Shampoo, condition, rinse, repeat. We’ve basically been conditioned (get it?!) to go through this daily hair care routine, whether we’re rushing to get ready after sleeping in or rinsing off after an hour on the elliptical.

But what if we told you that with one simple swap, your hair could look 100 times better?

Conditioning before shampooing, a technique encouraged by TRESemmé’s Beauty-Full Volume line, will invigorate your hair with volume while still leaving it silky smooth. As the website notes, conditioning first softens the hair, while the shampoo after washes away the weight.

As Kérastase’s artistic director Nina Dimachki told Refinery29, if you decide to take on this reversing regimen, make sure to condition from root-to-tip as opposed to the traditional method of starting below the ears. You don’t have to worry about getting greasy, because the shampoo will wash away the excess oils.

Dimachki also told Refinery29 that this routine will make your blowout last longer, aka no worries about humidity frizzing up that perfect ’do the second you leave the house.

Next time you hop in the shower and reach for the shampoo, think twice and grab your conditioner instead. This may just be the secret to flawless hair!

Some of the best things about summer, like endless hours splashing in the ocean and long days floating at the pool, can be tough on our hair. Swimming around and lying on a windy beach with your hair long and loose can result in some nightmarish tangles and issues, so why not keep your hair back and look trendy doing it? Braids are a hot hairstyle this summer, having been rocked by celebrities likeKim Kardashian, Nina Dobrev and Beyoncebecause they’re not only stylish, but practical as well. With these five braid ideas, you’ll have the best beach ‘dos (and your hair will thank you later).

1. Side Braid

Side braids are a simple and pretty way to keep your hair back. They’re so easy, you don’t even need a mirror to do them!

What you’ll need

• Brush
• Root lifter
• Hair tie
• Finishing spray

Directions

1. Dellaria Salon’s owner and master stylist, Franco DiRienzo, suggests starting with a root lifter, like KMS Add Volume Root and Body Lift ($16.99), to create some volume. DiRienzo says to spray this “to the top of your head and back-brush [your hair] to create a little volume, and then lightly smooth it back with fingers; you’re not going for perfect.”
2. After parting your hair on a side, “gather hair to the opposite side of your part, low and off to the side,” DiRienzo says.
3. Split your hair into three chunks and braid it all the way to the end, securing it with a fun-colored hair tie.
4. Tug the braid horizontally starting from the top and going to the bottom to get a wider and messier braid.
5. Finally, DiRienzo says to use It’s a 10 Miracle Finishing Spray ($10) to make your hair shiny and help resist humidity.

2. Fishtail Braid

Where else would a fishtail fit in better than at a beach?

What you’ll need

• Brush
• Root lifter
• Hair tie
• Finishing spray

Directions

1. To achieve this gorgeous look, start the same way you would a simple braid: spray a root lifter on your hair, back-brush your hair, somewhat smooth it and give yourself a side part.
2. Pull your hair low to the side and divide it into two sections.
3. DiRienzo says, “work your way down by taking a thin piece from the outside right section and joining it with the left. Then do the reverse: a thin piece of hair from the outside left and join it to the right.”
4. Once you have about an inch left, stop and secure your hair with a hair tie.
5. “I personally like loose, undone … braids the best,” says celebrity hair stylist John Francis, who has worked with celebrities such as Blake Lively, Hayden Panettiere and Hilary Duff. To give your hair a messier look, pull the braid horizontally all the way down. Then, spray a light coat of Bumble and bumble Shine On Finishing Spray ($28).

3. Halo Twist Braid

A halo twist braid is a great way to get your hair up and look like a goddess at the same time.

What you’ll need

• Brush
• Clear hair elastic

Directions

Chell Love of Ted Gibson Beauty takes us step-by-step on how to achieve this look:

1. Starting in the back of your head, make a middle part.  
2. Create two sections of hair (a right and a left section).
3. Begin to twist the right section along with the left section and cross them over each other.
4. After crossing the sections, pick up another small section, intertwine it with the right section and cross again.
5. Continue to pick and twist using the right section to intertwine the hair, moving the twist braid around your whole head. Use an elastic at the end and tuck it into the twist.

4. Braided Ponytail

Braided ponytails were once sporty and are now chic, thanks to celebrities like Emma Stone and Blake Lively. These braids are so easy, you don’t need a YouTube tutorial to learn how to do one.

What you’ll need

• Brush
• Hair tie

Directions

1. Use a brush to give yourself a smooth, high ponytail.
2. From there, you can decide what kind of braid to do. “A braided ponytail in the traditional three-section braid is always a staple, being a sophisticated and sleek look,” Francis says. Or, you can mix it up by doing a fishtail braid down to the bottom. Fishtails “give a unique two-texture look,” Francis says.
3. Secure the bottom of the braid with a clear hair tie, ribbon or colorful cloth hair tie for a fun summer look.

5. Braided Bun

Buns are so in these days, and they’re even sturdier and more beach-ready when braided.

What you’ll need

• Brush
• Bobby pins
• Hair tie (optional)

Directions

1. Brush your hair back into a smooth ponytail and secure it at the top of the back of your head.
2. Braid the ponytail down until there is an inch left of hair, and secure it with a clear hair tie. “Braid tightly for a smooth sleek look, or braid loosely for a bigger, softer look,” says DiRienzo.
3. Wrap all of the braid around the ponytail’s base and secure it with criss-crossing bobby pins. You can also add a hair tie around the whole bun if you need the added support.

The five types of braids are both stylish and smart. You’re protecting your hair from the summer elements and looking so good while doing it. With these tips, your hair will be the envy of all the other beach bunnies. Happy braiding!

By Ian Lacson

When I graduated from college last year, I knew that I deserved my degree. It took me a while longer to graduate because, prior to attending university, I suffered a serious injury that left me handicapped, mostly in the physical sense, but cognitively as well. For this reason, during my first year, I was encouraged to take my time and to not tackle challenges that I did not think I could handle. As a whole, I was pleased with how I spent my last semesters. There was only one problem: I had been rejected from graduate school, big time, for something I could not control.

I had a rocky start in college because I was enrolled in a rather demanding program that I was clearly not suited for. It was in the realm of science, and was composed of college students who seemed to have it all together. They knew how to balance rigorous schoolwork and an active social life, knew what classes to take and what professors to avoid. Most importantly, they had not experienced head trauma prior to their freshman year. Despite the initial hurdles, eventually I was able to get the hang of college life. I took more classes and earned high marks. I was careful about mentioning my injury to others to avoid being treated with pity rather than some understanding, and because I wanted to be seen as a regular student. I was open about my disability with a few professors—if the course material applied to my circumstances—but did not reveal too much for the instructor and students to hear. In the first place, I enrolled in a college because I wanted to prove to myself and to others that I could succeed and graduate from a four-year college despite being at an obvious disadvantage.

I shined in most of my classes and enjoyed learning, but my worst grades were, ironically, in courses required for my program. It was not that I was uninterested in what I was majoring in. I just had to work much harder than everybody else—only to constantly fall short more often the other, “less cognitively challenged,” individuals.

I was thrilled when, toward my last two years in college, I got my act together and pulled my grades up in the program, even with those unflattering grades following me around like a toxic shadow.  I eventually saw myself as a college senior facing commencement, and like everybody else in the program, I had graduate school on my mind. I knew that all those years of textbook collecting, stress, hard work and tears would have been useless if I did not end up with a career in the area of study I had chosen. Furthermore, I knew those below-average grades of the past would rear their ugly heads. However, I thought the graduate program I set my sights on would acknowledge the fact that a differently-abled undergraduate such as myself performed surprisingly well academically. (I also figured I would explain the rest to graduate admissions later.)  I requested an application form for the graduate program weeks later, then made the decision to ask a professor from our undergraduate program for a letter of recommendation.  This professor knew about my diagnosis (because I shared a summary of my experiences in her class) and I did fairly well under her instruction.  

I was absolutely devastated when the professor did not even care enough to take the application booklet I handed her at her office. Instead, she expressed her concerns about me enrolling in a graduate program for her area of study. My dreams were instantly crushed as the professor deemed that I did not have the quick thinking that professionals in the field need in order to be a skilled clinician.  In my head, it was as if one the faculty member had just labeled my forehead—and persona—with a huge stamp that read “SLOW PROCESSOR.” It was hard to hold back the tears and maintain my composure after I left the office.

Females statistically dominated the program I was in, but I’d heard of male classmates’ acceptance to the school’s graduate program.  One of them, who received relatively lower marks than the rest of the students in the program, was admitted before my final year, surprising a number of us who did not think he could gain admission to such a tough program.  Knowing this only discouraged me.  Surely, had I been a man instead of a disabled woman, I would have had the chance to continue my studies if it were based on grades.  They did not even let me try.

A blatant disadvantage of being a handicapped student is being in the minority. I did not get the opportunity to chat with one of the few other students, but in seeing them around campus, I wondered if they wished they had enrolled in a college that specifically catered to their needs, as well.

Every day since commencement, I try to make peace with myself, to let go of the bitterness towards an instructor’s ignorance and to gain an understanding of why they would deny me recommendation for continuing the path I poured so much into as an undergraduate. They may have saved me a bunch of money in graduate applications and other fees, but their judgment, primarily based on my flaws rather than my strengths, will always make me feel inadequate.  At the moment, I intend to enter the workforce in a related field (but away from biological sciences), with possible plans to attend another graduate program in the distant future.  One thing’s for certain though, with any luck, my undergraduate professors in the major will never see or hear from me again.

Two of the most exciting things about college are the possibility of a relationship away from prying parental eyes and a whole new world of college guys to forge your way through. From a high school perspective, college men are like a beacon of hope. Not every boy in the world is an immature loser who burps the alphabet and plays World of Warcraft! But there are worries, too: Are college guys only looking for sex? What will they expect from you? Not all these dreams and fears have truth to them, however. Here are some myths and realities to both ease your mind and help you prepare yourself for the four truly wonderful years to come!

Myth:  Once high school boys enter college, they suddenly mature into men.

Reali​ty: I hate to be the one to break it you, darling, but as the saying goes, boys will be boys. For the most part, guys will always think farting is funny, playing videogames is a valid use of time, and the more girls they sleep with the cooler they are. Upon leaving high school and entering college, the only thing that changes is that they no longer have parents around to make sure they’re clean, well-fed and not doing anything too stupid/dangerous. Add a bunch of new, equally immature friends and easy access to booze, and you have a perfect recipe for an even lower level of maturity in college “men.”  But don’t worry, you’ll keep up with the boys just fine as long as you can make a good “that’s what she said” joke every once in a while.

However, there are exceptions to every rule. Alex from West Chester University was impressed freshman year by how responsible some of her new guy friends were. “A lot of them were saving up money to live off campus in the coming semesters, or had their courses for the next few years all planned out to make sure they graduated on time,” she says. “I certainly didn’t have my act together yet at that point, but they did.” So yes, maybe guys enjoy a bathroom humor joke every now and then, but that doesn’t mean they can’t behave like grownups when necessary. Just don’t set your expectations too high, and let them surprise you rather than disappoint you.

Myth: All college guys just want to sleep around.

Reality: Okay, to be honest, there are a lot of college guys out there who really do just want to get laid many, many times by many, many girls. But not all guys are the same! If there is only one thing you keep in mind while dating in college, let it be this: everyone is different. Yes, some of the boys you meet won’t be interested in a serious relationship. Maybe even most of the boys you meet won’t be interested in a serious relationship. But there will be a select few who want to get to know you, date you and spend as much time as they can with you. So judge carefully.

Luckily for Sophie from Mount Holyoke College, she learned quickly her freshman year that not every guy who hit on her at a party wanted to get to know her: “I learned to weed out the bad ones and only take risks on the people who were worth my time. I decided to stop being offended if some guy was just looking to hook up – just because I’m not interested doesn’t mean he’s a bad person.” Accepting guys for the way they are rather than trying to make them something they aren’t is a big part of college. It’s also important to do if you don’t want to get your heart broken repeatedly.

Myth: If a college guy keeps pursuing you, he wants to be in a relationship.

Reality: Again, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but just because some guy is telling you he wants to be with you doesn’t mean he wants to be with JUST you. If his conversation is generic, his efforts typically restricted to weekend nights, and his hangout suggestions limited to drinking together, odds are he’s looking for something less than exclusive. “The guy I was into last semester kept wanting to spend time with me, but he kept telling me he didn’t want a relationship,” says Felicia from Penn State. “I ignored it and figured he wouldn’t keep asking to see me if he didn’t want more. But I was wrong.” In the end, she wishes she had listened to what he was telling her rather than reading the signs.

But not every guy is that open about what he wants. At University of Michigan, Leann’s now-boyfriend never told her what he wanted until she pressed him to be open with her. “Before I asked, we were just casually hooking up, and I thought he didn’t want more. But it turns out he thought I didn’t want the relationship, so he didn’t push it. But he wanted it all along!”

Myth: Fraternity guys make good boyfriends.

Reality: I don’t want to over-generalize, but stereotypes exist for a reason. And when it comes to the stereotype of a sleazy, d-bag frat boy who sleeps with a different girl every night, about 85% of the time (according to my anecdotal evidence) it’s spot-on. “I have yet to meet a guy at a frat party that wants to be anything other than a one-night stand,” says Hannah from Temple University. “On any given weekend night they have a house full of drunk girls to make moves on – seems like the last thing they want is to give up that freedom.”

The best way to avoid falling victim to jerks like this is to look for a relationship outside the fraternity scene. If you’re in a sorority, listen to your older sisters’ advice – odds are they know who’s spitting game and who actually has his heart in the right place. And some do – Kelly from UMass Amherst is dating a fraternity guy. But she admits she was uncertain in the beginning. In this situation, as with any guy, be careful, and don’t let that frat bro sweep you off your feet too quickly.

Myth: College guys are more experienced with sex, and therefore, have higher expectations.

Reality: Hold on – before I can respond to that, I need to stop laughing. Wow. Being older does not make anyone better at sex. It also doesn’t guarantee that you’re getting any action at all. Many girls enter their freshman year feeling pressured to be a rockstar in the sack but forgetting one thing: the guy they’re hooking up with probably isn’t as experienced as he’d like to appear. Here’s a little secret: guys like to embellish their sexual conquests. Sarah from Wellesley College can vouch for that: “I was a virgin when I got to college and for the longest time I was so scared of hooking up with someone who was better at it than I was. But when I finally did it, I realized he was just as clueless as I was, even if he had slept with someone else before me.”

Even if he didn’t embellish and really is a Casanova, you should never let a guy’s past make you feel insecure about your own level of experience. Take things at your own pace, and never let anyone make you feel inadequate. Besides, if any guy is experienced enough to criticize your level of skill, he’s probably pretty sleazy. Move on! 

Weird things runners do. [Shape]

Beauty lessons from Bachelorette JoJo. [Betches Love This]

How long should you wait to get into a new relationship? [Elite Daily]

Add a little love to your hair. [Brit + Co]

President Obama and Vice President Biden won’t be visiting these kinds of schools any longer. [The Huffington Post]

This fraternity is now allowing transgender pledges. [USA Today College]

Nacho Pizza is our new obsession. [Spoon University]

The museum of ice cream is a thing. [Bustle]

This is how being single really feels. [Thought Catalog]

The dark side of Las Vegas. [Narratively]

With your mid-summer glow coming in nicely, you want to be spending hours out of the house flaunting that *flawless* face. Whether you’re a makeup queen or you don’t even know where to find your local Sephora, check out these tips on using highlighter that’ll make your beautiful skin even more radiant, even on days when you’re just not feeling it.

Snag the *right* brushes

To make your highlight even more professional looking, you need some professional-level materials. Your main partners in crime on this mission are going to be a fan brush and a smaller blending brush. These will help you apply your highlighter lightly and loosely to both wider surfaces, like your cheekbones, and smaller creases, like above your lip and under your eyebrows. The blending brush, as a (somewhat obvious) bonus, can help you blend the powder into your other face makeup for a smoother finish.

Choose your color wisely

Selecting a highlight color is a daunting experience, and choosing the wrong one can lead to some pretty drastic powder pitfalls. Pick a shade a just a smidge lighter than your skin tone, so you brighten up your face in a more natural-looking manner. If you’ve gotten even a little sun this season, make sure you aren’t using the same shade you do in the winter—find one to complement your sun-kissed complexion.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it

No two faces are alike, so why should any two highlighter routines be alike? If you’ve got smoldering eyes, focus on the corners, underneath the brow, and those dreaded under-eye circles. Want to make your lips pop? Brush some on your cupid’s bow and underneath the center of your pout. If you want to slim down your nose, highlight from center the brows and the tip, avoiding the sides. And ladies with killer cheekbones? You know to give those apples an extra swipe.

Highlight outside the lines

You’ve already got the brushes, so why not show the rest of your body some love? If you’re planning on rocking something strapless, brush some highlighter along the length of your collarbone. Summer is also the season for short skirts and crop tops, so don’t be afraid to light your calves and abs for a bigger, brighter shine!

We these tips and a whole lot of practice, *maybe* our highlight game will be as on point as Kim K's. 

Every Southern girl knows that monograms are a wardrobe staple. However, these simple, stunning pieces of jewelry would be great accessories for any college girl, and with basically any outfit. Check out these personalized pieces that will add that special something to your #ootd.

1. Monogram Chain Bracelet, $169

This delicate gold accessory goes with anything and everything. The timeless simplicity of the style means that this bracelet could be in your jewelry box for decades!

2. Acrylic Block Monogram Necklace, $48

For the girl who likes her jewelry to be a little more daring, these lightweight acrylic monograms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to show off how personalized your jewelry is with more than just your initials.

3. Dogeared Zodiac Necklace, $68

Monogrammed pieces don't have to just be in your initials! Show off your ~sign~ in this delicate gold bar piece.

4. Tai Vintage Gold Initial Earrings, $22

Mismatched studs are SO in right now, so pick out a pair that is undeniably you, too!

5. Drift Riot Precious Things Ring, $64

This delicate take on the classic signet ring is going to be your new everyday piece. Customize it with a stamped letter to make it meaningful to you!

With graduation comes the thrill of never having to write another term paper or cram for final exams again. But that fateful day also seems to signal the end of your participation in the activities outside the classroom that you enjoyed for four years. Fortunately, getting your degree doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to kiss your favorite pastimes goodbye, because you can pursue so many of them in the real world. Here’s what to do if you…

…played a sport but didn’t get recruited for the big leagues:

Don’t worry; you’re not permanently benched. Whether you started on a Division 1 team or stepped in as the Snitch for the annual Quidditch tournament, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and find the team camaraderie you’re missing in the real world. To start, you can use your network of college friends to join in with their athletic after-work outings.

“I played Ultimate Frisbee with my current roommate in college. She graduated a few years before me and played for a while in the city, so she suggested a summer league to me,” says Emily Brower, a 2014 Union College graduate and a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team as a student. “It was low cost and low commitment and would help me meet some awesome people and introduce me to a greater community if I decided I wanted to play more seriously in the future. Being in a new city can be hard, but I've been able to meet some great people and establish some consistency (and get outside) by playing each week.”

If you belong to a gym, ask about group classes or team sport offerings, both of which are great ways to get to know new people and stay in shape. You may even discover a new sport that you love!

Chokers are no longer cringe-worthy accessories of the past. Not only have they abandoned their place next to scrunchies and chunky highlights but they made a comeback that is even popular among celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lily Aldridge. What was once a '90s fad has arrived in 2016, so live out all your choker dreams with this list of our faves.

1. The 'Clueless'-Inspired

Get this Alicia Silverstone look-alike choker from Forever 21 ($4.90).

2. The Sweet and Simple

Add a soft accent to any outfit with this petite choker from Nasty Gal ($25).

3. The Flower Power

Update Drew Barrymore's floral look with this daisy choker from Tobi ($22).

4. The Classic

It's the choker that started it all. Sabrina the Teenage Witch isn't the only one who can rock it anymore. Score yours at ASOS ($6.47).

5. The Jolie

Create the perfect combination of chic and sweet with this bow choker from Nasty Gal ($18).

6. The Posh

Spice up your life with this simple choker from Urban Outfitters ($20).

7. The "Oops We Did it Again"

Make a statement with this bold choker from ASOS ($9.71).

Name:​Liz Powers​
Age:​ 27​
Job Title and Description:​Co-founder and Chief Happiness Spreader at ArtLifting​
College Name/Major:​Harvard, Sociology
Website:​ www.artlifting.com​
Twitter Handle:​@artlifting / @lizpowersss​
Instagram Handle:​@artlifting​

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Liz Powers: A typical day, let’s see… I’m usually in meetings with potential customers and partner companies to help not only sell artwork and products but also spread our mission across the country.

What is the best part of your job?

LP: I would say getting to know the artists and seeing their enormous smiles whenever their artwork is shown or when they get a check on the 15th of each month. One particular story: One of our artists, Nick Morris, is non-verbal autistic, and he uses artwork to speak. We had a gallery show for him and other artists in the Boston Design Center, and it was unbelievable to see his smile looking at his artwork on the clean white gallery walls with the wooden floor and professional lighting above it. He was just so excited to have people looking at his artwork and being impressed.

What inspired you to co-found ArtLifting?

LP: I’ve worked with homeless individuals for the last ten years. I used to run art groups in shelters, and I was incredibly amazed by the talent I saw and wanted to share it with the community and help artists not only earn money but, more importantly, build confidence.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

LP: A few weeks ago we were on the Today show and on the cover of the New York Times' "Business" section. This was all within about a week, and it was really exciting to get real national recognition and people looking at our story. We got thousands and thousands of emails of people being moved by the artists, and it was also huge for sales.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

LP: I think that the number one piece that I would go to is a Mother Teresa poem that is “Do It Anyway.” It says people will attack you if you’re nice—be kind anyway. It goes through all these situations about taking the higher road and staying optimistic. Whenever I’m having a rough day, that’s what I go to.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

LP: Don’t overthink and just go for it. With ArtLifting, we had never made a website before, and we just started with $4,000 of savings. We were able to bootstrap revenue figures and help five artists gain housing. If you think of all the challenges you face as an entrepreneur, any logical person would never do it. I would say just follow your passion and don’t be afraid of taking risks and learning as you go.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work alongside our national team as an intern for Her Campus? Maybe you can edit like a pro, Tweet better than most celebs, or have an insane ability to connect people and ideas seamlessly. Our 18 smart, ambitious and empowered AF in-office summer interns know exactly how to put these skills to work — and they want to share the inside deets with you. 

Moving to a new city stirs up all sorts of emotions at once; it's equally as exciting as it is scary. It's a chance for new opportunities, new experiences, new memories and also new friendships. Undoubtedly, making friends comes easier for some people. But for others, it can be hard to know exactly where to start—so we’ve got five tips for how to actually make new friends.

1. Take advantage of technology 

We live in a technological world, where social media and apps open us up to endless possibilities and people. Search on Facebook for any events in your area—and actually go to them! Use Bumble BFF, a feature in the dating app Bumble, to find a friend, rather than a date. You'll have the opportunity to chat with friends you match with—and you have just 24 hours to start talking before the match disappears! You might just be surprised how cool the people you meet are, and if you're feeling shy (or weird about making friends online), remember that your potential BFF probably feels the same way, and is just as open to friendship as you are.

If you’re extroverted and don’t mind group activities, perhaps Meetup is the site (and app) for you. In it, you can organize groups and events for others to RSVP to, or join one that's already been planned. It’s fully intended for meeting people IRL, not so much on chatting prior to a meeting.

Related: The 7 Types of People You Become After College

2. Join new programs

For Mara, University of Southern California class of 2014, the challenge was not moving to a new place but returning home after graduating college. She explains, “In many ways it felt like starting over in a new city, especially since most of my high school friends had moved away.”

Mara joined a program for new college grads in her company and was able to meet other people her age who had all just graduated college as well. Her advice, however, can be applied outside of the office.

Search for programs, classes and other fun activities your area provides and sign up! Your school's alumni network is a great place to start. Not only will your chances of meeting new people increase, but you’ll likely meet people who have the same interests you do. 

3. Be open-minded 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let's move onto the tips that actually have to do with you.

Making new friends will be difficult if you don’t allow yourself to be completely open, out there and willing to engage with others. Oftentimes, you’ll be the one who has to take that first step and approach someone, but how?

Laura Sanchez, University of Puerto Rico class of 2015, says, "It's way easier said than done but really, you just need to do it. Inhale and exhale. Maybe the other person is just as nervous as you are about it! You'll never know how it turns out if you don't take a chance and put yourself out there."

If you shut yourself out, meeting new people will be incredibly difficult. Practice what Laura advises and go ahead, take a chance!

4. Realize that the fear is in your head

"A lot of the time we make up these extravagant scenarios of what will happen if we say hello to someone or ask for their name, that we talk ourselves out of doing it," writes Alexander Figueroa, from University of Sagrado Corazón class of 2014. He explains how he had to give himself pep talks as a freshman in college before approaching someone in class, something he says "may seem silly but it really helped me out. I had to get over myself and my fear, otherwise I wouldn't make any friends." 

Your approach is not silly at all, Alexander! In fact, we completely agree. Sometimes the fear of possibly embarrassing ourselves stops us from doing something that can possibly change our lives. So try giving yourself that pep talk. Tell yourself you're amazing, that you're smart, wonderful and you deserve to make a genuine connection with other people. Once you get over that barrier, you'll be unstoppable!

Remember: sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.

5. Stay in touch

As adults, forming a connection with someone that goes beyond acquaintances can be hard. We’re each doing our own thing, making something of ourselves, so most of our friendships tend to be those we formed years ago, when we actually had time to hang out nearly every single day. But here you are, in a new city, exploring the area, putting yourself out there and getting to know new people… what comes next?

You make an effort to stay in touch.

Yeah, yeah. Effort. Ugh. But you have to do it. It’s the way friendships work! Maintaining a social life regardless of how busy you are is possible. Schedule lunch dates, brunches, plan ahead, add each other on social media—show your genuine interest and hopefully that person will do the same. 

Being in a new place is challenging and there’s so much you still get to discover, but we know you can do it. Not everyone has the courage to pack up and start anew somewhere else, but you did it! So muster up that same courage, go explore your new home and get to know people. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll make friendships that will last you a lifetime.

JoJo has looked nothing but flawless on this season of The Bachelorette. Her wardrobe is always on point, and her hair and makeup are straight-up goals. We have been lusting after JoJo's beauty look for a while, so we decided to consult not only a makeup expert but a Bachelor expert to help us recreate it—former Bachelor contestant and beauty pro, Cassandra Ferguson. 

You may remember Cassandra as the sweet single mom from Juan Pablo's season, who also competed on season two of Bachelor in Paradise. These days, she does killer beauty tutorials like the one below, and we could not be more excited to try out her how-to for JoJo's makeup. 

Products:

Brow gel:Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow
Brow brush:Lancome Eyebrow Reshaper Brush
Eyelid primer:Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Eyeshadow palette:Smashbox Full Exposure
Eyeliners:Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in Matte Black and Matte White
Mascara:It Cosmetics Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara
Face primer:Giorgia Armani Light Master Primer
Foundation:Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Concealer:Tarte Maracuaja Creaseless Concealer
Bronzer:It Cosmetics Sunshine In A Compact
Blush:Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Dahlia
Setting powder:Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Powder highlight:MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle
Cream highlight:PUR Cosmetics Strobe Palette in Sunkissed Glow
Lip liner:MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl
Lipstick:MAC Twig
Sponge:beautyblender Pro
Brushes:Eco Tools and Real Techniques
Necklace:Cake Face Boutique “Rashontae”
Bracelet:Rebel Spike Bangle
Hair wand:Bombay 5-in1 wand (use code CF50 for 50 percent off all styling tools!)

If we're completely honest, we are not the best at properly applying our sunscreen during these sunny summer months. That's why we are sharing this sunburn relief cream recipe with you—after-sun lotion is a must for burnt and dehydrated skin.

Recipe adapted from Brit + Co

What you'll need:

• Measuring spoons
• Glass or plastic container
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon of shea butter
• 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
• 6 drops of jojoba oil
• 3 drops of lavender oil or 1 lavender blossom grated with your fingers

If you decide to use lavender blossom instead of lavender oil, a good alternative for the jojoba oil is virgin olive oil.

Step One

Measure all ingredients and combine into container.

Step Two

Stir until smooth. 

Depending on the brand, the shea butter or coconut oil might make the mixture look a little clumpy, but after time it will smooth out.

Also, don't worry if your lotion doesn't turn out to be green like the one pictured above. This is due to the aloe vera gel we used. If you use a clear gel, your lotion will not tint. 

For extra cooling effects, store lotion in the fridge.

Happy DIY-ing, collegiettes! And remember, it's important that we always protect our skin.

Unless you live under a rock, you know there's one new celebrity couple that has everyone—everyone—talking: Hiddleswift. From long walks on the beach to riding on blow up slides, they are ~the~ couple to watch. 

But besides the incredibly obvious images of the two of them, there really hasn’t been any official confirmation that their relationship is legit. And people are curious! So curious in fact that a reporter in Australia actually stopped Hiddleston while he was on a run to ask him about Swift. And, well, his answers are a tad awkward. Okay, maybe REALLY freaking awkward.

She asked, "How is Taylor enjoying the beautiful Gold Coast?" and after an uncomfortable chuckle, basically all he said was “I’m not going to answer that if that’s alright.” Like yes, that's your prerogative, but also... no because we want to know? 

Before literally RUNNING AWAY (okay, he was just continuing his jog...), he responded to a few more questions about Swift with alternate forms of “I don’t know,” as Cosmopolitan pointed out. Tom, would it kill you to give the people what they want? 

Watch the awkwardness in all its glory below. 

College is an exciting journey — a time of self-discovery, relationship building and decision-making. Pre-collegiettes, we hope you are ready! But when you finally arrive on campus, we just ask one thing: don’t be that freshman.

Nine times out of ten upperclassmen can point out the newbies — the students walking to class in herds (and getting there 20 minutes early), wearing their Sunday best, sporting an oh-so fashionable lanyard and giving their parents a play-by-play of their day over the phone. We don’t expect you to look and act like a senior on your first day, but there are ways to avoid becoming the stereotypical freshie. 

1. Toss the Lanyards

We hate to break it to you: lanyards aren’t cute accessories. Nothing screams “freshman” more than wearing one around your neck wherever you go. Yes, getting your new school ID is super exciting. But trust us, it will be perfectly safe in your backpack, wallet, or pocket! If you want to keep your ID readily accessible, Vera Bradley’s Zip ID case ($12) and this Merona Double Zipper Wallet ($16.99) are great options to try. 

2. Upgrade to College Gear

Don’t make the mistake of wearing your high school Class of 2016 shirt around campus (do you want everyone to know you’re a freshman?). Once you move on to college, the only socially acceptable time to wear your high school gear is while sleeping or exercising (it’s a proven fact). Now that you’re in the big leagues, it’s time to start dressing like it! If you can’t seem to let go of your old tees, don’t worry. You can turn them into a fancy t-shirt quilt for your dorm.

Before classes start, you should pick up your university shirts, sweaters, hats, jewelry and anything else your heart desires. But beware: only freshmen wear it all day, every day. It’s okay to show school spirit, but do it in small doses! Instead of getting your entire wardrobe from the campus store, there are always ways to rep your school spirit in a unique way.

3. Use a Mobile Map

Trying to find your classes on the first day of school is the worst. But you know what’s even worse? Looking like a lost freshman, hauling around a giant map of campus. If you need directions, start by using a map on your phone to avoid any judgmental stares from upperclassmen. You should check to see if your school has an app; many university apps include a campus map for your convenience! If you have time before the first day of classes, why not scope out the area? Walking to each of your class buildings will help make the route more familiar, and you can also estimate how long it will take to get around campus. Don’t be that freshman running to class… just don’t.

4. Get to Class on Time (NOT Early!)

There’s nothing wrong with going to class early, but camping outside of the classroom for 20 minutes is definitely a freshman move. If you’re worried about being late, leave your dorm 15 minutes earlier than necessary and find a spot near your class (not immediately outside the door) to relax if you get there before class starts. This is the perfect time to prepare for the day by reading over the syllabus and any other materials the professor provided. Also, make sure you know what time the class officially starts. At some universities, classes will technically start 10 minutes later than posted on the schedules. It’s always super awkward walking in at the wrong time, so double check beforehand!

5. Be Modest

You should be proud of your accomplishments; after all, you made it to college!  However, we don’t recommend sharing your ACT/SAT scores and high school GPA over small talk.  Nobody likes the girl who spends 99 percent of the conversation bragging about herself (seriously, stop talking). You may have worked really hard in high school, but now everyone is at an equal playing field.  Even though you might be totally amazing, try getting to know where your peers are from and what they’re studying instead!  This will show you’re open to meeting new people, and hey, you might make a friend or two.

6. Stay Classy at Parties

Now that you’re free from parents and curfews, you are your own boss! With the much-deserved freedom, some collegiettes go a little overboard. You may really want to impress the cute guy on the dance floor, but pounding back the shots won’t help you gain confidence. And if your favorite song comes on, it’s cool to show it — but please avoid dancing on tables and other potentially unstable objects.

Unless you want to be the star of the next “I’m Shmacked” video (a YouTube series that features crazy parties on college campuses) remember to stay in control of your drinking. There are several ways to do so:

Eat Dinner

First, start your night by eating a proper, carbohydrate-filled dinner. It’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, because you will become intoxicated very quickly. Having a full stomach helps absorb the alcohol, slowing it from entering the bloodstream too quickly.

Know Your Limits

To learn your limits when it comes to alcohol, you definitely should keep track of what you’re drinking. Mobile apps such as DrinkBuddy ($3.99 on iTunes) can make the job easier for you so that you can enjoy the night and stay safe at the same time! You can also have a sober friend help keep you accountable. If you aren’t used to drinking alcohol, try setting a drink limit at the beginning of the night and stick to it! You will learn what your body can handle and what’s too much.

Drink Water

If you plan to have more than one drink, start alternating between alcoholic beverages and water. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your body, so it’s important to get water back into your system during a long night of partying.

7. Distance Yourself From Home

After spending the first few days on campus, it’s completely normal to feel homesick. Unlike high school, you are on your own! However, this doesn’t mean that you should call Mom and Dad whenever you have the chance.  And, unless you sincerely want to make enemies with your roommate, don’t spend the entire night locked up in your room, chatting away with your BFF or boyfriend.  An occasional Skype date will ease the homesickness without overdoing it! If you’re constantly on the phone, you’ll miss out on potential roommate and dorm bonding, a crucial part of freshman year.

Going from high school to college is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel anxious!  You’ll be in a new setting with unfamiliar people and classes unlike anything before.  Just breathe! As the weeks go by, you’ll start feeling more comfortable. While it’s important to do well in class, don’t let homework consume your life. And please, don’t stress over an A-.  Once you find your perfect study habits, it’ll be smooth sailing.  You have four years to figure out college, so it’s okay to have some “typical freshman” tendencies at first!  You might not be the coolest, most put-together person on campus yet — but with these tips, you’ll have a head start.

Ah, Monday morning, the best morning to wake up slow, drink a hot cup of coffee and do a full makeup tutorial on Snapchat. Wait, what? Well, at least that's what Kylie Jenner decided to do this morning. Although it's not unusual for Kylie to indulge the public in her beauty routines, she's never broadcasted the entire thing, from start to finish, on her Snap story. And from what we saw, it's actually pretty simple... if you are willing to use 16 different products, that is. We've broken it all down for you, step by step:

1. Mix together Ultra HD Makeup For Ever foundation, $43, and Urban Decay Naked Skin One & Done hybrid complexion perfector, $34

Using a makeup sponge, Kylie layered the mixture over her entire face, gently blotting it along the way. She recommended doing just a "light layer." 

2. Line brows in CA Anastasia Brow Wiz in caramel, $21

In order to create a soft brow, Kylie decided to go a bit lighter than her usual "medium brown" color. She outlined her natural brow shape and didn't fill it in too heavily. 

3. Highlight brows using Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Crème, $32

Next, Kylie gave her brows a more defined shape using a shimmery concealer. She used a thin brush to get around the entire brow, top and bottom. This created a solid arch on her brow. 

4. Set lid and brows using Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, $38

She uses this product a few times in her makeup routine but in this step, she layered the powder over her entire eyelid and around her brow to keep the concealer in place. In her words, she says to "set that bitch." 

5. Blend in an eyeshadow

In classic Kylie form, she used a brown-gold shadow across her lid, blending it into the setting powder to create a pretty ombré look. 

6. Use NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to cover rest of face, $29

After her eye makeup was practically done, she then used a concealer under her eyes, nose, between her eyebrows, and on the bridge of her nose. When she was done, it looked like a solid layer of makeup. She then blended it using a wet blender in order to set the powder that she puts on next. 

7. Set her entire face using Laura Mercier Translucent loose setting powder, again

This time, she layered on the shimmery powder over her entire face. She says that this is her favorite product of all time. 

8. Add on a layer of Chanel Double Perfection Lumière powder, $55

Again, she put the powder over her entire face to give it that extra glow.

9. Highlight face in Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer, $29

She used a thick brush to put the bronzer on her cheek bones and bridge of her nose, starting from her hairline down.

10. Set brows with Anastasia Clear Brow Gel, $22

Starting from the inner part of the eyebrow, she use the mascara-like brush to set the brows in place. 

11. Use a touch of Sephora Collection-Colorful Face Powders in #23, Passionate, $14

As one does when putting on blush, Kylie smiled as she highlighted her cheeks in the pink blush. She only put on a small amount in order to add a little color, but nothing more.

12. Set face AGAIN in Laura Mercier Translucent loose setting powder

You know the drill. 

13. Curl lashes and put on Lancôme Ôscillation- Vibrating Infinite Powermascara, $36.50

She used a black mascara for the top lashes and then switched to a brown mascara on the bottom for a softer look. She said that Patrick taught her that trick. We'll be using it from now on!

14. Finish up the eyes using Sephora Jumbo Liner in brown, $14

"I love this soft color for inside my water line," she wrote on Snapchat. It matched perfectly with the brown mascara she put on. 

15. Add color to lips using Kylie Cosmetics Candy K liner, $14, and her new Koko gloss, $15

It's no surprise that Kylie chose to use her own product on her lips. She also says that she always uses a liner with her glosses. Koko and her other new gloss shades are launching July 15th. 

16. Finish up the entire look with Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Highlighter, $38

Using the highlighter on her cheeks and nose, Kylie outlined her face perfectly. 

And with that, 16 steps and a million products, basically, her look is complete! Phew.

By Veronica Lafky

Yesterday, I went to visit my grandparents, just like I do every time I make a trip home from school. That’s part of why I’ve been told I’m the favorite grandchild: I always visit when I’m home, I make an effort to call every week, and I do what’s expected of me to make sure I’m successful. I don’t stray from the path that their expectations have created for me.

So, there I was in their living room, making small talk and answering the multitude of questions surrounding my internship, my classes for the fall, and, of course, my (nonexistent) love life. After a while, my grandma surprised me by chiming in with a question about my opinion regarding the shootings of the past week. Normally, my family avoids discussing anything political given the fact that my parents and I have been “Feelin’ the Bern,” while my grandparents are more than ready to “Make America Great Again.”

At this point, I had watched the videos of Alton Sterling’s and Philando Castile’s deaths. I had read about thefive police lives taken in Dallas. My heart ached for those who were grieving. I had a lot of questions. I felt helpless, thinking there was nothing that I could do to bring about change as a 20-year-old white female. I felt guilty for feeling so upset about the sort of horror that my privilege protects me from ever needing to worry about.

I had a choice: I could glaze over that aching in my chest to keep my grandparents content in their conservative white bubble, or I could pop that bubble and step off of that path that their favorite grandchild had seemed so attached to.

“Yeah, it’s all pretty heartbreaking...” I started to trail off, thinking I should stick with my first option.

“Well... don’t you think it’s their fault? I mean with all the trouble they cause?” Whoa. They?


“Grandma, can you explain who you’re referring to when you use the term ‘they’?”

“Well, the Blacks...” she kept talking, but it was hard for me to listen.

Here is this woman I have looked up to for the last twenty years, blissfully unaware of the racism dripping from every word coming out of her mouth.

Then it occurred to me that maybe there was a chance—albeit, a very small chance, but a chance nonetheless—that I could impact the perspective surrounding race and privilege that they’ve been holding for so many decades. Maybe this could be how I make a difference.

So, I changed my mind and went with option number two. I told her my heart had been breaking for everyone who was grieving after the events of the week. I told her about the day before when my dad had told me how grateful he was that I was born white because he never had to teach me how to “survive” the cops. I told her about how I’ve always wondered why black people are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate that white people are. I told her I was outraged that I had friends who tweeted their heartbreak over the shooting in Dallas, but had stayed silent rather than offering support or solidarity for Alton Sterling or Philando Castile. I told her about how Castile’s death being less than a mile from my workplace instilled a new kind of fear and heartache within me that I hadn’t felt before. I reminded her that this sort of terror was something that we as white females would never understand. I urged her to think about how her privilege may be clouding her thoughts, and I asked her about why she thought she could generalize an entire race of people without ever having the ability to see life through the eyes of any identity other than hers as a straight, white female. I told her about how I wanted justice for the men who lost their lives and systemic reform to combat racism and prevent tragedies like this from happening again. I told her about my desire to be in active solidarity with the Black community so that I could try to make some sort of a small difference in this world that seems to be falling apart more and more every day.

I wish I could tell you that everything I said magically changed the opinions she had held for the last forty years or that she, too, wanted to make a difference after hearing my perspective. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the reality. I left their house more frustrated than I’ve ever been after nearly an hour of arguing in what seemed to be a circle.

Then tonight, I got a phone call from her. She sounded upset, and she said she felt like she needed to remind me how proud she was of me. She asked if the next time I was home, I would grab lunch with her—just the two of us, so we could talk. She told me she admired the passion I’d shown. She said that I had offered new perspectives that she hadn’t considered before and asked if I we could talk more about them. I told her we could and that I loved her before hanging up. Maybe I hadn’t changed her mind, but this was at least a step in the right direction.

Conversations surrounding race are incredibly difficult, and having them with the people you love can make them that much harder. They bring out new, powerful emotions that can make us feel uncomfortable. As Mellody Hobson points out in her TED Talk, that really is the point. Step out of your comfort zone, be brave, and have these conversations anyway. The problems threatening to divide our society are not going to be solved unless we do so. Challenge the beliefs of those around you, ask questions, and above all, be respectful. “Be color brave” and use your privilege to bring positive change to the world.

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Just weeks before a Campus Carry law is set to go into effect, three University of Texas professors filed a lawsuit against the bill in the hopes of halting it. The law, which was approved in June 2015, mandates that all licensed gun owners aged 21 or older will be allowed to carry concealed weapons onto public higher education institutions in Texas.

The all women group of professors filed the lawsuit. They cited a student’s right to academic freedom, which they felt would be hindered by this bill, stating that many classes are filled with emotionally charged subjects. Students may feel unsafe expressing their opinion or views in a classroom with guns present. The plaintiffs filed against the law’s sponsor and the Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton (who later called the suit an insult).

With the prevalence of gun violence in this country, many are confused as to why legislators would such a law, especially when it affects young adults. Legislators reasoned that the 'Campus Carry' mandate is actually good for students, because it could prevent a mass school shooting. The reasoning is that one person’s gun could stop an active shooter.

In addition, the law further extends second amendment rights for Texan citizens. Second amendment rights are important for a red state like Texas, but this law ignores the fact that many collegiate students are under constant stress, many students may have undiagnosed mental health issues, and most campuses include parties that can get out-of-control—that is not exactly conducive conditions to safely owning and using a firearm. The 'Campus Carry' bill also does not address how the law will be enforced, where guns will/will not be allowed on campus and how they will ensure every student with a gun has undergone a proper background check.

What is similarly strange is the time that the law was set to go into effect. Campus Carry not only becomes effective in the summer, a time that is more prone to violence than any other season, but it also comes on the 50th anniversary of a University of Texas Austin shooting. In 1966, Charles Whitman killed 16 people from the top of a clock tower on campus. This law might make it all too easy for that incident to repeat itself.

With all the horrific events that have happened recently around the country, artists around the world are responding in the best way that they know how: by making music. 

From Broadway’s biggest stars recording a version of “What the World Needs Now is Love” to Jennifer Lopez and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s joint single “Love Make the World Go Round,” emotions are flying as new music keeps coming out to benefit the victims of gun violence around the country. 

Most recently, Ariana Grande and Victoria Monet have released a song titled “Better Days” in order to help people find love regardless of all the hate around, according to Hello Giggles. The pair announced the song just a week after the sniper attack in Dallas via Instagram. 

As Grande said, we can only hope that there are better days to come. You can listen to the song on full on Victoria Monet’s Soundcloud here.