if you choose to go to the most conservative school out there, there’s no doubt you’ll still end up running into some partiers––it’s just the nature of college life. What matters, though, is that you’re able to find friends that won’t pressure you to party if you don’t want to. If you do choose to party, make sure that you’re able to balance night life with school, extracurriculars and everything else you’ve got going on.

Helmi says that many of her friends avoided state schools because they were afraid “the multitude of parties would create pressure to participate and their grades would suffer as a result”. However, she has yet to run into this problem. “Even though I am in a sorority, where the pressure to party is stereotypically higher, I have been able to keep up good grades," she says. "When I skip a party to study or catch up on sleep, I do not feel like I am missing out on anything.” 

An advantage of going to a large school is that, no matter where you fall on the party-loving spectrum, you’ll definitely find a group of friends who share your values. On the nights you do want to go out, there’s sure to be something happening, and on the nights you don’t, you can rest assured that there will be plenty of opportunities to join in when you’re ready.

Myth #5: There’s no sense of community

This is probably the myth about state schools that’s furthest from the truth! It might be unnerving to think about the fact that there are tens of thousands of people surrounding you that you’ll never even meet, but in reality, you all share a common bond. State schools often have the fiercest pride and school spirit. Students at smaller schools are often jealous that they’re missing out on such a quintessential aspect of the traditional college experience. So, embrace it by donning your school’s colors and going to a tailgate and football game at least once before you graduate.

“I love the diversity and community that going to a school with 37,000 undergraduate students has provided me,” says Helmi. “There is something new I can learn from everyone I interact with, since we all come from such varied backgrounds in many ways.” It’s pretty ironic that state schools are often stereotyped as being homogeneous, considering the fact that students from all over choose to attend these schools for a variety of reasons.

Taking pride in your alma mater is essential to enjoying your college experience. It can even help you out in the future! “Once, I was wearing an Alabama shirt in an airport lounge in Dubai and someone said ‘Roll Tide’ to me,” shares Helmi. “If someone knows my school, we automatically have a connection and that kind of networking is quite vital and beneficial in finding a job or just making friends.” When your school literally has hundreds of thousands of alumni, you never know when you’ll run into another graduate of your university––or if they’d be interested in hiring a fellow Wolverine, Badger, or whatever mascot it is that’ll brand you for life after graduation.

Whether you’re looking for the chance to broaden your horizons with a large and diverse student body, aiming to attend a university that’s a bit closer to home, or simply eager for the chance to enjoy a more traditional college student experience, a state university may be fantastic opportunity you’ll want to look into. Trust us, you can rest assured that in doing so you won’t have to compromise on academics, individualized attention, or a sense of community.

4 Reasons Why New Year's Kisses Are Overrated

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The clock reads 11:59 p.m. and the 10-second countdown begins.

“Ten!” You look over to the cute guy you’ve been talking and sitting with all night.

“Nine!” He looks at you.

“Eight!” Your heart flutters as he turns to you.

“Seven… six… five!” “So…” he says quietly.

“Four… three… two… one!” You both lean in very slowly until your lips touch.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

And just like that…the kiss is over. He turns away from you to give his boys a bro fist bump to ring in the New Year. It was so short and not all that memorable, and now you’re wishing it never happened in the first place. Was that guy for real?

We’ve all heard that kissing someone at midnight on New Year’s Day will bring you good luck in the relationship department for the upcoming year. However, is the peck to bring dating prosperity worth it at all? Here are a few reasons why it’s probably best to opt out of a midnight make-out during the upcoming New Year’s festivities!

1. A kiss is just a kiss

A lot of people, including our very own Real Live College Guy Dale Lavine, think that there’s no point in a NYE kiss because it’s only a kiss! “For me, a kiss is a kiss,” says Dale. “Whether it's when I get off work or on Christmas morning or when the clock strikes 12, people should find that kiss as magical as any other kiss, especially if it's with someone they love.”

Jasmine Leach, a collegiette at Kean University, agrees with Dale. “If you have been in a relationship for a long time, there is no difference between having a regular kiss with your significant other compared to a New Year's one,” she says.

Dale also says that a kiss on New Year’s is just as silly as Valentine’s Day, saying that you should show your love every day, not just on one day in particular. “Why does this particular kiss represent anything more than your average, everyday kiss should represent?” he said.

He certainly has a point! If you’re fortunate enough to have someone to kiss, kissing that person on New Year’s Day shouldn’t be any different than kissing them on St. Patrick’s Day or on a Tuesday in July.

2. It’s forgettable

You’re out with your friends and enjoying the final hours of the old year to ring in the new one. A few drinks would definitely liven up the party! If you’re all poppin’ bottles to ring in the New Year, tipsiness is inevitable. If you find that special someone to plant a smooch on, do you really think you’ll remember all the details?

New Year’s kisses are forgettable, especially if you plan on celebrating with drinks!

All that alcohol in your system during a normal party can make you forget what you’ve done throughout the night, so the same amount will surely make you forget a midnight kiss that lasts only a few seconds at best. What’s the point of getting so excited about something that is sure to be another flash in the pan within a few weeks? Regardless, make sure you don’t overdo it with the drinks, though—better safe than sorry!

3. A kiss doesn’t lead to anything

You read it here first—New Year’s kisses don’t really lead to anything. They’re just a traditional tease to get all of our hormones in a tizzy!

In some respects, females are like males—we crave much more than kissing. However, when you’re at a populated party and making out with a random guy, that’s really all you’re going to be able to do.

Face it: there are way too many people around for you to get all hot and heavy with your lucky guy, so “getting a room” is off the list. To make matters worse, all that jungle juice in your system will probably bring your friskiness levels to maximum capacity. Ultimate frustration.

Jasmine suggests that kissing someone on NYE can toy with your make-out partner’s emotions. “Kissing stirs up feelings of affection and [a] deep connection. Why would you want to just play with someone's feelings for one night?” she says. “What if the person you decide to kiss really likes you? He would probably have his or her heart broken if they find out you just used them."

However, it may be the best thing that New Year’s kissing doesn’t lead to anything else! There are other opportunities for holiday hook-up sessions, but a populated party is definitely not the place. Taking a step back on New Year’s Eve and just enjoying yourself with good company is the way to go.

4. They’re awkward

From kissing a random guy you’ve never met to watching other people kiss, New Year’s kisses are awkward for everyone involved. Do you really want that drunk guy from your high school to smooch you at your best friend’s party? He’s been throwing out some terribly cheesy pick-up lines all night! Do you want to see your ex making out with a random girl at your party? You want to start the New Year off fresh, not being stuck in a totally awkward situation!

“I would think that the moment would be cute if they’re together as a couple,” says Danielle Gittleman, a senior at Rider University. “But if they are getting really into it, then yeah, I’d feel kind of weird being there!”

It would be best to deflect the awkward this year by just opting out of a kiss on the mouth and trying something new. Maybe give all of your single friends a kiss on the cheek. It’s awkward-free and super adorable! You’re never alone when you’re with friends.

New Year’s kisses may be traditional and the idea is pretty adorable, but when you put it all in perspective, they’re so overrated. Maybe when the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, 2016, you and your friends can come up with a tradition of your own to do instead. Whether you’re spending a night with your beau or you’re out with your gal pals living up your single girl swag, don’t waste your time worrying about a silly kiss!

Jennifer Lawrence Understands Your NYE Struggle

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Ah, New Year's Eve! Every year, it's all glitz and glamour, popping the bubbly and kissing your ~soulmate~ as the ball drops... Or at least that's what it looked like in The O.C. and that absolutely awful movie New Year's Eve. The truth is, for most of us, NYE is just an anxiety-inducing letdown. After year upon year of disappointment, many collegiettes are turning to Netflix and pajamas to ring in 2016 the right way. As for our favorite celebs? They're also rethinking the most undeservedly anticipated night of the year.

Take Jennifer Lawrence. The actress (and our pretend BFF) recently opened up about her plans—or lack thereof—for the 31st during a pre-taped episode of The Graham Norton Show. "I really hate [New Years]," JLaw said. "I've never had a good one—everyone's chasing a good time and it's always a disappointment. I plan on doing nothing and then if something lands in my lap ... but I always end up drunk and disappointed." Ugh, Jen just gets us.

But New Year's Eve isn't the only occasion that gets the actress all worked up. During the show, she also explained her slightly drastic way of dealing with anxiety. "When I get stressed and exhausted I just vomit," she explained. "I was driving with my publicist the other day and had to roll down the window and I puked all down the side of the car. It was in front of all the paparazzi—I painted New York! And I threw up at Madonna's party—on the porch!" Yikes. We can all take a lesson from this whole interview: this year, staying in with your personal bottle of vino is probably a safer bet than—ahem—painting the town red for New Year's Eve. Merlot and your Netflix account never disappoint.

25 Life Lessons You'll Learn Before You Turn 25

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Life is a beautiful mess, and although we are all different, some life lessons are universal. So we've rounded up the 25 lessons you need to learn before your 25th birthday. Trust us; you'll be thanking us later. 

1. Appreciate the people that disagree with you.

It’s guaranteed that in your lifetime, you will come across all kinds of people. You’ll make friends and enemies who hold opinions that oppose your own. Don’t disregard their perspective. Yes, sometimes they may be wrong, but other times they could be right. There's a reason the world wasn't made in black and white. It’s the vibrancy that makes it beautiful. Take these opinions and question, learn and grow.

2. Someone loves you more than you know.

There are days that are going to be gloomy, and they may last for a long while. It may seem as though you are all alone. You may not even understand why you’re feeling the way you’re feeling. But there will also be days of sunshine. They may come sporadically, but when they come, they’re as bright as can be. On those days, notice who’s there. Notice who puts a smile on your face. Notice who reminds you about something you completely forgot. Notice the small things because at the end of the day, they’re all that count. Whether it’s a parent, a sibling or a friend, you’ll notice them. Don’t forget to thank them. Don’t forget to say, "I love you."

3. The world is sort of corrupt.

As you step into adulthood, you’ll notice it more and more. The selfishness, the politics and the injustice. You’ll see it all. Sometimes your hard work will not pay off. Sometimes the person you trusted the most will hurt you the worst. Accept that that's just the way life is, but don’t stop there. A broken faucet will continue to be broken unless there is someone willing to fix it. No one expects you to change the world in a single lifetime. But you can be better and inspire a few people to be better, too. Pay it forward. Do great things.

4. Always have a backup plan.

Never assume that you are immune to hard times. In this life, there’s a possibility for anything. Don’t live your life in fear, but acknowledge what could happen when you least expect it. What will you do if you don’t get a job in your field after graduation? What if suddenly, you don’t have a source of income to pay next month’s rent? That's why you should always have a backup plan at the ready.

5. A smile goes a long way.

It could be the reason why the cute guy on the subway came over and sat beside you. It could be why your friend feels better after coming to you to vent. It might have meant the world to a stranger who was having a bad day. Believe it or not, smiling changes the entire direction of your day.

6. Direction is much more important than speed.

You may feel as though you don’t have time to accomplish your goals. You may feel as though you need to do something just because everyone else is. That is not necessarily the case. A lot of people are going nowhere fast. Take a day, a week, a month, a year or however much time you need to figure out what it is that you want. Don’t waste your time or your money if deep down you know that your major or your job is not for you. Where do you want to go? What do you want to accomplish? Once you figure out your goal, think six months ahead. What do you have to do to get there? Whatever it is, that’s your direction. Slow and steady wins the race.

7. Failure can be a blessing in disguise.

You won’t realize it at first, that’s for sure. When you fail at something you really, really wanted, it’s going to feel like the end of the world. Maybe a potential employer told you that there was just someone better. Let that drive you to work harder, to be better and to never feel like that ever again. And hey, you know that job you applied for but never got? The company probably went out of business a year later.

8. What seems small to you means a great deal to someone else.

Never take anything for granted. You hear it so often that the sentiment probably goes right over your head. You know your mom, the woman who texts you everyday to make sure you’re doing okay? Someone might have lost theirs. You know that roof over your head? The thing keeping you dry, safe and warm? Someone is sleeping on the pavement right now with nothing to keep them warm but their own body heat. You are extremely blessed. Remember that.

9. School isn’t for everyone.

Don’t waste your money doing something you know isn’t for you, just because society tells you that you have to. If there is something that you are passionate about and can honestly see yourself doing, go for it. You only have one life to live. Just be honest with yourself. Do you have the talent and drive to make it?

10. You can’t base your happiness off of someone else’s.

This is a mistake that we all make from time to time. By focusing on or yearning for someone else’s life, you loose sight of yours. You don’t need a significant other to make you feel valuable; the feeling will only last for so long. At the end of the day, only you can make you happy.

11. Sometimes you can’t be what a person needs.

No matter how much you love someone and want to be there for them, it’s never worth changing yourself to do it. It will be one of the hardest lessons that you have to learn to accept.

12. Forgive, but don’t forget.

People are going to hurt you; that’s a guarantee. Holding grudges is stressful, and you owe it to yourself to let go of that negativity. Forgive these people, but don’t forget about the lesson that you’ve learned. It may come in handy one day.

13. The best form of revenge is to have a better life without him/her.

Yes, throwing a carton of eggs at his car may feel gratifying in the moment, but what good does it do? He has a dirty car, and you have a police record and a bill for the car wash. Live your life and do all of the great things that you’re destined to do…without that person. In five years you’ll bump into him on the street with a fiancé on your arm and an established career, all the while still looking 21.

14. Don’t let change deter you.

Change will always be uncomfortable—at first. You may feel out of place, but more often than not, change happens to be a good thing. It challenges you and helps you discover new things.

15. Social media isn’t everything.

We're sorry, but it had to be said. Too many of us are experiencing life from behind a computer screen when really all we have to do is step outside our front door to live life first-hand. The number of followers you have on Instagram means nothing. How many of those people can you go on a spontaneous road trip with or turn to when you need help?

16. Save money, live better.

This Walmart slogan has got it right. We hate to sound like your parents, but SAVE YOUR MONEY. Will you even remember where that $300 dollar coat is in a few years? It’s never too early to save. One day you’ll have a house to pay for, after all.

17. It’s okay to be alone.

Sometimes it’s better even. It gives you time to get to know yourself. And don’t stress about being alone in public! The truth is, nobody notices. Everyone is too caught up in their own lives to realize you’re at the mall by yourself.

18. Appreciate your parents while you have them.

They are probably the only people on this planet who genuinely have your best interests at heart. In their eyes, you’re special beyond belief. As you grow older, you realize just why they are so hard on you and how much they really do love you. It’s not easy to find another pair of people who will care for you just like them.

19. There’s a bigger picture.

There is a world outside of your own, and it matters. Listen to the news; these events may be happening far away, but they affect you too. We only have one home, and we all share it. It’s up to us to take care of each other. So recycle, donate and find ways to reduce your carbon footprint.

20. When in doubt, act like you know.

Fake it till you make it. As horrible as it sounds, it really does work. When you act like you belong, people will think you do. Keep this lesson in mind when you’re on the way to the first day of your new job or when you’re attending your first party amongst the "socially elite."

21. Don’t undervalue your potential.

We all have the potential to be brilliant. It’s up to us to decide how we develop this potential or if we even develop it at all.

22. Never stop asking questions.

There will always be more to learn. Never take things for what they are when you don’t fully understand.

23. Networking pays off.

Your professors are right. Oh boy, are they right. Attend industry mixers, or say hello to an idol when you see them. Develop a relationship with a mentor. They have already failed and succeeded in the industry and can give you tips so that you don’t make the same mistakes. It only takes one person to get your foot in the door.

24. Never borrow money from your friends.

Never do it. It will always end badly. NEVER. DO. IT. 

25. You are not invincible.

Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, be active, eat healthy. You’re not going to be young forever. It’s better to start now so that you can avoid more problems down the line.

The 18 Biggest College News Stories of 2015

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This was a year of turmoil and soul-searching for college students and the institutions they attend. Issues of identity and inclusion took center stage, with students fighting (and winning) battles for more rights for students of color and transgender students. But bigotry was very much still alive, as racist incidents outraged students and fueled their protests. Colleges are also still trying to figure out how best to deal with sexual assault and harassment, in a year when 25 percent of college women said they had experienced nonconsensual sexual contact. And then, of course, there was the plain old weird stuff, like that drunk mac n’ cheese kid from UConn.

Let’s take a look back at the year’s biggest college news stories.

1. Stanford students got access to their admissions files

Stanford students won a major victory for transparency when they discovered a loophole allowing any student to request their admissions file from the university. It’s a lot harder for colleges to make their admissions process seem secretive and special when they're accountable to the students themselves.

2. UVA brought Greek life back to campus, with restrictions

After a disastrous (and debunked) Rolling Stone story made UVA Greek life seem like some of the worst of the worst, the university kicked all Greek life off campus for a few months. In January, they allowed Greek life to resume, but with serious restrictions on the serving of alcohol at fraternity parties.

3. Dartmouth banned hard liquor

Dartmouth took a hard stance on hard liquor, attempting to limit dangerous drinking at the infamously fratty university. But as many pointed out, banning something usually just makes people more eager to do it.

4. UVM recognized students that don't fit into the gender binary

In a majorly inclusive move that most colleges have yet to catch up with, UVM accepted that some students don’t identify as “he” or “she,” and decided to recognize a third gender: Neutral.

5. Harvard banned sexual relationships between students and professors

While this may have seemed like a fairly innocuous policy, it set off a firestorm of debate after Northwestern professor Laura Kipnis referred to the policy in an article about the infantilization and "sexual paranoia" of college students.

6. Sweet Briar College shut down

When the all-women Sweet Briar College had to shut its doors due to financial difficulties, it was a nightmare for the staff losing their jobs and the 700 students who would have to transfer elsewhere. It was also a wakeup call about how much students value same-sex colleges.

7. SAE’s racist chant at University of Oklahoma got them kicked off campus

In the latest installment of “frats being really racist,” the University of Oklahoma meted out swift punishment to the school’s chapter of SAE, who were caught on video chanting racial slurs. The school’s discipline was unusually severe—the SAE house was closed immediately, and the school refused to help the students find new housing.

8. Smith College started accepting transgender women

Another incredible step for trans student rights happened at the all-women Smith College, which changed its policy to accept transgender women. Women’s colleges and where transgender students fit in within them has been the subject of intense debate.

9. UVA grads filed a lawsuit against ‘Rolling Stone’

The now-retracted Rolling Stone story came back to haunt UVA yet again when three graduates sued the magazine for emotional distress caused by the article. The three men were members of a fraternity named in the story, and had been harrassed by other students who believed they were rapists.

10. Wheaton College decided to stop providing student health insurance over birth control

A Christian college in Illinois decided to discontinue all student health insurance, just because they wanted to avoid having to give women birth control. Extreme much? This story showed just how much women’s health is still in danger, even at institutions where they should feel safe.

11. Alabama’s Alpha Phi video showed the disturbing lack of diversity in Greek life

Many were horrified when they watched a recruitment video from the University of Alabama’s chapter of Alpha Phi—which seemed to include zero women of color. It was one particularly egregious example highlighting the serious diversity problem in Greek life.

12.  One college decided to get rid of expensive textbooks once and for all

A Maryland college decided to save students millions by not requiring any textbooks, and providing all course materials online free of charge. Textbooks are a massive financial burden on students, so we can only hope more schools follow suit.

13. A survey found that 1 in 4 college women have experienced sexual assault

The results from a survey of dozens of colleges exploded across national news when it found that huge numbers of college women had experienced nonconsensual sexual contact, and that very few women reported their encounters.

14. A drunk UConn student went to ridiculous (and illegal) lengths to get mac n’ cheese

In a video lasting more than six minutes, a drunk freshman at the University of Connecticut berated a cafeteria employee for refusing him mac n’ cheese—because he was carrying an open bottle of alcohol in the building. He ended up in handcuffs. After a huge response to the video, the student ended up making a public apology on YouTube.

15. Brown students apologized to Malia Obama for freaking out during her visit

When Malia Obama visited Brown University as part of her college tour, Brown students responded by having no chill at all. Students tweeted about Malia and even snapchatted a picture of her at a party, which made its way to multiple news outlets. The students later realized this was pretty uncool behavior and apologized publicly to Malia.

16. We asked college women what they’re really looking for in the 2016 election

In October, we asked college women for their thoughts on the 2016 presidential election, and got some surprising results. For example, college women cared a lot about reproductive health but not so much about climate change, and they overwhelmingly supported Bernie Sanders as their candidate of choice. How will these results change as the election draws closer?

17. Student protests at the University of Missouri caused their president to resign

Students at the University of Missouri forced their president to step down over mishandling of racist incidents, sparking a series of protests at colleges across the country. Mizzou’s (very valuable) football players joined in, raising the protests’ public profile and likely leading to the president’s resignation.

18. Chipotle made over 100 BC students sick

Fall semester ended with a bang when more than 140 Boston College students got sick with norovirus after eating at the local Chipotle, making national headlines. It was the latest in a series of people getting sick from Chipotle, and caused the CEO of the chain to apologize.

Carrie Fisher Felt Pressured to Lose Weight to Reprise Princess Leia

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As Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues to break box office records, we've been reminiscing about the Star Wars of the past, present and future, especially with the slew of recurring stars who played characters in earlier installments reappearing in this 2015 version. One of those roles includes the original Princess Leia, portrayed by actress Carrie Fisher, although the reunion with her famous on-screen counterpart wasn’t always happy.

“They don't want to hire all of me—only about three-quarters!” Fisher revealed in an interview with Good Housekeeping. According to Today, Fisher talked about how her return to the mega franchise coincided with the pressure that she felt to lose reportedly “more than 35 pounds.”

“Nothing changes: it's an appearance-driven thing. I'm in a business where the only thing that matters is weight and appearance. That is so messed up. They might as well say 'Get younger,' because that's how easy it is,” she said.

Fisher lost weight through food moderation and good old-fashioned diet and exercise, but she hopes that in the future the entertainment industry can change in terms of the talent they seek: "We treat beauty like an accomplishment, and that is insane," she told the magazine for their January 2016 cover. "Everyone in L.A. says, 'Oh, you look good,' and you listen for them to say you've lost weight. It's never 'How are you?' or 'You seem happy!'"

While we know Star Wars fanatics have been happy to see this film, we can only hope Hollywood will feel the same no matter the weight of the person on screen.


13 Stylish DIY Updates for Your Leggings

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Leggings are pretty much the best thing ever invented. We love wearing our leggings as pants, because nothing is more comfortable! Sometimes, though, wearing all black every single day can get boring. So when your leggings rip (it's inevitable, tbh) or when you get sick of being unable to differentiate between pairs, it's time to think about spicing your leggings up. Don't throw out the leggings that you're bored of—just get crafty with them! 

1. Sequin patches

A Pair and a Spare shows you how to add sequin patches to your sweater, but these could easily add knee patch glam to your leggings, too.

2. Bleach stamps

This easy trick from Brit + Co. uses something you surely have lying around your house to stamp a fresh print on your plain leggings. 

3. Slashed 

Add a rebel touch to your leggings and show off some skin with this Sprinkles in Springs project.

4. Heart patches

Prove just how much you love leggings with an easy heart knee-patch update from Cut Out and Keep.

Related: 17 Reasons Why Leggings Are the Best Pants

5. Grommets

Corset leggings? Trash to Couture makes edgy look oh so chic! 

6. Ombre

Thank God It's Natural shows you how to look like you just stepped out of a Kylie Jenner Snapchat.

7. Skeleton

Skeleton leggings are for more than just Halloweekend. Instead of paying for the overpriced seasonal ones, make your own skeleton leggings with this tutorial from Craftster.

8. Christmas lights

Get in the holiday spirit with Studio DIY. These Christmas light leggings are way better than an ugly sweater!

9. Suspenders

We'll admit we often embrace our nerdy side, making these suspender-inspired leggings from Boat People Vintage the perfect fit.

10. Galaxy

Create your own galaxy leggings with an out-of-this-world tutorial from Vintage Edge.

11. Painted

Pretty Life Girls uses—you guessed it—paint to jazz up any pair of leggings! We love this easy idea, and you can do any pattern or print you want. 

12. Chevron patches

The Band Wife Blog knows just how to incorporate a trendy chevron pattern into your ever-growing arsenal of leggings.

13. Foil stars

Let everyone know you're a shining star with this gold foil tutorial from Brit+Co.

What's your favorite way to spice up your leggings, collegiettes? 

7 New Year’s Resolutions That Will Save You Money

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As collegiettes, we know exactly what it’s like to be broke. Fortunately, all our penny-pinching and money woes can be avoided with proper planning! The New Year is a time to reflect on our habits over the past year and address those we most wish to change. While in the past you may have pledged to shed a few pounds or take up a new hobby, this year you can promise to change your spending habits!

Looking to save up for a spring break road trip or even just a few pairs of new shoes? Here are some money-saving New Year's resolutions you can make to ensure that you’ll be able splurge come springtime!

1. Use your meal plan to the fullest

Fifteen bucks for a pizza. Eight bucks for Chinese takeout. Two bucks at the vending machine. It all adds up pretty quickly! Before you know it, you've spent more than $100 in one month just on fast food. Yikes!

Meal plans are prepaid, so it’s in your best interest to use them wisely. Next semester, avoid eating out or off campus as much as possible. If you’re over cafeteria food, invest in the basic cooking supplies, go grocery shopping and create tasty, budget-friendly meals in your dorm room or apartment.

2. Brew your own coffee in the morning

Pulling an all-nighter might justify a trip to the local coffee shop, but Ellie Kay, author of The 60-Minute Money Workout, says college students often don’t realize how much money they waste on coffee—particularly blended coffee drinks. “Some students have at least one Frappuccino or latte a day,” she says. “This tends to be where they congregate, but they don’t see where that’s adding up at the end of the month.”

You can save money by brewing your own coffee and sipping it from a reusable mug. This coffee maker from Target is only $19.99. However, the average cost for a single trip to a nationally recognized coffee house is $3.25 (based on the average price of a cup of coffee from Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts). If you purchase one a day five days a week, you will spend $16.25, which means you’ll spend at least $65 every month!

Can’t imagine giving up your daily Starbucks fix? Use baby steps — switch to homemade coffee five times a week and indulge in coffee-shop drinks on the weekends.

3. Shop around for textbooks

Buying new textbooks from the campus bookstore is expensive. Instead, buy and sell your textbooks online through retailers such as Barnes & Noble, or on websites such as Amazon or SlugBooks. SlugBooks even allows you to search for your school, class and professor, and it compares prices from the bookstore, Amazon and Half.com. They also have an option to rent books at a fraction of the cost to buy. 

4. Start using a budgeting app

College has a way of making your money disappear. Use the Mint budgeting app to track where your cash is going! Mint lets you connect all of your accounts in one place to track and categorize your spending, pay bills, check your balances and double-check your budget before you make purchases. You can also set up reminders for upcoming payments and receive low account balance notifications. With Mint, you have the option to sync your account with your smartphone, tablet and computer. Best of all, if you lose any of your devices, you can go online and delete your account information easily.

5. Walk to class instead of driving

Sure, it might not be as fast as driving, but walking is the easiest, cheapest way to get around, and it’ll save you a LOT of gas! You can usually walk to just about everywhere on campus. If you’ve ever driven five minutes to class just because you didn’t feel like walking, definitely reconsider—it’ll mean more cash in your pocket in the long run.

Not only will you be saving money, but walking is also a simple way to burn calories without even feeling like you’re exercising!

6. Use your student ID everywhere you go

Everyone needs to unwind after studying, and college towns typically offer all sorts of opportunities for having fun: movie theaters, bars, cafes, arts centers, parks, downtown shopping centers, etc. Ask if any of these places offer student discounts. Sure, your student ID normally gets you into university events for free, but using it off campus can lead to great deals!

7. Stop skipping classes

How many times have you skipped college classes (or plan on skipping once you enroll)? Well, that’s your money (or your parents' money) going down the drain! According to the College Board, public four-year colleges charged, on average, $8,244 in tuition and fees for in-state students in the 2011-12 school year. For out-of-state students, the cost jumps to $20,770. Divide that by how many classes you’re taking this year, and your boring history class will seem a lot more valuable!

Getting up for an 8 a.m. class can be difficult, but brew yourself a cup of coffee with your new inexpensive coffee maker and walk to class. Your teachers are there to educate you, and it’s up to you to soak up as much knowledge as possible. You are paying for it, after all. 

By choosing one of these resolutions, you can set yourself up for a great New Year and a financially fit future. What are your tips for saving money in 2016? 

The 17 Best Beauty Instagrams From 2015

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It's no secret we draw a ton of our beauty inspo from celebs. We love to see what they will come up with next, and what they'll play around with to create the most unique, trendsetting looks. This year has been such an amazing year for beauty trends—so many incredible hair and makeup ideas! Here's your 2015 celeb beauty roundup—we can't get enough of these stunning women! 

1. Kendall Jenner


 

A photo posted by Kendall Jenner (@kendalljenner) on

We *heart* this photo! Kendall looks beautiful, and her gown is absolutely stunning. We're curious how long it took to shape her hair into hearts, though...

2. Katy Perry


 

Shoutout last night's sad girls club  by @manthony783

A photo posted by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

This eyes-wide-open photo is perfect for every member of the sad girls club, and is something only Katy could pull off for a night at the bar. 

3. Kylie Jenner


 

@styledbyhrush

A photo posted by King Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

We were shocked—but also a little in love!—when Kylie revealed her blue 'do. 

4. Cara Delevingne


 

Check out this months @nytimesfashion

A photo posted by Cara Delevingne (@caradelevingne) on

Cara Delevingne is definitely #goals. Now, to work on that smoldering stare...

5. Caitlyn Jenner


Caitlyn came out with this stunning Vanity Fair cover. 

6. Taraji P Henson


 

@kendragarvey you are a master at what you do. She is THE BEST braider in the game!!! Weave by @Kimkimble hair styled by @marciahamilton styled by @jasonbolden face beat by @ashuntasheriff thank you @Time magazine. I am so honored  #Repost @time ・・・ TIME's Best Performances of the Year. Taraji P. Henson (@tarajiphenson) wins Best Shows for her dazzling Empire performance. The spectacle on this smash-hit soap opera—chiefly the fierce and deeply controlled performance of Henson—is better executed than anything this side of the Super Bowl. But the show’s Shakespearean notions of filial loyalty and competition add emotion and insight to the shock value. Photo by Erik Madigan Heck (@erikmadiganheck) for TIME. The Empire star talks about Viola Davis's Emmy triumph on TIME.com. #FOX #Empire

A photo posted by taraji p henson (@tarajiphenson) on

From her smoky eye to her perfectly pink cheeks to the coolest braids we've ever seen, Cookie is killin' it. 

7. Ashley Tisdale


 

I may have a cold but I got lavender in my bun :)

A photo posted by Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale) on

Sharpay, where did you bop bop bop to? The HSM star flashed her adorable smile (and her new lavender hair)!

8. Taylor Swift


 

Oh my God she couldn't be cuter. @arianagrande

A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

That iconic red lip, and fiery smoky eye can only mean one thing. Taylor is slaying and we'll never have bad blood with this cutie! 

9. Rihanna


 

ANTIdiaRy.com

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on

Riri taught us that it's okay to wear lipstick so dark that it's punk rock black. 

10. Beyoncé


 

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

Our Queen B shows off a high pony and miles of cleavage, just in case we needed more reasons to worship her. 

11. Kim Kardashian


 

 @keslertran pics on my app tomorrow @makeupbymario @mrchrismcmillan #FinallyReleasingThisDesertShoot

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

Truly the only woman who could paint herself and pose naked in the desert. We have to admire that confidence. 

12. Nicki Minaj


 

 

A photo posted by Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj) on

Please take a moment to appreciate the incredible highlight and contour on this woman. She is a glowing goddess. 

13. Kesha


 

#imarainbow #immamuthrfukkinrainbow

A photo posted by Kesha (@iiswhoiis) on

Kesha has had a very difficult year, but through it all, she has still managed to stay stunning. 

14. Gigi Hadid


 

killer @rayanayash

A photo posted by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on

This top model is smoldering! Hello, perfection. 

15. Zendaya


 

This highlight right now...

A photo posted by Zendaya (@zendaya) on

This is our favorite celeb beauty photo, probably ever! Her highlight is so perfect, her matte lip is stunning, and her brows are so on point. Honestly, we can't look away. 

16. Hilary Duff


 

A casual vamp lip on Monday afternoon

A photo posted by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on

This pretty lady skips the heavy eye makeup and goes for a powerful berry lip to get her through her day in the fiercest way possible. 

17. Lauren Conrad


 

Today on @laurenconrad_com we show you how to make your own flower crown...

A photo posted by Lauren Conrad (@laurenconrad) on

The Laguna Beach babe shows off a dreamy flower crown, subtle makeup and a cheery pink lip, which has us reaching for the—dare we say it?—lip gloss. 

18 Things You'll Actually Be Doing On New Year's Eve

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Real talk—there are so many misconceptions about New Year’s Eve. The midnight kiss, the never-ending party that precedes the final countdown, the soon-to-be-broken resolution that this is the year you’ll figure out what to do with your life. Never. Going. To. Happen. Because here’s what you’ll actually be doing this NYE.

Expectation

You get all dolled up, of course sparing no expense on sequins galore. Because if your entire body is not covered in sequins is it even NYE?

Reality

Yep, it’s still NYE. You’re just wearing the only pair of leggings you refuse to be seen in—you know, the ones with the hole in the crotch and permanent Nutella smears?

Expectation

You’ve got that glitter eye down. That Pinterest tutorial was a breeze. Women everywhere will beg you to share your secret to flawless makeup.

Reality

So it didn’t go exactly like you thought it would…

Expectation

You head to the chicest, classiest NYE party. The champs is flowing, and you swear this party is being thrown by Gatsby himself. After all, you don’t know who’s hosting.

Reality

You know exactly who’s hosting. That would be your parents whose roof you are living under until this never-ending abyss that is winter break ends.

Expectation

You and your squad are on point tonight. You’ve mapped out all the parties you’ll be hitting up and can’t wait to get the full NYE experience.

Reality

You have no idea where your squad is—probably scattered across the continental United States in their respective hometowns. You could hang out with your high school friends if you hadn’t solemnly vowed to never speak to them again.

Expectation

This is the year you keep those resolutions. New year, new me—that’s your mantra. It’s even emblazoned on your 2016 planner.

Reality

Well, you’ve already lost your planner. Guess it’s all downhill from here. Also, you’ve broken every last one of your resolutions by 12:01 a.m. Because gym equals moving and you are so not about that right now.

Expectation

You spot a cutie from across the room at a crowded shindig. As the clock creeps toward midnight, you’re convinced he’s inching closer.

Reality

Oh hey, that’s your cat. Who is laying in the bed with you as you cry over that epic Bridget Jones’s Diary ending for, like, the millionth time. This is just the fourth in the string of movies featuring unrealistic NYE scenarios that you intend to watch on Netflix tonight.

Expectation

You share a life-altering midnight kiss with a stranger who will then declare their undying love to you. This is the story you will tell for many New Year’s Eves to come as you laugh at the hopeless masses who wish they were as lucky as you.

Reality

It’s your cat again. He does not want to kiss you. In fact, he’s been playing hard to get all evening, and you’ve just about had it.

Expectation

You have the money to do any and all the New Year’s Eve activities you want.

Reality

You literally have, like, $3.87 in your bank account.

Expectation

This will be the NYE to end all NYEs.

Reality

This will be a NYE like any other, ending in a sad monologue about how you did not start the new year off right.

Netflix is Giving You a Reason to Stay In On New Year's Eve

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While many of us plan on spending our New Year’s Eve with a glass of champagne in hand and a new hottie on our hip, some of us are looking for a quieter night. If you’re hoping to ring in the new year with a glass of wine and 2 or 3 of your closest girlfriends, look no further! Netflix is releasing a countdown playlist so you can celebrate the New Year... and still be in bed by midnight!

If you're looking for a low-key night of actually Netflix and chilling, all you have to do is type in “New Year’s Eve” and pick one of the movies this magical place called Netflix has pre-selected for you. These movies are expected to be catered to younger viewers because this service was designed to be family friendly; but wouldn’t we all rather spend our last night of 2015 with Spongebob Squarepants than Ryan Seacrest?

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