It’s official: Second semester is upon us, and so is your most severe case of senioritis yet. Between trying to make your final college decision, pretending like you still care about your grades and answering incessant questions from curious family members, it can be difficult to stay motivated and focused on the last few months of high school.

Luckily, plenty of collegiettes have been in your shoes before and are here to offer their advice on surviving the second semester of senior year (and thriving)!

1. Try something new

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At this point in your high school career, you’ve been around the block a few times, and you’re probably more than used to your same old routine. Combat the inevitable symptoms of senioritis by trying something you’ve never done before, whether it’s auditioning for the spring musical, trying out for the track team or joining a new club. Not only is stepping out of your comfort zone a great way to make new friends, but keeping busy will also help make the last few months of the year pass quickly.

“Deciding to play soccer my senior year was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” says Danielle Hensley, a freshman at Indiana University. “Having practice every day helped me to stay disciplined, and the semester flew by because I was always busy with practice or games. Not only was it a great way to stay fit, but I loved spending the time with new friends.”

Be on the lookout at the beginning of the semester for opportunities to find out more information about athletic teams, academic clubs, musicals and other extracurricular activities. Reach out to club leaders and fellow students to let them know you’re interested in getting involved with their team or organization, and approach them with any questions you may have. How often does the club meet? Are there any membership costs? Is it okay for a senior to join this late in the year? Not to mention, making a friend early in the process will help make the transition to a new club or team much easier and less nerve-wracking.

2. Live in the moment

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We get it—after four years stuck in your sleepy little town, you’re ready to move onto bigger and better things! With the excitement of college on the horizon, it may seem nearly impossible to keep your mind fixed on anything but the future. However, don’t become so focused on counting down the days until graduation that you take these precious last weeks for granted.

Although it’s hard to imagine now, these may be some of your final memories with the classmates and teammates you’ve known since kindergarten. Embrace the little things like the late nights with your best friends, the home-cooked meals from your mom and the times you have to drive your little sister around in the car—you just might miss them a year from now!

Are you and one of your best friends headed off to different colleges in the fall? Make the most of your last few months together by doing the things you love. Grab fro-yo at your favorite after-school spot, shop for prom dresses and keep up your Friday-night Netflix tradition.

“During the last few months of high school, I tried to spend as much time with my best friends as I could,” Danielle says. “In the back of my mind, I knew we were all headed off to different colleges and that things would change soon, but I tried not to focus on that. I knew it was important that we all hang out and make the most of our time together while we could.”

3. Steer clear of drama

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Your high school days are limited, so don’t spend them stressed out! While the petty fights with friends, the seemingly endless love-life problems and your parents’ strict curfew may seem like the end of the world now, they won’t last as long as you think.

Start the semester off fresh by pledging to gossip less and be more patient with your friends and family (despite the fact that they’ve already asked you 3,000 times what you’re going to major in). After all, you’d hate to look back a year from now and realize you spent your last few months of high school caught up in problems that you couldn’t care less about now.

Instead of resorting to gossiping, address issues with your friends face-to-face. After all, this isn’t middle school, and there are few problems that a mature conversation can’t fix. Is your BFF upset over a rumor that was spread? Are you not getting along with your SO? Before freaking out, take a deep breath and listen to the other person’s side of the story. Imagine the situation from his or her point of view, accept responsibility for what you said or did and offer to make amends as best as you can. More than likely, your friends don’t want to spend their last days of senior year caught up in drama either, so they’ll be willing to move on from little problems, too.  

4. Plan ahead

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For many pre-collegiettes, the final months of high school are the busiest and most stressful. Between trying to keep your grades up, finding the perfect prom dress, planning the dream spring break trip and making your final college decision, keeping track of everything that’s happening can seem nearly impossible. Do yourself a favor and kick off the new semester by making a conscious effort to become the most organized version of yourself yet. Keep careful notes of due dates and assignments, arrange appointments ahead of time and avoid procrastinating or over-scheduling yourself.

Keeping an assignment notebook is a great way to keep track of projects and test dates as they arise. Even if you’ve never kept track of your assignments before, the end of senior year isn’t too late to start. With all of the exciting events that happen throughout second semester, your calculus homework or the upcoming literature test are probably the last things on your mind. Check your assignment notebook on the daily, and you won’t have to stress about last-minute cramming.

Speaking of exciting events during second semester, prom may be closer than you think! Even if your plans aren’t finalized yet, you can still start looking for a dress or schedule your hair appointment. If you wait until the weeks before the dance to search for a dress, you may have trouble finding one you really like or one that fits you just right. Not to mention, getting a dress hemmed can take a week or two. Avoid any last-minute stress by starting your dress shopping ASAP!

If you’re still in the process of making a college decision, schedule a visit with your school guidance counselor. Even if you’ve never met with him or her one-on-one before, it’s never too late to reach out! Your guidance counselor can help you make lists to weigh the pros and cons of each school you’ve been accepted to.

“I met with a guidance counselor throughout the college process,” says Sarah Dilick, a freshman at New York University. “They definitely helped [me] with staying organized, because they have papers and checklists and binders to help you keep track of all your applications.”

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Although the first half of the school year may seem like it dragged on, with second semester comes a serious change of pace. Focus on minimizing stress, getting involved with activities you’re passionate about and taking advantage of these final months with your best friends, because graduation will be here before you know it. Best of luck, pre-collegiettes!  

This past Friday, only a week after Donald Trump was sworn into office, he signed an executive order that banned people from seven majority Muslim nations from entering the United States legally, including those who are legal residents. The countries banned include Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, according to the New York Times. Immediately after the order was signed, many students, legal residents with green cards and refugees, were stopped and questioned at airports all over the United States and abroad. Immediately after the news got out of people being detained, even if they have lived in the US for their whole lives, riots and protests ensued all over the country against the order and against Trump on the basis of discrimination. 

But in a true victory, on Saturday night, this order was temporarily halted when a federal judge granted the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) request for a "nationwide temporary injunction that will block the deportation of all people stranded in U.S. airports." As well, according to the NYT, federal judges in three other states, Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington, also issued similar rulings in order to stop the government from removing refugees and other people with valid US visas. 

Although protesters around the country are excited about this outcome, they know that this is just the beginning. From Syracuse, New York to Austin, Texas, last minute protests are being organized with the motto of "No Ban, No Wall" in order to get the message across that this Muslim ban is not okay nor will it be tolerated. For the full list of protests happening in your city, click here. 

In the last 24 hours since Trump has issued an executive order banning immigration from 7 primarily Muslim countries, people around the world are speaking out. And they are not happy. 

But, it is not just everyday people like you and me who are speaking out. All over the country, celebrities are using their huge followings to share the message that discrimination of any kind is NOT okay. And we will not tolerate it. 

Props to these stars for using their platforms to talk about what matters. 

Throughout the last 24 hours, chaos has filled the streets of New York City because of the recent executive order that Trump has signed banning immigration from 7 countries which are primarily Muslim. In response to this, the New York Taxi Workers Alliance announced via Twitter a temporary work halt in order to stand in solidarity with everyone protesting the ban. 

In a not so coincidental move, Uber, the popular ride-sharing app, tweeted that they would continue to operate normally and would not be surge pricing for people at JFK. 

Because of the nature of the tweet and timing of it, people of the Internet were not pleased, to say the least. In fact, #DeleteUber began trending almost immediately. 

In the midst of all the drama, Lyft, another popular app for ride sharing, announced via email on Sunday morning that they would be donating a million dollars to ACLU, the American Civil Liberties Union, over the course of the next four years.

In the email that went out to all customers, the co-founders of the company wrote that “banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft's and our nation's core values,” and that they will not tolerate it. "We stand firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community," and that we must continue to stand together as a community, they said. 

And that is exactly what we will do. 

DIY crafts are not only super easy, but they can be fun, too. Your weekend is about to be packed with easy projects that are perfect for your everyday needs. Skip a weekend of laying in bed; you have to try these DIYs instead!

1. Button Thumb Tacks

No need to go out to the store and buy boring thumb tacks for your corkboard. These cute button thumb tacks via Inspired By Charm are a perfect way to spice up your plain corkboard.

2. Triangle Prism Necklace

The Merry Thought has the perfect tutorial for this prism necklace that is sure to please.

You know that stage people went through in middle school where their makeup routine consisted of swiping on eyeshadow and lipstick? Yeah, you somehow never passed that phase.

1. You have no idea why the makeup section is so huge

How do people choose between all of this foundation?

2. You're amazed when you see people who normally wear makeup without their makeup

Since you don't wear makeup, you don't really notice if other people are wearing makeup. 

3. You don't know how to use the majority of products

Lipstick is pretty straightforward, but what is lip liner?

4. Your makeup routine consists of putting on a simple lipstick only

Putting effort into your appearance means spending five seconds putting red lipstick on.

5. You have no idea what this contouring thing is

And why are people so obsessed with eyebrows?

6. YouTube tutorials don't make sense to you

These videos should have prerequisites or something.

7. You stand off to the side when your friends drag you into a makeup store

Your friends can find you in the corner with the awkward boyfriends.

8. By the way, how is there enough makeup to fill an entire store?

Seriously, this is madness.

9. Getting ready to go out takes you about 15 minutes tops

Sure, you look the same as always, but at least you're efficient.

10. You admire people who are good at applying makeup

It's a skill you don't have.

11. But you don't ask them how they do it

12. You know these skills are beyond your comprehension

13. When you're approached by a sales clerk, you have no idea what to tell them

No, you haven't tried the new MAC lip kit. You haven't even tried mascara.

14. Your makeup skills haven't progressed since middle school

The middle school dance is your makeup inspiration.

15. You have nothing to contribute to conversations about makeup

Nope, nothing.

16. You actually save a lot of time and money

Your wallet approves.

17. You don't need any "natural look" makeup tutorials

Natural look? Psh, you already rock that every day.

Let's be honest... did you even watch an awards show if you didn't drool over the red carpet fashion in the process? Here are our top picks from the 2017 SAG Awards Red Carpet:

1. Taylor Schilling

There’s a lot going on with this dress… but Taylor pulls it off perfectly with understated hair, makeup and jewelry.

2. Taraji P. Henson

This dress looks like it was made for her! Is it too early (or are we too old?) to be getting prom dress inspiration? Formals, perhaps? Your cousin Jenny's wedding?

3. Michelle Williams

Michelle continues to prove to us that in 2017, no outfit is complete without a choker.

4. Meryl Streep

Who doesn’t love Meryl Streep? She’s not just a fashion inspiration either, check out her Golden Globes Speech to see why she’s an all-around amazing woman. 

5. Evan Rachel Wood

Wood shows that you don’t need to wear a dress to look fabulous. Get the look with this velvet blazer (Express, $80.99). 

6. Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy might have just dethroned Angelina Jolie as the queen of the high-slit dress.

7. Kaley Cuoco

Cuoco jumps onto the 2017 unicorn-everything trend with this magical gown.

8. Bryce Dallas Howard

Get Bryce's look with this long, sequin bodycon dress (Nordstrom Rack, $65.97) 

9. Ariel Winter

Ariel looks phenomenal in this curve-hugging dress, showing she doesn’t give a fuck what others have to say about her, her body or her fashion choices. 

10. Gina Rodriguez

Embroidered dresses don’t always need to be as expensive as they look. Check out this dress (ASOS, $127) to get the look… without the insane pricetag.

11. Emma Stone

There isn’t a best-dressed list that Emma Stone hasn’t been on lately. Just wow.

12. Angela Sarafyan

I want to go out and buy a dress, shorts, pillows… and just redecorate my whole house with this print.

13. Danielle Brooks

Her hair! Her outfit! Her acting! Danielle crushes it all. 

14. Simon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne

The award for best dressed of the night goes to these two—not for their outfits, but for the important (read: necessary) statement they make. In a drastic time, some will go to any length to get their voices heard. Celebrities, as public figures and role models, have a responsibility to speak up, and I'm so glad Simon and Jocelyn took advantage of the red carpet to do so.

It’s 3 p.m. on Monday, and your cubicle is the last place you want to be. Jim asks you to scan something for him—for the fifth time today. Lauren CC’s you on an email with “URGENT” in the subject line; you open it up and have no clue how to respond. Matt wants you to proof something written in a different language. Samantha schedules a last-minute conference call to discuss a new business opportunity. Alicia and Kim won’t stop arguing.

Welcome to the real world, where working 9 to 5 is a thing.

You would do anything to be back in college where going to class sometimes felt optional and lectures could be watched online from the comfort of your bed. We’ve all felt this way one time or another, especially when the workday is more than halfway over but 5 p.m. still seems so far away. Here are 10 ways to reenergize and power through your workday when 3 p.m. rolls around and you can barely keep your eyes open.

1. Take a coffee or tea break

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Many of us start every morning with a cup of coffee (or tea), but not all of us remember to restock later in the day (unless you’re a coffee-holic). The next time you find yourself dozing off at your desk, make a cup of coffee or tea, or, better yet, walk to the coffee shop down the street. A little caffeine in the afternoon will give you an extra burst of energy—just avoid having too much (skip the Venti!), otherwise you might disrupt your sleep later on in the night.

2. Go for a walk

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Taking a brisk walk during a long, stressful workday is something we should all try to do a few times a week. The fresh air and exercise will help clear your head and relieve stress. Taking a few minutes away from your work to walk either in your building or outside will help you to refocus.

“I take walks all the time,” says Kelsey Tremberth, a 2012 graduate of the University of Michigan. “Sometimes you need to just get up and move around… get away from your desk and give your brain a break for a minute.”

When it’s nice out, take a walk around the block and stop for a snack on your way back to the office for a double boost of energy.

3. Switch to a different task

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It’s easy to get stuck on one task and feel like you aren’t accomplishing anything, especially when you’ve been staring at a computer screen and sitting in the same spot all day long. The best solution to this is to work on a different task or project for an hour or so and then come back to the original task with a fresher eye.

If you’ve been typing numbers into Excel all day, switch to something that requires some human interaction, like calling a new supplier or scheduling a brainstorm session to discuss new ideas for an upcoming proposal. It’s important to go back and forth between solo tasks and group work to add some variety to each workday and make it past the middle of the day without feeling like your day is dragging.

4. Take a bathroom break

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It might sound silly, but a break is a break. Even if you don’t really have to go right away, taking a bathroom break could be just what you need. Spend a few minutes in front of the mirror freshening up your makeup, brushing your hair or spraying perfume to help you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. If nothing else, it will get you out of your seat for a few minutes!

5. Talk to a coworker

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You can ask your coworker a question about work, see what her weekend plans are or even just tell her about a funny tweet you read that morning. It doesn’t matter too much what you talk about, but remember that there are some topics you should avoid! The goal is to talk face-to-face with someone and get away from those emails for a little bit.

“When I need to reenergize during work, I walk to the break room, get some caffeine and usually run into a coworker I can talk to for a few minutes and get my mind off what I was working on,” says Sarah Smolinski, a 2013 graduate of the University of Michigan.

6. Make a to-do list

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Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with our workload, but writing it all down really helps. If you have trouble focusing after lunch and don’t really know what to work on first, make a list of everything you hoped to accomplish that day and see what’s left. Write everything down, even the tasks you already finished earlier in the day; crossing items off your list will help give you a sense of accomplishment.

Prioritize the remaining tasks and estimate how long each one will take. Start with the ones that have approaching deadlines, and then move on to the tasks you have longer to complete.

“I’m a big note-taker and list-maker, so when meetings are planned or if I need to follow up with someone, I make sure to put it in my planner,” says Carly Potts, a 2014 graduate of the University of Michigan. “I also try to prioritize who to reach out to and when. Time organization is big for me.”

7. Turn your cubicle into a gym

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Well, sort of. There are many stretches you can do right at your own desk that don’t require workout attire or special equipment. A five-minute desk workout might be all you need to refuel your mind and body for the rest of the workday! Exchange your chair for an exercise ball, tilt your head from side to side or roll your shoulders back to get your muscles moving and release tension. You might even be able to justify skipping the gym today!

8. Answer that text

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When you need a quick break and want to think about something non-work-related for a few minutes, take out your phone and catch up on your text messages. You shouldn’t be glued to your phone when you’ve got work to do, but a 3 p.m. texting break is perfectly acceptable (unless you work in a really strict environment and texting could get you fired).

If you work in an open office where your boss sits right next to you, we recommend leaving your desk before texting. Even if there isn’t a strict policy in place, you don’t want anyone thinking you’re slacking on your work!

9. Check the news

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When it’s late in the day and you need a break from the project you’re working on, take a few minutes to browse the breaking news headlines. Surf the web or download a news app on your phone. Catch up on the news in your industry so you don’t get too distracted from your own work. You might learn something that helps you solve a work problem or brings new insight into what you’re working on!

However, be conscious of what you’re looking at—when you’re on your office computer, there’s always the chance that your activity is being tracked. And don’t lose track of the time, as we all know surfing the web can be addicting!

10. Keep a positivity notebook

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We all get bogged down at work sometimes, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unhappy. When this happens, take out a notebook and write down three positive things that have happened so far in the day. The list can include anything that puts you in a good mood—winning a new client, laughing with a coworker or having a nearly empty email inbox. This exercise will help you to focus on the good things and give you a positive attitude for finishing out the workday.

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The next time you’re nodding off by the time late afternoon hits, follow these tips to make it through the rest of the workday without losing interest or feeling unproductive. Whether you need to get up and walk around, reprioritize with a new to-do list or refuel on coffee, soon enough you’ll be leaving the office each day feeling productive and full of energy!

Names: Kae Burke and Anya Sapozhnikova
Job Title and Description: Co-Founders and Co-Creative Directors of House of Yes 
College Name/Major: Associates Degree in Apparel/Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology; one year at The Fashion Institute of Technology majoring in Apparel/Fashion Design
Website:Houseofyes.org
Twitter and Instagram Handle: @houseofyesnyc

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

Kae Burke: There is no such thing as a typical day, which is what I love about my job. A day can include long brainstorming meetings, finding talent and booking performers, conducting walk-throughs of various  spaces, rehearsals and  anything to do with costume styling/shopping/sewing.The reality of my job is connecting the dots between talented humans, our audience, budgets, time, space and availability which means LOTS OF EMAILS and texts. And of course Facebook promotion and coordinating people.

Anya Sapozhnikova: There is no such thing as a typical day. I sit in front of the computer a lot booking, communicating and organizing with various artists. I do some rigging and climbing around the space in the ceiling setting up equipment and décor for the shows for the weekend. Sometimes if we’re working on a full length show there is a lot of rehearsing happening with larger groups of people. I also train with my aerial partner working on new acts. I work with my coach once a week and I try to take ballet and flexibility classes in the city a few times a week to maintain my body. Having meetings with people I know I would like to work with also takes up a bit of my time. All of the above happens between 10am and 9pm. Then there is the second part of the day (well night!). If we have an event on which we usually do, I will spend the early evening getting costumes and looks together for the show. After that I am then performing usually from midnight to 3 or 4 in the morning doing aerial and silk performance and lots of dancing!

What is the best part of your job? 

KB: Working with my best friends and a ton of creative weirdos.

AS: The best part is definitely how much I get to collaborate with other talented artists and performers. I love being inspired and bouncing ideas off of my partners and the various other artists I get to work with. I can honestly say everyone I work with I truly love and they are my family. Also I love how hilarious everything/everyone at House of Yes is.  

What was your first entry level job in your field and how did you get it? 

KB: Being a pedicab driver in Times Square. I got it because my roommate in Crown Heights was doing it and said they were looking for people.

AS: Creating “holy sh*t” moments at warehouse parties with The Danger (now known as You Are So Lucky).

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you now know?

KB: That it is non-stop 24/7. Organization and self-care are extremely important and can make or break you.

AS: You can let it be stressful or you can laugh at the absurdity. And (insert whatever drug you think is helping you be a better version of you/do your job better) is definitely NOT your friend.

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

KB: Adam Aleksander; a fellow immersive events person.

AS: William Etund, Jr. He showed me how to be a good leader and that it’s never about someone’s ego - it’s always about the artists and the community.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

KB: Don’t have your nightclub’s grand opening on New Year’s Eve! It’s much better to have it on a regular night where you have all the attention and can have all your friends come and contribute and celebrate.

AS: I got really drunk and got fired from a really sweet gig when I was 20. I’m glad it happened when it did, because people don’t expect that much from you when you’re that age and you can bounce back easily. Since then I’ve never let partying impact my work, especially when there’s an audience involved!

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

KB: Just standing in the back of the room, watching an amazing party and thinking “wow, I made this happen”. Totally surreal.

AS: Hard to pick just one, but one of my all time favorite bands (Glass Animals) whose music I use for the acts all the time, played at House of Yes. After their soundcheck, my business partner and I started to pull out my laptop and speakers to run our act to their track and the lead singer said, “do you want us to just play it for you? We’re right here.” So they played the song and we ran our number, and then they offered to add a couple of extra tracks for good measure at the end to make the whole thing perfect. When your art idols make art with you, it’s the most surreal and best thing ever!

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

KB: Energy. Lots of it. Passion, ambition, drive.

AS: Being proactive. Someone that is a go getter, hard working and interesting. Someone that wants to work “with” people and not “for” people. And as hippy dippy as it sounds, a person’s energy plays a big role. Aside from having the skillset that is right for the job, I always ask myself if I would want to hang out with them 24/7, because our work is round the clock and we need to keep it fun, otherwise the day is going to feel really long.

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

KB: Don’t give up. Take care of yourself. Seeds take years to grow, plant them now. It’s never too late to start. Always be grateful and thankful. Always take the high road.

AS: Don’t be afraid to go hungry here and there to pursue your path in the arts. The ones who succeed in this industry are the ones who do this full time. Working some irrelevant job that eats up 20+ hours a week will not get you there, it will only show you how to pursue your dreams half way. Recognize the importance of community. Nightlife and the performing arts is a way for people to come together and celebrate. Being cut throat will not get you there - making genuine friends and surrounding yourself with the people you love will.

After Too Faced released its Sweet Peach palette that smells just like real peaches, fans have grown to expect more than just nice colors when shopping around for a palette. While Too Faced takes the cake for products that smell like they’re more suitable to eat than to put on your face, with brow pencils that smell like brownies and lipstick that smells like peppermint mocha, other brands have been taking note of how their products smell beforethey hit the market. Tarte's Tartelette 2 In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette, for instance, has been praised by fans, most noting "it smells great!"

When Kylie Jenner announced early this year that she would also be selling a peach-themed palette, the Royal Peach Palette, fans were quick to ask if this palette would smell like the fruit as well. 

Since even those who aren’tmakeup lovers began to draw comparisons between The Royal Peach Palette and the Sweet Peach palette, it would be logical to assume that Kylie would keep upwith the competition by ensuring that her palette smelled sweet too.

However, when excited fans opened their palettes for the first time, what they smelled was strong and surprising, to say the least. Customers are complaining that the palette stinks of chemicals; instead of comparing it to dessert, and everything good in the world, they’ve compared it to everything from chlorine to spray paint. IDK if its just me, but neither of these scents seems like something I would want anywhere near me… much less on my eyelids.

Seventeen.com has reached out to the brand, asking them to comment on the strange smells that are accompanying their palettes, but has not yet received a response. For now, stay safe. I know that some like to compare putting on makeup to painting your face, but there’s no reason why you should need a respirator mask just to apply a little eyeshadow.

Before you spend Valentine’s Day gushing over your SO, remember the people who had your back first: your girlfriends. Sure, you’ll spend February 14 prepping for your night out with your significant other (or spending the day treating your wonderful, single self!), but February 13 is all about cherishing the girls who have seen you cry, watched you stuff your face with pounds of chocolate and helped you pick out the perfect crop top to wear to your first college party. In true Parks and Recreation fashion, Her Campus’s guide to the ultimate Galentine’s Day will guarantee a friendship-filled February 13.

1. Say “bye-bye, boys”

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Remember, this day is for your gal pals, which means no guys allowed. Yes, some of your best friends may be guys, but while we love them for the pals that they are, no guy could ever replace your girlfriends. Ask yourself: Would my guy friend want to tag along and get a mani-pedi with Amanda and Laura? If the answer is no, he’s gotta go for the day.

2. Get pampered

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What better way to get girly with your gals than to have a stay-at-home spa day? From face masks to feet scrubs, there are tons of innovative ways to get the spa experience without leaving your living room! Get some ideas from our list and look at your Pinterest boards to plan your perfect pampering day.

“You don't have to spend a ton of money on an overcrowded, overrated spa, and it's more casual, so it'll be more relaxing,” says Sarah, a first-year graduate student at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. “Whenever I have an at-home spa night for either myself or with my friends, it usually entails painting each other's nails, mani and pedi and putting facial masks on using a premade pack or by splurging on a store-bought tube of cucumber facial mask from a drugstore.”

3. Treat yo’selves

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If you’ve been cutting back on the carbs, today is the day to go all out. Have dessert, eat an extra slice of pizza and enjoy yourself. (You can always walk it off while shopping at the mall afterwards!)

“When I want to give my friend a super-nice day, we'll usually go to her favorite restaurant for breakfast or brunch,” says Aja, a junior at California Polytechnic State University. “Then we'll usually go shopping or on a hike or to the beach – anything that's relaxing and fun!”

Whether you spend the day buying workout clothes or actually working out, enjoy spending the day out and about with your girlfriends.

4. Rent a chick flick

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What better way to bond than by gushing over cute protagonists, eating popcorn and getting way too emotionally invested in a movie?

If you’re interested in some older chick flicks, check out Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Titanic. If you’re looking for something relatively new, rent The Other Woman, The Fault in Our Stars or Sex and the City! There’s never a shortage of chick flicks for you and your friends to choose from. Don’t forget the tissues!

5. Go back to the basics

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What about your long-distance BFFs? Nothing says, “I appreciate you” like a handwritten valentine or letter. Sure, a well-written text or a playful e-card could cheer your friend up, but taking the time to write out a letter will make her day.

“It doesn't have to be fancy,” Sarah says. “You can buy blank cards and 3D stickers from an arts and crafts store like Michaels and decorate it, then write in it!”

This card is something she can hang up in her room, tape to her binder or use as a bookmark as an everyday reminder that you’re always on her side.

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As important as Valentine’s Day is to you and your SO, it’s just as important to take the time to cherish your gal-entines. Happy Galentine’s Day, collegiettes!

The 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, or SAG Awards for short, took place on Sunday, Jan. 29. The show, which honors the best achievements in film and television performances from the previous year, was full of surprises. There were welcome celebrations of diversity and many major political statements. As Scandal star Kerry Washington stated, “A lot of people are saying right now that actors shouldn’t express their opinions when it comes to politics. But the truth is, actors are activists no matter what, because we embody the worth and humanity of all people.” Here are seven empowering moments from the SAG Awards that you need to know about.

1. Ashton Kutcher's introduction

Ashton Kutcher—whose wife Mila Kunis came to the United States from Ukraine on a refugee visa when she was seven years old—opened the show by saying: “Good evening, fellow SAG-AFTRA members and everyone at home—and everyone in airports that belong in my America. You are a part of the fabric of who we are, and we love you and we welcome you.” His intro was followed by resounding applause from the audience.

2. Stranger Things star David Harbour's call to action

When the Stranger Things cast won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, the actor who plays Chief Jim Hopper spoke up. "Now, as we act in the continuing narrative of Stranger Things, we 1983 midwesterners will repel bullies, we will shelter freaks and outcasts—those who have no homes—we will get past the lies. We will hunt monsters. And when we are at a loss amidst the hypocrisy and casual violence of certain individuals and institutions, we will, as per Chief Jim Hopper, punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy what we have envisioned for ourselves and the marginalized. And we will do it all with soul, with heart and with joy. We thank you for this responsibility," he said to cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd.

3. Mahershala Ali's speech about acceptance

Mahershala Ali won the supporting actor statue for his role in Moonlight. When he accepted the award, he had some powerful words to share about being Muslim. Ali's emotional delivery emphasized the importance of accepting other people and celebrating their differences. “When we kind of get caught up in the minutiae, the details that make us different, I think there’s two ways of seeing that," he said. "There’s an opportunity to see the texture of that person, the characteristics that make them unique, and then there’s an opportunity to go to war about it, and to say that that person is different from me, and I don’t like you, so let’s battle.” 

4. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Taylor Schilling's personal stories

Veep's Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Orange Is the New Black's Taylor Schilling both shared accounts about their immigrant families coming to the United States. Louis-Dreyfus, the daughter of an immigrant who fled the persecution of Nazi-occupied France, was extremely straightforward in her response to President Trump's executive order on immigration. "Because I love this country I am horrified by its blemishes," she said. "The immigrant ban is a blemish and un-American."

5. Hidden Figures cast and Denzel Washington's big wins

To the surprise of some, Hidden Figures won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture. The movie is about the true triumphs of a team of African-American women working for NASA at the time of the program's first successful space missions. The mathematical contributions of three women were critical to this success. Denzel Washington was presented the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Fences. His costar Viola Davis won for supporting actress. While Hollywood award shows are not nearly diverse enough, these wins are a step in the right direction.

6. Simon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne's necessary fashion statement

On a night that was more about action than style, Big Bang Theory star Simon Helberg joined his wife, Jocelyn Towne, in protesting the "Muslim ban." She painted the words "let them in" across her chest, while he held a sign that said "refugees welcome."

7. Taraji P. Henson's inspiring words

Taraji P. Henson's acceptance speech for the cast of Hidden Figures proved that the film, which takes place primarily in the early 1960s, is still just as relevant today. “This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside, and we come together as a human race, we win,” she said. “Love wins every time.”

Rumored celebrity couple Selena Gomez and The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye) have been spotted spending quality time together in Italy. They were seen holding hands inside the Galleria dell’Accademia museum as well as kissing during a private dinner date in Florence.

After the recent Instagram drama involving Abel's ex Bella Hadid, the singers followed one another on the social media platform. And now, they have both acknowledged their romance via Instagram. Selena shared a black-and-white video of The Weeknd early Monday morning, which has since been deleted. It showed him sitting in a river boat while Selena talks to a woman off camera. The post was simply captioned with the heart eyes emoji.

On Sunday, The Weeknd also shared a video, on his Instagram story. The post showed Selena looking at Botticelli’s famous Venus at the Uffizi Gallery.

We can't wait to see what the couple does next.

Muggles and wizards rejoice—your first look at the Harry Potter palette is finally here! Storybook Cosmetics, the company run by self-described fangirls dedicated to making products for other fangirls—who teased a Game of Thrones collection—announced in December 2016 that it would be releasing a Harry Potter palette.

Let's start with the packaging: this palette isn’t going to ~blend~ in with the rest of the ones on your shelf. It is shaped like an actual storybook, disguised to look just like a magical textbook. The intricate label is made with gold foil, to ensure that it looks just as important as it is. Let's be honest, this "book" looks like it could blend into any old-school library—meaning that if the situation ever arises when you need to do your makeup on campus, this would definitely come in handy.

For those of you who have been impatiently trying to cast a spell to see into the future, just for a sneak peak at the inside of this book, the time has finally arrived. The palette contains 12 jewel-toned shades—all of which are inspired by Hogwarts itself—as well as a full-sized mirror.

There’s still no word yet on the details of this palette, such as the price and when it will be released (that spell to see into the future might actually come in handy). However, if the past Harry Potter items from this store, such as the Wizard Wand brushes and the Quill eyeliner, are any indication, when the time comes, this palette will disappear faster than you can say "evanesco."

Late Sunday evening, two gunmen opened fire at the Quebec City Islamic cultural center, in Quebec City, killing six people and wounding 18.

More than 50 people were gathered for worship that evening when someone entered the mosque and opened fire. An eyewitness reported to the Globe and Mail that the men shot "everything that was moving. It was someone who mastered weapons because it was calm … He killed and he killed. It was really horrible.”

In a Monday morning news conference, a Quebec City police spokeswoman stated one person was captured on the scene of the crime, while another was captured an hour later, after calling in and reporting his location. However, only one of these men is a suspect, while authorities said the other is a witness.

However, a hospital spokeswoman did report that those who died Sunday evening, ranged in age from 35 to 60 years old. Five people remain hospitalized.

This attack came just two days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to temporarily ban immigrants from seven different majority-Muslim nations from entering the United States, even if they are permanent residents or university students. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau immediately responded to President Trump’s order by tweeting, “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength. #WelcometoCanada". Canada has accepted nearly 40,000 Syrian refugees since November 2015, while Trump has now banned any Syrian refugees from coming to the U.S.—even ones who have already been vetted.

While this attack is not believed to be directly related to President Trump’s order, it fits into a greater pattern of rising Islamophobia in Western nations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the shooting as an act of terrorism against Muslims. His statement read, “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a centre of worship and refuge. While authorities are still investigating and details continue to be confirmed, it is heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence. Diversity is our strength, and religious tolerance is a value that we, as Canadians, hold dear.”

This isn't the first hateful act targeted at the mosque. A pig's head was left there during Ramadan in June (eating pork is forbidden in Islam). According to The Guardian, an Islamophobic letter was also circulated near the mosque. No word if these acts of hate are related to the recent shootings, but nonetheless Canada has more reason than ever to band together and fight this unjust and heinous act of violence.

Canadian police stated early Monday morning that security has been increased at all mosques in the province, and that they hope to solve this crime as quickly and efficiently as possible.  

Taraji P. Henson is total style goals! In addition to her amazing red carpet fashion, she is also an insanely talented actress (who doesn't love Empire?). Here are some of her most memorable style moments!

1. 2016 BET Awards

No pants, no problem.

2. 2016 Golden Globes

So fierce.

3. 2016 AMAs

Even when she goes casual, she's still slaying the game.

4. 2016 Emmys

At this point, is she even real?

5. 2017 SAG Awards 

Still can't get over this look!

6. 2016 Met Gala

She even makes florals groundbreaking.

7. 2016 CNN Heroes Gala

Always on point.

8. 55th Monte Carlo TV Festival

Total queen status.

9. Empire Season 2 Premiere

Truly an icon.

Ashton Kutcher is mad, and for good reason. In the midst of President Trump's immigration ban, Kutcher is bringing wife Mila Kunis into his fight for what's right. 

Kunis, who was born in Soviet Ukraine, came to the United States on a refugee visa when she was just seven years old.

In a series of tweets, Kutcher laid into Trump and tore apart his "no sense policy."

"My wife came to this country on a refugee visa in the middle of the Cold War! My blood is boiling right now!" he wrote, later adding, "If standing for the America that doesn't discriminate makes me a left wing actor who is out of touch. Fuck it."

Ashton echoed his earlier sentiments when he appeared at last night's SAG Awards, and set the tone for an evening filled with outspoken celebs.

I'm glad to see Kutcher standing up for not only his wife, but for every person who is affected by Trump's executive order. 

By Branca Lessa de Sa

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

State Representative Tony Tinderholt has announced plans to criminalize abortion in Texas under House Bill 948. He argued that this would make women feel more “personally responsible about sex."

Tinderholt’s language is not only deeply flawed, but also inherently misogynistic. Women simply aren’t “personally” responsible for sex, for it is an act that invariably involves two parties, two sets of conscience. If Tinderholt can ignore this, he cannot ignore the fact that it is woefully unreasonable to want women to feel personally responsible for a sexual act they didn’t will, as is the case in instances of rape.

Thus, in addressing the question of rape, Tinderholt shifts his argument, suggesting that all life, even that of the unborn or of the result of rape, is "sacred." Tinderholt’s arguments are wonderfully adaptive—criminalizing abortion is necessary if women are to feel personally responsible about sex, but in cases where women are forced into sex against their will, when the sex is entirely beyond their “responsibility," abortion is still unacceptable for a completely different set of reasons. The lostigics of Tinderholt’s argument attest to the fact that these are not arguments based on logic, but rather on an instinctual gut feeling against women and their sexual agency.

Tinderholt’s language is the language of shame, a language that has been historically associated with women and sex, from the Bible to contemporary slut-shaming tabloids. The state representative seems to imply that it is inherently shameful for women to have sex—as if sex itself were a crime, a condemnable act for which women must admit “responsibility."

Tinderholt goes on to argue that the problem with abortion is that women are using it as an emergency contraceptive, due to it being “real easy” to obtain. I am not sure which women he is referring to. Abortion is not only a costly procedure in the US, it is a protracted and bureaucratic one. Texas already has several major abortion restrictions in place, including a 24-hour waiting period after an obligatory counseling session that often involves misleading questions. Many abortion clinics have shut down because of such stringent protocol. It seems very unlikely that any woman actually says "oh, I can just go get an abortion" before engaging in unprotected intercourse, as Tinderholt avers they do.

There are numerous reasons why Tinderholt’s case for the criminalization of abortion is flawed. Abortions will continue to take place, as they do in those countries where the process is already illegal. However, this will occur in a manner that puts both the unborn child’s and the mother’s life at risk (tens of thousands of women die in the developing world each year from unsafe abortions). The "pro-life" policy will be anything but. In addition, by stripping potential parents of the right to abortion, families will be raised on dangerously insecure foundations—financially, physically, and emotionally—and the allegedly “sacred” life of the child will be one of suffering and hardship.

However, the real problem lies not necessarily in the Bill itself but in Tinderholt’s "argument" for it. This argument, so blind to any form of logic or evidence, so easily debunked, is the argument of a man completely unable to accept female sexual agency.

Editor's note: don't forget to take our Reproductive Rights Survey!

It was truly a "city of stars" at the 23rd annual SAG awards. No beauty look was off-limits, from subtle and smokey to experimental and colorful, Hollywood's best wore it all. Here are some of our favorite makeup moments from the evening.

1. Emma Stone

As always, Emma's makeup artist drew attention to the actress' beautiful green eyes, this time using a darker shade of forest green to create dimension and add a sense of intrigue to this ultra-polished look. 

2. Janelle Monáe

Following this year's obsession with warm-toned looks, Janelle stunned with a warm purple pout and meticulously groomed brows. 

3. Maisie Williams 

Maisie looked like she walked straight out one of Gatsby's parties with this hauntingly beautiful black cherry lip.

4. Kerry Washington 

The queen of class, Kerry proves that a perfectly-executed black smokey eye and a pop of blush is all you need to look elegant.

5. Emily Blunt 

A flush of copper on the eyelid made Emily's already enchanting sea-blue eyes even more mesmerizing. 

6. Sophia Bush 

Sophia changed the makeup game with a violet-pink color that created a gorgeous halo effect around the eyes.

7. Tracee Ellis Ross

Peachy pink on the eyelids and a nude lip make us wish it were spring already.

8. Bryce Dallas Howard 

Maroon blush and a faded-out lip made Bryce look like a Pre-Raphaelite painting.

9. Natalia Dyer 

This Stranger Things star channeled Twiggy with her mod-style eyeliner and warm nude lip.

10. Chrissy Teigen 

A red-orange lip took Chrissy's über chic look to the next level.

President Donald Trump's executive order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim majority countries hasn't been received well thus far. In addition to the protests, the order received harsh criticism on social media, and the American Civil Liberties Union, which won a stay against the order, received more in donations this weekend than they did all of last year. 

As we all know, Trump responds very well to constructive criticism (not). Trump released a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday, and unsurprisingly, it massaged the truth to make people think this order is okay—that it's all about protecting Americans and has nothing to do with racism and prejudice.

Trump also criticized the media in the statement, insisting that they are not reporting on the executive order accurately, when in fact it is Trump who is describing the order inaccurately.

"We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media knows, but refuses to say," he continued. "My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The seven countries named in the Executive Order are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror. To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting."

As The Washington Postexplains, the executive order is nothing like Obama's 2011 actions—Obama did not outright ban Iraqi refugees, but rather implemented new security procedures which caused a slowdown. This was in response to the discovery that two Iraqi refugees had participated in plans to bomb American troops while they still lived in Iraq. Trump's executive order, in contrast, isn't responding to any direct threat other than Islamophobia.

And when Trump says the order is not a Muslim ban, he seems to be forgetting that Muslim ban is exactly what he claimed he would do during the campaign. During a campaign speech, Trump said, "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shut down of Muslims entering the United States until our countries' representatives figure out what the hell is going on," adding, "We have no choice." The promise still lives on his campaign website.

In his statement this weekend, Trump insisted that the order was not about religion.

"This is not about religion — this is about terror and keeping our country safe," he said. "There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order. We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days."

But former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani called the executive order a Muslim ban in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying that the president asked for the assistance of a commission to help instruct him on "the right way to do it legally."

Trump also references the Syrian refugee crisis, insisting that he “has tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria,” even though Syria is one of the countries from which immigration has been halted.

So, Trump is not being particularly truthful in his attempts to stop people from criticizing him. What else is new?