With the holiday season in full swing, it's the perfect time to watch all your favorite Christmas movies -- including Love Actually. Because let's be honest, who doesn't love a little romance between two children.
The cutest storyline in the film involves the puppy love between Sam (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Joanna (played by Olivia Olson). Even though we all know how the two characters end up, one thing you didn't know is the adorable story behind their on-screen kiss.
Now that Olivia Olson is all grown up (she's 24 years old now!), she reflected on the hit holiday movie, and her role in it. Chatting with E! News, Olivia spilled all the details on that scene in Love Actually when Sam dodges airport security in order to reach Joanna before she boards a plane and tell her how he feels. Eventually, he catches up to her and she kisses him on the cheek before leaving.
Even though the final product turned out just as heartwarming as expected, Olivia revealed that she was actually quite nervous prior to filming the scene.
"It was my first kiss and on-screen kiss too," she said. "I was really nervous because I kind of had a crush on Thomas back in the day and I was also worried because I was taller than him."
Looking back, Olivia is proud of her role in Love Actually and the massive success that the film has seen over the years. In fact, she didn't even think people would still be talking about it 13 years later!
"It's so great that the first movie I was ever in became this holiday classic," she said. "It's really exciting that people are still talking about it."
Well, Olivia, if by talking about it you mean crying over it and idolizing everything about it then yes, we are definitely still talking about it.
The holiday season means it’s socially acceptable to ask your parents to reward you for your hard work and “nice” behavior over this past year. But what exactly are you asking for? We surveyed over 325 women age 18-24 to find out what topped holiday wishlists this year.
Naturally the number one spot is perennial favorite clothing. What college student can ever have too much of that? The number two spot is another favorite that any one of us could use more of: cash. Sure it doesn’t leave much room for creativity, but it will keep us in pizza, coffee and probably clothes for at least the beginning of second semester.
Tied for third were gift cards (just like cash but with restrictions) and makeup/beauty products. The wishlists this year were full of things that you can never max out of.
Other popular picks this year were shoes, trips and travel, jewelry and workout clothes. Though there is no denying material possessions were high, books were another very popular request. See, we do have our priorities straight!
Less popular this year were tech-y gifts. While we’d all probably take a new phone, computer or tablet (which came in last), we can do without them. Quite a change from just a few years ago when everyone just had to have a tablet.
With less than a week left for people to shop for you, we can only hope they’re hitting the mall to fill your closets and the bank to fill your wallets — just like you asked for!
Check out all the gifts that made your wishlists below!
The holidays ~are~ around the corner! Going home for break can have its up and downs, and our favorite Game of Thrones characters may understand that better than anyone. Winter is here, after all.
1. When you cannot wait to finish finals and GTFO of here.
2. When you see your extended family members over the holidays…and don't know what to say.
3. When you get bored at holiday dinners and stuffy parties with your parents' friends.
4. Booze. Enough said.
5. Loving every moment you spend cozied up by the fireplace.
6. Not caring about the holiday weight gain.
7. Over break, you go au natural and are sometimes lowkey afraid of your own reflection.
8. After a week or two, your family starts to get on your nerves, and you wonder if you've made a mistake coming home.
9. When you run into people from high school and they tell you their life story since you've seen them last.
10. When your mom makes you all of your favorite snacks and you eat way too much.
11. When your parents pick on you for that one bad grade during the semester.
12. When that one f*ckboy from school won't stop texting you on your break.
13. Although you do love sleeping in your own bed, you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night not knowing where you are.
14. Feeling the love from your mom who has missed you like…
15. When you see your dog again and never want to leave them!
Although 2016 has been the year for breakups and all things bad in the world, things might just be looking up.
Thanks to Instagram, we learned that our favorite Bachelor in Paradise couple, Ashley I and Jared, went on vacation together to the Bahamas with a few other BIP cast members. Along with Carly and Evan and Tanner and Jade, Ashley and Jared got cozy at the Atlantis Resort and it's safe to say that people are FREAKING.
A video posted by Ashley Iaconetti (@ashley_iaconetti) on
If you remember last season of BIP, Ashley put on quite the show when Caila came along and stole Jared's heart. But since that couple did not last long, we have been anxiously awaiting the day when Jared would go back to Ashley. And apparently the time as come.
Although neither party has actually revealed that they are anything more than friends, Twitter users around the world are jumping to their own conclusions. (Yes, I am a part of that crew, sorry not sorry.)
Let's just all pray that they actually are together and this isn't some sick joke that 2016 is pulling because frankly, I don't think my heart could take it.
Ah, love—what a delightful, difficult thing you are. You pick us up when we’re down, wrap your arms around us when we need it most and know exactly how to make us feel cared for and beyond beautiful. Unfortunately, though, talking about you can be as tricky as trying to discuss trigonometry when we haven’t touched a math textbook since high school.
Lucky for us, many gestures embody the passion that’s not always expressed easily through words. Even if your SO has yet to break conversational ground with the first “I love you,” it’s a safe bet to believe that this intention exists if he or she…
Oh, Hollywood and its picturesque holiday movies. Yes, we all love Love Actually, but no, the holidays are never this simple! Check out what the movie got oh-so-wrong.
1. The notion that the holiday season is the ~perfect~ time to hit on your best friend's new wife
(That you barely know but have decided you're in love with).
2. …In a really cute way, giving us totally unrealistic expectations of romance this holiday season
So when is a guy going to show up at my door with scripted cards and "Silent Night" playing on the boom box?
3. Speaking of love, how has this tiny kid figured it out?!
We are literally three times his age and are dating our cats.
4. And, like, how is he this sophisticated?
Teach us your ways, tiny one.
5. Although this was a pretty accurate sentiment, tbh
Basically.
6. And as always, Colin Firth understands us
Same, Colin.
7. But seriously, Love Actually, harsh much?
At least it sounds better when you say "shag."
8. What kind of holiday messages of love are you even trying to send?
PSA: Not the best way to flirt ^^^^
9. But also can we just say that literally no airport is this jolly during the holiday season?!
…More like thousands of cranky people running around, missing their flights and trying to find their gate, all while running over your toes with their luggage.
10. But back to how everyone has a significant other come Christmas time…
Oh, Hollywood.
11. Like really? Everyone?
Is this a cinematic joke.
12. Realllllllly?
Are there any single people in this entire movie?!
13. Even the kid? LOL okay.
We'll be here crying under our Christmas tree.
14. Basically us during this whole movie:
Love Actually, we love you, but you've got an unrealistic idea of the holidays!
It’s been a rocky year for Selena Gomez, but it looks like the singer is ready to step back into the spotlight. According to Page Six, the former Disney starlet just signed a whopping $10 million dollar deal with Coach. Talk about a comeback.
Not only will Selena act as the face of the company, she’ll also be designing her own line in partnership with the brand, according to Vogue.
It’s no surprise that Selena has been chosen to be the face of the brand, which is looking to appeal to wider audiences, seeing as she has a massive social media following, including over 100 million followers on Instagram.
As for gaining a younger audience, Coach seems to be headed in the right direction, with young stars like Diplo and Zoe Kravitz in attendance at their 75th anniversary event.
While it hasn't been confirmed whether or not Selena will be designing a full line of clothing an accessories, we can’t wait to see what the singer and brand have in store for us—which is at least one original piece.
The collection is expected to be a reflection of Hadid’s unique "dark, urban-minded aesthetic," but specific pieces have not been released yet. The only clue we have so far is found on a new official Instagram account created for the Bella X Chrome Hearts collection. The page only has two posts, including a picture of Hadid in a white crop top with a combo of the Chrome Hearts’ logo and a letter “B.”
A photo posted by CHROMEHEARTS+BELLA (@chromeheartsxbella) on
Hadid’s personal connection with the company has been ongoing, since she practically grew up with the Chrome Hearts’ founder’s daughter, Jesse Jo Stark. She even used her stellar photography skills (seriously, what can’t she do?) to capture Stark for a W Magazine shoot in August 2016.
With Hadid’s track record for having stunning personal style and booking highly coveted modeling gigs (did you see her rock those wings at the VS Fashion Show?!), her collection will undoubtedly be a major hit. We just hope we can get our hands on it soon!
Forever 21 shoppers in Great Britain were hit with some shocking news this week. "Good Morning Britain," a popular daytime talkshow in the UK, conducted an investigation looking into the possible use of real fur in Forever 21 items, including key chains and bag charms.
After sending the items off to be examined by a fur expert, it was confirmed that the products contained actual animal fur, including a furry bag charm that was found to have contained angora rabbit fur.
“That’s shocking because in 2014, Forever 21 was on a list of retailers who reportedly banned angora from their shops, because of the way the fur is plucked from these rabbits, it’s not done in a nice way, they’re still alive, a lot of them are in a lot of pain,” said "GMB" correspondent Katy Rickitt.
While the fur has only been found in products from one Forever 21 in the UK, this is definitely a good reminder to be a more thoughtful consumer.
If you’ve been following the Fifth Harmony drama surrounding the departure of Camila Cabello, then you know that it’s been a whole lot of back and forth. Seriously, how many official statements can they release before we start referring to this as more of a *very public* email chain?
The latest statement by the remaining women of Fifth Harmony (in reply to Cabello’s statement, which was in reply to Fifth Harmony’s initial statement) reads, “We have tried with exhausted efforts and hearts to keep this group alive as the five of us, and we want it to be very clear that unfortunately those efforts are not mutual.”
Specifically, they want it known that Cabello’s claims that she and the group had “long, much needed conversations about the future” are false. The statement, which was posted on the group’s Twitter account, was addressed to the fans. Ally, Dinah, Lauren and Normani empathize with them and express a collective desire to share the truth with them.
Sentimental and heartfelt as the statement is, it still includes a few jabs at the former Harmonizer.
“To watch Camila walk away from this special world we’ve built with you is tough but we will move forward together. We are excited to continue to put positivity into the world and light into people’s lives. The four of us recognize that we would be NOTHING without Fifth Harmony and we will continue to honor that.”
They close the statement by wishing good things for her, albeit indirectly so, but it’s unclear if Cabello’s solo career will survive the #CamilaIsOverParty that began trending on Twitter shortly after.
We’re all a bit weary of Facebook giveaways by now, but this one is no joke! Husband-and-wife duo Ellie and Quang Dinh founded the Girlfriend Collective in April 2016, and have been giving away their newly-created $100 leggings for only a $20 shipping fee!
A photo posted by Girlfriend Collective (@girlfriendcollective) on
But wait, it gets better. These leggings were created by an experienced team of designers from companies like Amazon, H&M, Puma and Lululemon, and are produced ethically overseas in Fair Trade facilities. What really sets these leggings apart from the rest is the fact that they are made entirely from recycled fabric. Ellie and Quang are taking plastic water bottles and turning them into chic leggings every collegiette will love. They’ve already recycled over 1.5 million water bottles since their first launch. Who knew we could be environmentally conscious and stylish at the same time??
Ellie told InStyle they were nervous about how the recycled fabric would feel, but were totally impressed by the quality of the product. “It’s probably the softest, most luxurious fabric I have ever encountered,” she said.
They are dedicated to earning the trust of new customers, which is why they developed their unique marketing plan (which was her business-savvy husband’s idea). Instead of spending money on developing ads and other marketing tools, they decided giving away their leggings would be a much better use of their budget.
The promo will end in January 2017, so your chance to get these leggings for free is almost over! All you have to do is head to the Girlfriend Collective site and provide a little bit of info before you’ll be rocking a pair of recycled leggings for yourself.
In more depressing news for Harmonizers, Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui is believed to have been caught on tape complaining about unfair treatment of the group. The leaked audio file includes a pained conversation allegedly between Jauregui and Ally Hernandez, another member of 5H.
"They're making decisions on a regular basis to f*** us over! To make us literal slaves! Literally slaves, Ally. We're doing f***ing labor every day and we see nothing!" the voice on the recording says.
"To fuck us over to make us literally slaves literally slaves ally we're doing fucking labor everyday and we see nothing"pic.twitter.com/o0THFLzhjg
Cosmopoliton reports that the source of the leak is still unknown and none of the girls has commented publicly on it as of yet, but with the dramatic departure of Camila Cabello, it’s hard not to jump to conclusions. For the sake of the group and their loyal Harmonizers, we hope things are resolved as quickly and fairly as possible.
Sometimes, relationships can be so stressful that you may want to pull your hair out. But you have worked way too hard for that hair to be pulling it out! Not all relationships are meant to last, but when you find the one, you will never want to come down from cloud nine. We gained some insight from Dr. Carole Lieberman, Media Psychiatrist and bestselling author, about how collegiettes can keep their relationship going strong.
It is always great to be appreciative in your relationship. We are sure you’ve heard the phrase, "It’s the little things that count." Whether you give a simple thank you for a small gesture or purchase your SO’s favorite thing just to see a smile on their face, the more the merrier. "We all suffer from appreciation deprivation, so when you express appreciation to your significant other, it shows them that you notice what they have done for you and care enough to take the time to thank them," says Dr. Lieberman.
"It is important to show your significant other appreciation," says Makala Brent, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. "Everyone needs to be reminded that the effort they are putting in isn't in vain. Sometimes the things that are unsaid show that appreciation best." Even the most simple gesture of a kiss or cracking a joke in hopes of a smile are more than enough. Sometimes people think their SO knows how much they love them, but the truth is, a reminder every now and then is well worth it!
Fancy dinners and expensive outings might be nice for some, but do you tend to appreciate and have more fun when you just stumble across plans? Whether you decide to stay in for the night and watch a movie or be spontaneous on an adventure in your town, you just enjoy being around each other. "Anyone can have fun doing special things like going to a concert of your favorite band," says Dr. Lieberman. "But, if you can have a great time, even when you're just hanging out and doing nothing, it shows that you find each other special enough."
"I definitely look forward to lazy weekends with my man,” says Alexandra Givan, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. "We never have to have something elaborate planned, just being in each other’s presence is a good time. D.C. date nights, a chill night with Netflix or just eating junk food together…it doesn’t matter." We don't know about you, but roaming through the city at odd hours of the day with your SO can create some of the best memories. Don't feel pressured to always have secure plans or to have to spend a ton of money when you go out. Save your money, get creative or just let your plans flow.
Makala is in complete agreement with this. "Conversation flows freely and an overwhelming sense of contentment warmly embraces you," she says. "The ability to be happy with little is a true testament to the strength of your bond." Amen to that.
Even in a relationship, you may feel down sometimes. Your SO should be there to uplift you and remind you that your dreams are valid. You should support one another so that you can stand alone and be strong enough when you aren’t there to support each other. "It's important for a relationship to have an equal give and take, not where one person is always needy of support and the other one is always giving it," says Dr. Lieberman. We could not have said it better! As long as you're getting as much support as you put in, your relationship should reap the benefits, for sure.
"Support does not mean enablement," says Makala. "In fact it is the exact opposite. When a person supports you, he or she advises you even if that means deterring you from a situation that is potentially harmful." Sometimes you may not recognize how much your SO does for you, but it is good to be there for them through the good and bad times. If your SO is having a rough time, remind them that the journey is always important.
"One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to show up for the people who show up for you," says Alexandra. "Support plays a huge role in making your significant other happy. Whether it’s motivating them to achieve their dreams or supporting their new and risky endeavor, the way in which you support your significant other and the level of support you provide can definitely affect your relationship." Cherish those who were with you at your lowest and still chose to love and support you when it may not have been easy to do.
You should be able to talk about just about anything with your SO. You should be straightforward with one another and not be afraid to be vulnerable and share your feelings. "Communication is key, not only for everyday things, but especially when there are bumps in the road of your relationship," says Dr. Lieberman. "It's important to be open about how you feel in order to clear up any misunderstandings."
Communication is possibly the hardest, yet most necessary aspect of a relationship. Without an open line of communication, issues that start small will grow and create a life of their own. "A person who is invested in you will listen intently and talk through the issue with you," says Makala. "It is important that both parties are direct in their needs or wants, yet receptive to the other person's perspective and thoughts." Communication can only better your relationship and show you things that you never saw to begin with.
When someone criticizes you, you may be quick to cut them off because you don’t agree. When your relationship is solid and love is in the air, listening is always worth it. "You have to be able to admit that you are not perfect and that sometimes your partner is really right about things," says Dr. Liebermnan. "If you can accept criticism, you can move on to a better relationship." We are constantly evolving into the people we are meant to be. You may not want to alter an attitude or behavior sometimes, but if you do, you may realize that you became a much better person from it.
"Sometimes, it is [harder] to swallow the truth from someone you consider a close confidant than a stranger," says Makala. "It is an unexplainable oddity the way that we want to confide and spill all our problems to our loves, yet we cannot accept their advice when it doesn't quite line up with our plan." We understand that many may struggle with this though.
"Just because [your SO is] supposed to love you 'flaws and all' doesn't mean they can't help you work on some of those flaws," says Alexandra. "Taking a step back and looking at things from a different perspective is helpful when trying to deal with constructive criticism in a relationship." For those SOs that try to push you to your limit, take it as a gift. They are only helping you get to a better you.
The feeling of being close with your SO trumps all. Intimacy in your relationship will not be comparable to any other situation you've ever been in. It's a chance for you to see a deeper side of your SO. "Intimacy in sex and in relating emotionally are fundamental to a good relationship," says Dr. Lieberman. "If the sex isn't great at first, you can make it better by being sensitive and open, and telling your partner what you like and don't like. But, let's face it, if the sex doesn't happen or isn't mutually satisfying, then you should try to go back to being 'just friends.'" We just layed it all out on the table for you! The connection of being intimate is like no other feeling. Sometimes, words don't do justice for how much you love someone. Show them so well that you don't have to tell them.
"Intimacy, to me, is the unique language a person uses with his or her significant other," says Makala. "It can be silly at times. It can be deeply passionate and intense. And at other times, it is calm yet extremely comforting." Did Makala just get you in the mood or what? Your intimacy with your SO will be completely unique to your dynamic and connection. It's much more than what people think it is. It's truly getting to know a person deeper than the surface. No one can duplicate it, replicate it or imitate it.
Sometimes, people need their space. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are mad at one another, but maybe you should take a night to hang out with your friends. Be amazing as an individual so you can be even better together. "One of the most frequent complaints that guys have is that their girlfriend insists upon being together all the time and doesn't allow them to be with the boys," says Dr. Lieberman. "Both of you need 'me time' in order to have a more exciting 'together time.'" Even though the guys may feel this way, you need your personal time too! After a long week of work, you may not want to stay in the house and have a movie night. You may want to throw on that black fitted dress and head to the bar with your girls.
"It is never okay to cage anyone in for the sake of your own insecurities," says Makala. "Having friends outside of the relationship is healthy. Building a strong friend group will allow you to maintain strong connections and have relationships that are not solely romantic."
Alexandra agrees! "Personal time and time with friends is super important," she says. "You don't want to be the person who is super obsessed with their significant other and can't function without them. It's always good to stay connected with your crew, whether you're in a relationship or not." Keep a balance between the time you spend with your SO and your friends and keep those "Squad Goals" alive!
Don’t get us wrong; trust can be very shaky in relationships. Understand that there are going to be ups and downs from time to time, but always try to work through them. We’re all human. "It's often harder for girls to trust guys because you know what other girls are capable of when they want to steal your guy," says Dr. Lieberman. "But, it's important to give your partner the benefit of the doubt and trust them, unless and until you see definite evidence to the contrary. Even then, give them an opportunity to explain." Sometimes, we have to learn to hear the truth no matter how it may make us feel. Be open to listen, respond with care and grow in your experiences. Trust should be the building block that your relationship builds upon.
"If you can't trust your partner, it can be really hard to build the confidence you need to sustain the relationship," says Alexandra. "Distrust also leads to jealousy, arguments and a whole list of complications. Be honest, open and communicate effectively to develop a great level of trust amongst one another. Learn to forgive and move on, and remember that in order to trust your significant other you have to trust yourself."Honesty really is the best policy and will strengthen your relationship in the end.
Relationships take a lot of patience, dedication and pure love. The desire to have a healthy and strong relationship will only lead to you and your SO spending the best times of your life together. Take these tips and learn to love fully and not be ashamed. Here is a secret: that's how you keep the quality ones close for the long run.
If you haven't been following the Royal family lately, then you should know that Prince Harry does indeed have a girlfriend. Brb we're wiping away tears because he isn't a single bachelor anymore.
In the latest issue of Us Weekly, a reliable source from Buckingham Palace says that Queen Elizabeth II is "fully supportive" of the new couple. As you may know, getting approval from Her Majesty is nerve-racking and scary, considering it took Kate Middleton years to even meet the Queen in person. The source also says that she's very happy to see Harry in a "loving relationship."
Suits actress Meghan Markle first met Prince Harry earlier this year through mutual friends, and they have been together ever since. Who are these friends, and how can we meet them?
While we're happy that Harry has the ultimate approval, we can't help but wonder what the rest of the family thinks of Meghan. The two make the cutest couple in our opinion.
The source also says in the article that they wouldn't be surprised if Harry popped the question in 2017 since he's supposedly "head over heels for this woman." Could this mean another Royal wedding is coming? Only time will tell.
Just days after images from Pretty Little Liars star Troian Bellisario's chic boho wedding flooded our Instagram feeds, the newlywed posted photos on her own account of a second wedding dress that just shocked the entire world. Even though we absolutely fell in love with her actual wedding dress, this second dress is just so sparkly and definitely trumps her white dress, tbh.
As seen in one of her latest Instagram posts, Troian shared a beautiful and mystical photo of herself posing while wearing a gold sequin Maureen Patricia bridal gown. Even though Maureen Patricia Bridal designs many beautiful wedding and bridesmaid dresses, this one was designed specifically for Troian, and we're all in agreement when we say that she looks absolutely stunning. Her husband is one lucky man!
A photo posted by Troian Bellisario (@sleepinthegardn) on
If you're not already obsessed with this photo, go check out Maureen Patricia Bridal's Insta post of the dress hanging on the mannequin. This custom gown is probably the most gorgeous we've ever seen, and it gives us all the feels.
The sons of President-Elect Donald Trump have started a new Texas nonprofit organization called Opening Day 2017 that is offering access to the future president during inauguration weekend. To get these perks, million dollar donations are being made to the organization—donations that will be allegedly going to "conservation charities,"The Center for Public Integrity reports. Sounds a little mysterious, right? Well, on top of that, the nonprofit was started just last week on Dec. 14, and the donors may never be known by the public.
Those who donate will be given an opportunity to attend the organization's "Opening Day 2017" event happening on Jan. 21, the day after the inauguration. Donors have been told they will be able to attend a reception with Trump, and those who donate $1 million or more will get a hunting or fishing trip with one or both of Trump's sons. They'll also get autographed guitars from an "Opening Day 2017 performer," and tickets to other events, according to the draft of the invitation and brochure from TMZ. The brochure ends with the statement, "All net proceeds from the Opening Day event will be donated to conservation charities," never naming any specific charities the money will be going to.
Because Opening Day 2017 is a nonprofit group and not a political organization, the law does not require them to release the names of their donors. Because of this, the organization has the ability to allow donors to anonymously write checks in exchange for spending time with the future president.
Looking for details of the event, Center for Public Integrity spoke with the CEO of Encore Live, Walter Kinzie, who says the event management company was hired for the Opening Day 2017 event by Opening Day 2017, a nonprofit group. He said, "The event is being put on by the Opening Day Foundation. There are a number of different individuals who are part of the foundation." The organization is run by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, plus Donald Jr.'s friends Gentry Beach and Tom Hicks.
Kinzie says that not all the information posted on the brochure released by TMZ is accurate. Participation in the event by members of the Trump family is still unconfirmed.
Larry Noble of the Campaign Legal Center told the Center for Public Integrity, "This is problematic on so many levels. This is Donald Trump and the Trump family using a brand new organization to raise $1 million contributions for a vague goal of giving money to conservation charities, which seems a way of basically just selling influence and selling the ability to meet with the president." He added, "It’s really hard to identify all the problems when they’re so vague." The unclear details of the event do make it seem pretty questionable, especially when the Trump family is already under so much scrutiny for possible conflicts of interest.
If Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps aren't already your #BFFGoals, then just wait until you read what Williams said about Philipps during an NYC screening of her newest film, Manchester by the Sea.
Williams, pictured side-by-side with longtime BFF and Dawson's Creek costar Busy Philipps, told People, "I'm here with my best friend."
“I’m so in love with her,” she said. “She’s proof that the love of your life does not have to be a man! That’s the love of my life right there.”
Is anyone else getting the sudden urge to call up your best friend and declare your profound love for them?
Williams and Philipps' friendship is proof that all a girl really needs in life is her best friend. It's true—no one said the love of your life has to be a man!
Keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy often seems difficult and time consuming, but with a fun skin care routine and a different face mask for every day of the week, you’ll be able to find some time in your busy schedule for skin care! These easy DIY face masks are easy enough to fit into any busy schedule, and will have you on track for a great skincare routine. Plus these facemasks won’t break your bank. Even better? The majority of the products used to create them you will be able to find out home!
1. Sunday: Relaxing Raw Honey Face Mask
We all know Sundays are the day of rest and relaxation. So what better way to start off your week than with a relaxing honey face mask? The trick to this mask is that it uses natural raw honey which leaves your skin looking fresh and feeling soft. Honey is perfect for your skin, and the sticky clean-up isn't too bad!
2. Monday: Nutella Face Mask
You already know there are tons of Nutella recipes out there, but did you know about this one? What better way to kick off a dreary Monday than with an edible chocolate face mask? Why does Nutella work? Well, the key is cocoa powder. Cocoa not only gives you that sweet boast of energy, but it also wakes up your skin. The best part about this face mask is that it doesn’t just smell great, it tastes even better. Plus, it’s perfectly okay to eat some Nutella too...before it goes on your face of course.
3. Tuesday: Avocado Face Mask
Who isn't obsessed with avocados? Not only do they taste amazing, they work super well as a face mask. The process is really simple to make this refreshing mask, just a lot of smashing and then some applying to the face. See? Three days into the week isn't too bad.
4. Wednesday: Peel Off Mask
It’s hump day! And you are halfway through your week, so a peel off mask is the way to go. Not only is the ability to peel the mask right off your face super satisfying, but this mask is also perfect for blackhead removal. The feeling of pulling away all your blackheads is just so satisfying...seriously.
5. Thursday: Coffee Face Mask
Thursday is the final push of the week, it’s almost the weekend. Not only will you need an extra cup of coffee to make it through the day, but your face could use an extra wake up call as well. Coffee within the mask will wake up and brighten your skin, having you looking fab for the weekend. Caffeine is always the secret.
6. Friday: Fruit Face Mask
What better way to start your Friday than with some sweet, fresh fruit? Fruits hydrate us! Why do we crave sweet watermelon on a hot sunny day? Hydration! This mask is a blend of different fruits; however, the recipe can be substituted with any fruits you chose, so feel free to get creative.
7. Saturday: Matcha Green Tea Face Mask
As the week comes to an end, settle your skin with a relaxing matcha green tea face mask. This mask will settle and smooth your skin after a long week. We all know that a cup of green tea is the way to go when we need relaxation, and it works the same for your face! This weekly skincare routine will have your skin looking flawless.
By the end of the week your face will be looking and feeling absolutely fabulous! Who knew that our favorite foods like Nutella and avocados can be used to improve our facial glow!
Every year, we can't wait to finish those finals, pack our bags and head home for winter break. The holidays are here, full of snowy spirit, rich food and friends from home. While there are some perks to temporarily moving back in with the fam—*cough* laundry—sometimes you regret spending a whole month back in the house under your family's watchful eye.
Here are 17 reasons why sometimes you wish you'd never left school.
1. The lack of privacy with what you're doing.
2. Having to validate your major when relatives ask, "And what do you plan to do with that?"
3. Admitting to your high school friends (yet again) that you are still single.
4. Having to explain the modern English language to your family.
5. Running into people from your high school you never wanted to see again.
6. Getting all too familiar with your relatives' political views.
7. Missing your college squad and all your shenanigans.
8. Having to actually sit down at the table to enjoy a nice meal instead of vegging on the couch.
9. Socializing too much in a two-week span.
10. Forgetting "essential" pieces of clothing in your dorm.
11. Being misunderstood by your family.
13. Middle school flashbacks from being in your old room.
14. Repeatedly asking yourself, "What is there to DO around here?"
15. Becoming the personal chauffer/shopper/wrapper.
16. Getting into bad habits before you start the new semester.
Homework? College?
17. Home being so wonderful that you never want to go back to college.
Washing your face seems like it should be the easiest step in your skincare routine. All you have to do is lather up with your favorite cleanser and wash it away, right? While cleansing your face is easy, there are a few small details you might be missing. If you’ve noticed that something about your skin isn’t quite right (it's dry or oily, or you're experiencing excessive breakouts, for example) your cleansing routine could be to blame. The good news is, all it takes are a few simple tweaks to see serious improvements. We've gathered guru advice from Alissa Chasen, a licensed esthetician, acne specialist, the founder of POREspective Acne Control and an all-around expert on everything you need to know about washing your face. Here are five of the most common cleansing mistakes and how to fix them.
Many of us make the mistake of thinking that our skin is clean just because it looks clean, but this isn’t always the case thanks to leftover product residue. Try adding another small step into your routine by using a makeup remover and then a cleanser. We love using Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6.99, Walgreens) and then cleansing as we would normally.
"Rinsing too fast without letting the cleanser soak in and do its work is one of the biggest mistakes I see in my acne clinic," Alissa adds. For reference, just think of how much cleaner a greasy baking dish gets when allowed to soak! "It’s best to start with wet skin, massage the cleanser in well, then let it sit for 30 seconds before rinsing in order to pull the grime out of the pores and get the skin really clean."
2. You don’t wash your hands first
This is a big one that a lot of people overlook. But if you think about it, our hands touch tons of dirty surfaces throughout the day. Even if you’re a die-hard hand sanitizer fan, germs can lurk in unexpected places, like under your fingernails. So do your face a favor and give your hands a thorough scrub before you touch anything else. "Those of us who are 'germaphobes' instinctively wash our hands before touching our faces," Alissa says, "but young women definitely need to be instructed to always wash their hands before splashing the skin with water and washing their face."
3. You exfoliate too often
There’s no denying that giving your face a good scrub is super gratifying. There’s nothing better than ultra soft and clean skin! But if you’re scrubbing too often, you could be breaking blood vessels in your skin, causing unnecessary redness and damage. Luckily, there's a way to reap the benefits of an exfoliant without paying the price—just stick to a less frequent routine, and try for a gentler option, like an exfoliating cream. "I love to add a creamy scrub to my client's home care routine 2x/week to get some extra physical exfoliation," Alissa says. "It really brightens the complexion!"
4. You’re using the wrong cleanser
The skincare aisle at any drugstore is a pretty overwhelming sight. There are hundreds of different cleansers on the market, and many of them are targeted toward different skin types or concerns, so if you’re not sure which one is right for you, try sticking with something that’s gentle (but efficient) and agrees with all skin types. "I also recommend staying away from the ingredients sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate in cleansers," Alissa says. "These are pore-clogging."
On the other hand, the POREfessional site is a great place to start if you know what you're looking for. Not sure what your skin type is? They can help you with that, too! They offer video consultations, so you can visit an esthetician from your dorm room or apartment.
5. You use water that’s too hot
We know it’s soothing to wash off all your makeup with hot, steamy water. It feels like a facial! But be careful with the temp because water that’s too hot can actually have long-term damage on your skin. Hot water can burst capillaries, causing a lot of redness. It can also disturb your skin’s natural oil balance and dry you out. Worst of all, this dryness can begin an endless cycle by making your skin produce more oil to compensate, which tends to lead to breakouts. Not fun! "Warm water is recommended because it expands the pores and allows the cleanser to get in there to do its work," Alissa says. "Cold water closes the pores and should be avoided with washing."
So when you go to wash your face tonight, don’t forget to put these mantras to good use. If you’re suffering from a serious skin issue (like acne) even the smallest change in skincare can make a huge difference—give your skin the TLC it deserves, and it’ll thank you later!
The cutest storyline in the film involves the puppy love between Sam (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Joanna (played by Olivia Olson). Even though we all know how the two characters end up, one thing you didn't know is the adorable story behind their on-screen kiss. 
