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Not a Drill: Urban Decay is Officially Launching a Skincare Line

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While Urban Decay has always been our go-to for nailing the perfect neutral eye (Naked palettes anyone?), we're about to want to throw all our money at UD for a different reason.

The brand recently teased six new product additions to its lineup on its Instagram, and don't freak out, but it looks like Urban Decay is launching skincare.

“Get ready UDers – we’re taking makeup prep one step further,” the Instagram's caption says. “It all starts with Rehab Makeup Prep—an exciting new lineup of products that scrub, cleanse, revitalize and hydrate—and ends with Meltdown Makeup remover to easily remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup.”

According to this first look, the new line will be called Rehab Makeup Prep and features a Hot Springs Hydrating Oil, Lip Love Balm, Pore Refining Peel, Oxygenated Bubble Mask, Pretty Gritty Skin Polish and a Moisture Layer Eye Roller - basically they'll soon have all your pre-makeup steps covered.

And in case you're in need of something to take off your ~flawless~ smokey eye at the end of the day, the brand also revealed plans to roll out a line of not one, but THREE new "Meltdown Makeup Removers," which come in a dissolving spray, a lip oil stick and a cleansing oil stick. We now have absolutely no excuse to be lazy enough to head to bed with makeup on.

Take my money, take it all. *Throws entire wallet at Urban Decay*


27 Things Your Sober Self Would Say to Your Drunk Self

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Your drunk self is great, but sometimes needs to be put into check. Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a sober you around at all times to make sure you don't do anything stupid? Here's a few things your sober self would probably want to let your drunk self know:

1. “That is not dancing…please, stop.”

2. “SHHHH, JUST SHUT UP.”

3. “He’s not David Beckham, it’s just dark in here…chill.”

4. “STOP GIVING YOUR NUMBER OUT TO RANDOS!”

5. “People are trying to sleep you inconsiderate asshole.”

6. “Do you like jail? ‘Cause that’s where you’re headed.”

7. “Don’t get into a stranger’s car! Do you want to end up in a dumpster?”

8. “Why are you getting mad at your friend? She’s the only one looking out for you, stupid.”

9. “Why aren’t you embarrassed right now?”

10. “Go home to your bed…please.”

11. “No, he doesn’t want to your number. Please, walk away.”

12. “I hate you.”

13. “Your ex is crazy, HANG UP THE PHONE, WHY ARE YOU CALLING HIM?”

14. “Dude, he’s not hot.”

15. “Leave the nice Uber driver alone.”

16. “I’m not drunk enough to deal with you right now.”

17. “You’re–No, I’M–going to feel like shit in the morning.”

18. “Calm the fuck down.”

19. “Put your god-damned clothes back on.”

20. “You can’t afford all of these drinks, you can barely afford Starbucks.”

21. “Stay. Off. Snapchat.”

22. “STAY AWAY FROM YOUR PHONE. Wait…do you still have your phone?”

23. “That’s not cute.”

24. “No, she does not want a sip of your drink. She doesn’t know you.”

25. “Are you forgetting that you’re a lightweight???”

26. “Put that down”

27. “You will regret this, I promise.”

5 Things You Should Know About Studying Science at a Liberal Arts School

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It’s getting close to the end of senior year, and you’ve got a pile of acceptance letters spread out on the floor around you. The names of the schools range widely, from big universities in Texas to small liberal arts colleges in upstate New York. As a budding physician or scientist, you probably think your best choice is a huge research university – that’s where all the exciting science is going on, right? At the same time, you don’t want to spend most of your college years in huge auditoriums listening to a minimum-wage TA drone on about general chemistry.

Don’t lose heart, pre-collegiette – science and liberal arts colleges aren’t as mutually exclusive as you’d think. In fact, tons of liberal arts colleges have exciting opportunities for undergraduates to excel. We’ve talked to experts and college students on liberal arts campuses all around the country to give you the pros and cons of studying science at these schools. Decide for yourself if this is the college experience you want to have.

1. You’ll get a broad education

As a science major in a liberal arts college, you’ll most likely be required to take a wide range of classes. Every college requires general education courses, however this will be a large part of your curriculum in a liberal arts college. For example, at the University of Notre Dame, there are both university requirements and major requirements to graduate. Everyone at the college is required to complete the university courses along with their personal major requirements. So, as a science student at a liberal arts school, you’ll not only be taking your biology and chemistry classes, but perhaps a few writing and history classes, as well.

A broad-based education has both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you receive an appreciation for other fields of study and get a break from difficult science classes. It can be rewarding to delve into literature and forget about organic chemistry for a little, trust us. On the other hand, you might feel upset that you’re required to take courses that don’t relate to your career interests. Weigh the pros and cons against your own personal views and make a decision.

Dr. Sally Springer, the co-author of Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting Into College notes the benefits of a broad-based education. “A broad-based education is valuable for success in life,” she says. “You can get a broad-based education at a research university, of course, but it is mandatory at a liberal arts college. Students graduate with strong writing and critical thinking skills, as well as an appreciation for fields well outside their area of specialization.”

On the contrary, Rylie O’Meara, a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, describes a few drawbacks of university-wide requirements. “I think one of the main disadvantages of studying science at a liberal arts school is trying to fulfill all the university graduation requirements – especially at Notre Dame where we’re required to take classes like philosophy, theology, literature, and history,” she says. “It sometimes seems unfair that we get loaded up with so much science and math work, but are still expected to invest an equal amount of time in humanities classes that don’t apply as much to our majors.”

As an (almost) undergraduate, you only have a few more years to gain a general education. That can be quite rewarding, as the rest of your life you’ll most likely be specializing in your field of interest – just make sure you still have the time to focus on the classes for your major. Choose carefully and keep your future in mind!

2. The faculty will be focused on you

Liberal arts colleges are generally much smaller than research universities. For you, that translates into a smaller faculty-to-student ratio. Instead of sitting in auditorium-like lecture halls with a speck of a professor, you’ll most likely find yourself in classrooms that don’t exceed 30 people. Professors will know both you and your work by name. While that puts pressure on you to perform well, attending class becomes more than a simple letter grade. You’ll really connect with your professors and gain relationships that can aid you in graduate school and beyond. Recommendation letters don’t write themselves, do they?

Beyond that, the faculty are actually invested in your success at a liberal arts college. At research universities, oftentimes professors are myopically focused on their research and don’t feel the need to spend time engaging with undergrads. They already have their hands full with the graduate students in their lab. Your lectures may be taught by TAs more often than your professors themselves.

Dr. Springer agrees, noting that professors at liberal arts schools don’t have the same demanding research expectations as those in research universities. “Classes are generally smaller [in liberal arts colleges] than classes in research universities and faculty are hired because of their interest in teaching undergraduates,” she says. “Faculty at a liberal arts college are expected to be active in research, but not at the same level expected of faculty at research universities.”

Springer adds, “Personal attention and mentoring are the hallmarks of a liberal arts college. Students get to know their faculty well and are not competing with graduate students for a faculty member’s attention.”

If you get to know the faculty at your school well, you’ll gain important references for graduate school. While it’s possible at a research university, you’ll have more opportunities at a liberal arts college. If you want professors to really know you, then the close-knit environment of a liberal arts school might be perfect for you.

3. You’ll stand out among your peers

Would you rather be a little fish in a big pond, or a big fish in a little pond? It’s a cliché saying, but it’s got a lot of truth when comparing a small liberal arts college to a huge research university.

When you go to a large university where every other student is pre-med with near-perfect SAT scores, it can be extremely difficult to stand out when looking for internships. On the other hand, at a small liberal arts school, you’d be the one science major for every ten humanities students. That uniqueness can win you many opportunities on campus.

It’s a rat-race in big universities to find summer internships, scout out labs looking for interns, and even find work opportunities on campus. At a college where you’re in a small pool of science students, it’ll be less competitive to snag those opportunities.

Sydney Hotz, a sophomore majoring in pre-med and statistics at Barnard College, notes how the science community can be at a liberal arts college. “My freshman year, I took a research seminar with about 12 other students for two semesters and it provided me with a close-knit group of friends who I could discuss the latest scientific advances with,” she says. “I’m still very close with about half the class and we are always in the intro pre-med classes together, making a sea of over 100 people much less intimidating.”

By engaging in her school’s science community, Sydney was introduced to the research of professors on campus. “I researched in the chemistry department on an organism known to fix oil spills in bodies of water,” Sydney adds. “The lab was just a few people, and I had the chance to be independent, learn all I could, and put my lectures into real life. While not everyone at Barnard is studying science, the scientific community is extremely supportive.”

Sydney’s experience definitely displays how the science community in a small school can provide you with great opportunities and dedicated support.

Related: 6 Things No One Tells You About Going to a Small College

4. You might not have the course selection you’d like

Despite all the advantages of a small liberal arts college, don’t pack your bags and mail your acceptance letter just yet. There are definitely downsides – and for some students, deal-breakers.

Possibly the biggest disadvantage that can turn students off is, unsurprisingly, the lack of course selection. Small liberal arts college simply don’t have the resources or faculty to provide a wide range of courses. They can’t spread their faculty too thin either, as it would compromise their admirable faculty-to-student ratio as well. It’s a hard bargain, but it’s up to you to decide if the school is still worth it.

Dr. Springer agrees that the lack of course selection can be challenging at a liberal arts college. “The challenge for a student interested in a liberal arts college, as well as a major in science, is making sure that the colleges [he or she] will be applying to have the course offerings and research opportunities that he or she wants,” she says. “The downside [of liberal arts colleges] is that the scale of things is smaller – fewer faculty and fewer courses (or courses that may be offered less frequently). Some of the stronger liberal arts colleges have strong faculty and facilities across the board; others may have older facilities in some fields or fewer faculty. A good fit for a given student will depend on the particular school as well as the student’s interests.”

At big universities, the amount of courses offered can almost seem infinite. Unfortunately, small colleges don’t have that luxury. It’s a good idea to check the course list of the college you’re thinking of attending beforehand.

5. You’ll probably have to look elsewhere for research opportunities

Again, at a liberal arts college, professors don’t have high expectations to be active in research. Instead, they focus on teaching undergraduates. While that’s awesome in the classroom for you, it definitely makes it harder to find research opportunities. If research is a major requirement for you in your college search, a small liberal arts college might not deliver.

Dr. Springer gives a few recommendations in case your school doesn’t have any readily available opportunities. “Research experiences are available at liberal arts colleges, but their scope will vary widely from field to field and from school to school,” she says. “Most schools consider research an important part of the educational experience. If a student finds herself at a school without the opportunities she wants, she will have to seek them elsewhere – through summer programs or other opportunities during the school year that may be available at nearby institutions (a nearby hospital, for example).”

Take Dr. Springer’s advice and don’t just look up the science department at your college ––broaden your search and look for opportunities all around the city where your college is located. Is there a hospital nearby? How about a research university? There are always ways to maneuver around disadvantages the school you’re interested in might present.

If you made it to the end of this article and you’re still decided on majoring in science at a liberal arts college, good for you! If you’re rethinking your decision, that’s totally okay as well. In the end, your college experience is yours and yours alone – follow your gut and choose what you think is best for you. Wherever you go to college, you can always find enriching experiences that will jump-start your career – you just have to actively search for them. Good luck, pre-collegiettes!

Trump Claims That The DNC Election Was ‘Rigged’

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The race for Democratic National Committee chairman was excruciatingly contentious, just like “Bernie versus Hillary” was in the 2016 race to become the Democratic presidential nominee. The DNC voting members were split right up until the final ballot. Tom Perez came out ahead with 235 votes, as opposed to Rep. Keith Ellison’s 200 votes.

President Trump then claimed that Sunday’s race had been “rigged.”

Rep. Ellison of Minnesota was, in fact, “Bernie’s Guy.” While so-called establishment Democrats like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton supported Perez, Sanders and other further-left Democrats, including New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, spent the past several months pushing for Ellison’s election.

The split in support turned a usually calm DNC election process into a proxy war between the established Democrats and the party’s more progressive wing—a kind of continuation of the Bernie and Hillary fight.

Divided support within the DNC does not mean that Trump was right about rigging, though. “No, he doesn’t have a point,” Sanders said when asked about Trump’s comments by CNN’s Jake Tapper.

Perez, the DNC’s first Latino leader, also answered Trump’s comments by warning him that an Ellison-Perez duo would be the president’s “worst nightmare.” In a conciliatory move, Perez appointed Ellison as the deputy chair of the DNC just moments after winning the race.

This isn’t the first time Trump has gotten himself involved in rigging. He claimed that illegal voting cost him the popular vote in the presidential general election. Trump is also still tied up in the Russian hacking scandal, in which U.S. intelligence agencies found credible evidence that Russian hackers had worked to rig the election in Trump’s favor.

“Frankly," Tom Perez said in an interview with CNN. "What we need to be looking at is whether this election was rigged by Donald Trump and his buddy Vladimir Putin."  

Betsy DeVos Tried to Say HBCUs Are 'Pioneers of School Choice'& People Were Not Happy About It

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Yet again, a member of the Trump administration has found themselves in hot water. This time, it’s Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who is under fire for touting historically black colleges and universities as “real pioneers when it comes to school choice,” The Washington Post reports.

DeVos’s statement comes as the Trump administration is looking to mend fences with HBCUs. President Trump even signed an executive order yesterday about HBCUs, but BuzzFeed News reports that the order changes little from the Obama administration, and doesn't increase funding to the schools. Of course, no one is buying this outreach as anything other than political, but DeVos's latest misstep is likely to only make tensions worse.

HBCUs have existed since before the Civil War, and in the past were often the only option for black students who wanted an education. For decades, they have been plagued by underfunding and poor equipment. Even today, many HBCUs feel the repercussions of the legacy of Jim Crow. But if you ask DeVos about it, the founders of these schools “saw that the system wasn’t working, that there was an absence of opportunity, so they took it upon themselves to provide the solution.” She also called HBCUs “living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and greater quality.” It didn’t go over well.

Overall, DeVos’s remarks are only part of the tone-deaf push to gain favor with HBCUs. On Friday, a number of leaders from HBCUs were invited to the White House to speak to the DeVos and a handful of officials from federal agencies. According to Walter M. Kimbrough, the president of Dillard University and one of those invited to speak, the night was derailed somewhat when attendees were invited into the Oval Office for a photo opportunity with Trump and told to keep their remarks under two minutes. As Kimbrough wrote on Medium, “needless to say that threw the day off and there was very little listening to HBCU presidents.”

There’s definitely been a trend during Trump’s presidency of not listening. Apparently Betsy DeVos has the same problem. She ended up tweeting something sort of like an apology after the backlash, but it wasn't a very strong one.

It would be great if the Trump administration really would do something to help HBCUs get the resources they need, but so far it seems like the president is more interested in paying lip service than actually making lasting change.

Brie Larson Had to Present Casey Affleck with Two Awards This Year, & She Wasn't Happy About It Either Time

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Last year the Academy Awards recognized Brie Larson for her portrayal of a sexual assault victim in Room. This year, as the most recent Best Actress winner, it was Larson’s turn to present the Oscar for Best Actor. The prestigious award went to Casey Affleck, who notably faced two sexual assault lawsuits in 2010.

While working on Affleck’s mockumentary I’m Still Here, producer Amanda White and director of photography Magdalena Gorka both claimed to have endured sexual harassment and abuse from Affleck and other crew members.

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As Larson opened the envelope that held Affleck’s name, she was clearly reserved. Viewers noted Larson’s unenthused expression and lack of applause, maintaining a stoic, professional stance.

Larson is known for her advocacy on behalf of sexual assault victims. She hugged every single sexual assault victim on stage last year after Lady Gaga’s Oscars performance. A year later, she's had to present two awards to Affleck for his performance in Manchester by the Sea, first at the Golden Globes and again at the Oscars on Sunday. At the Golden Globes, she adopted a similar dispassionate expression and did not embrace Affleck, while at the Oscars she gave him a polite hug before backing away.

When Affleck took the stage to give his acceptance speech, she quickly stepped back, in essence removing herself from the situation. She did not applaud him or show any sign of approval, and while she was not necessarily cold towards Affleck, she did not display the enthusiasm of most presenters. Affleck and Larson exited the stage with a noticeable distance between them.

Larson has yet to comment on the moment but instead has been expressing her pride in her friend Emma Stone, who took home the Oscar for Best Actress.

 

You know what's better than winning? Watching your friends win. @theacademy

A post shared by Brie (@brielarson) on

However, it is interesting and rather disturbing that the Academy, which has its own strict policies against sexual harassment, would place Larson and Affleck on the same stage. Many have interpreted Larson’s silent and polite reservedness as an act of solidarity on behalf of sexual assault victims. 

We may not ever have clarity on whether Larson was taking a stance, but her actions kind of said it all.

Gigi Hadid Is on the First-Ever Cover of 'Vogue' Arabia

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Gigi Hadid is many things: international supermodel, Victoria's Secret Angel, my pretend BFF. Another fun fact about Gigi, and this is like totally whatevs: her face is on the cover of 17 issues of international Vogue. 17. I'm pretty sure my mom doesn't even have 17 photos of me in our entire house, but I'm not salty or anything. Anyway, Gigi's 17th cover is particularly special because it is the first-ever paper issue of Vogue Arabia, which launched online in 2016.

“The collage of countries across the Arab world are long-deserving of a place in fashion history,” said editor-in-chief Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. “And there’s no better first ‘face’ to lead the charge for Vogue Arabia than Gigi, a model who defines tomorrow’s entrepreneurial and dynamic generation.”

For Gigi, who is half-Palestinian, this cover is a very big deal. In an inspiring Instagram post, the 21-year-old model expressed her hopes that the fashion industry will continue to become more inclusive.

Although Gigi has recently come under fire for racial insensitivity, reactions to this cover shoot have been widely positive so far, with dissenters trickling in slowly. Here is a sample of the Twitter conversation happening right now:

Do you think Gigi was the right choice for this historic cover?

11 Things That Are Better Than a Spring Break Bod

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We're all about being healthy here at Her Campus, but whoever said nothing tastes as good as skinny feels has never had Nutella. Or cookies. Or pizza. Or fun. Here are 11 things that are WAY better than scoring a spring break bod, if you ask us:

1. Not having to go through the torture of wearing a sports bra. 

Or any bra, for that matter. You don’t need one when you’re sitting in bed. 

2. Watching six consecutive hours of Netflix. 

With no one to judge you. 

3. Eating Nutella by the spoonful. 

It’s the only way to eat it, really. 

4. A wine night with all of your best girls.

Without having to worry about the hangover ruining your workout. 

5. Ordering a whole pizza and telling yourself that you only did it to have lunch for the week. 

But you’re going to eat that whole thing in one night, naturally.

6. Not having to put on pants for an entire day. 

It's a no-pants party and you're the only one invited. 

7. Coming home after a long day in class and enjoying a margarita... or five. 

Everyone has her guilty pleasure. Yours is named Jose Cuervo. 

8. Calling your long-distance BFF and talking to her for three hours.

It's your time to catch up, and you refuse to waste it at the gym. 

9. Not running, that's for sure. 

Laying down is so much better than being out of breath. 

10. Staying up all night because you don't have to go to yoga at 5:30 the next morning. 

11. Not having piles of laundry to do because of sweaty gym clothes. 

Save your quarters for something else, amirite? 

If you're working on your spring break bod, remember it's all right to indulge in the little things once in a while—a spoonful of Nutella won't kill you! 


Emma Watson Posed Braless for 'Vanity Fair'& Of Course People Are Overreacting

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Your fave Emma Watson (not to be confused with the character in The Andy Griffith Show or the character in Jane Austen's unfinished novel The Watsons—glad we cleared that up) is Vanity Fair's April cover star. In and of itself, this is nothing surprising: Emma has appeared in VF in the past and, as the leading lady of the Beauty & the Beast live-action feature, she is as relevant now as she has been since her Harry Potter days and feminist awakening. In the shoot, Emma poses braless in a ~fashion-forward~ knit cardigan thingy (that's a technical term) and shows off some serious underboob.

Now my first reaction is pretty much no reaction. I mean like, great, here are some boobs! Carry on now. But I am not the internet, and the internet is a terrible shithole of people who think they can tell women how to dress and how to act. Oh also, people are saying that this photo somehow makes Emma a bad feminist? Which, like, LOL.

Instagram comments were particularly vile, with one person saying "What a hypocrite goes on about girls having self respect and then gets her tits out!" and another penning the eloquent "#Gratuitous #BoobPics do nothing to #ValidateYou." Okay, social media, I #HateYou.

Thankfully, most people are super down with this gorgeous shoot and feature, in which Emma discusses coming of age, her career and not giving a crap whether she ever wins an Oscar. But to circle back to the whole "minimal clothing" issue, this will really make you think:

How dare you remind us you have a body, Emma? Hashtag outrageous.

Trump Made His First Speech to Congress & A Lot of People Were Impressed

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President Donald Trump made his first address to members of Congress Tuesday night, giving a speech that The New York Timesreferred to as “soothing comfort food…to a jittery Congress and skeptical public.” Some said this speech was the first time Trump has appeared "presidential" since his inauguration.

Trump’s first two months in the oval office have been anything but presidential. For starters, he has the lowest approval ratings of any sitting president. He's made several direct attacks on the media and has refused to investigate ties with Russian intelligence officials too closely. Not to mention his Twitter tirades, which have become Saturday Night Live’s one-way ticket to sweeping the Emmy Awards this year.

Tuesday night, however, Trump emerged poised. He talked more about unification than "American carnage," saying, "I am asking all citizens to embrace this renewal of the American spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold, and daring things for our country."

From his first remarks, his change in demeanor, vocabulary and tone were already evident. He condemned the recent threats made towards Jewish Community Centers across the nation, vandalism at Jewish cemeteries and the recent shooting of two Indian men in Kansas. He honored the widow of Ryan Owens, who was killed during the first military raid of Trump's presidency.

What he didn't do was talk much about the specifics of his policies. But who has time for that when you're so busy appearing presidential?

Republican Congress members were quick to praise the new and approved Donald Trump. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, told CNN, “Donald Trump did indeed become presidential tonight, and I think we'll see that reflected in a higher approval rating. While, moderate house Republican Charlie Dent said, “The Donald Trump I heard tonight was a lot more focused and disciplined and subdued, and it was a lot more uneventful in a good way. There were not a lot of distractions tonight, this speech was much better than the inaugural speech."

However, CNN reports that former Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear claimed in the Democratic response to the speech that Trump abandoned his voters, the working class, by choosing a cabinet made of millionaires and billionaires. He said, "That's not being our champion. That's being Wall Street's champion. Real leaders don't spread derision and division. Real leaders strengthen, they unify, they partner, and they offer real solutions instead of ultimatums and blame.”

While Trump has a long road ahead of him as Commander in Chief, his message Tuesday night resonated with many. But his skeptics still worry about his policies and lack of credentials. For now we can remain hopeful that this more respectable President Trump will not only speak for all people, but actually practice what he preaches.

Transgender Sister of Jackie Evancho, Who Sang at Trump's Inauguration, Just Won a Victory in Court

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The outlook may be grim for transgender rights at the national level, but three transgender students at a Pennsylvania high school are relieved to hear that, for now, they can use the bathroom of their choice. On Monday, a federal judge ruled that the students have the right to use the school bathrooms of their choice, as they continue to fight their school district’s policy on the matter in federal court,NBC News reports. And there's an interesting connection to national politics in this case—Juliet Evancho, one of the transgender plaintiffs, is the sister of Jackie Evancho, who sang at President Donald Trump's inauguration in January.

The judge also shared that the three students are likely to win their case challenging the school district on equal protection grounds—as Pine-Richland School District has not proven that their bathroom policy advances an important government interest or that students’ personal privacy is being threatened, NBC News reports.

Officials say that the school policy is in place because parents complained of their children feeling uncomfortable using school restrooms with others who have different genitalia than themselves. This led to the school deciding students should use restrooms based on their biological sex or one of the 10 unisex bathrooms within the school until a more permanent policy was created, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. While restrooms for both genders include locking individual stalls, and the men’s restrooms have urinals with privacy screens, people are still afraid that some students might exploit the policy, pretending to be transgender in order to spy on the opposite gender. As Vox explains, however, this is a myth: There is "no evidence that nondiscrimination laws—and other policies that also let trans people use the bathroom for their gender identity—lead to sexual assault in bathrooms and locker rooms."

According to U.S. district Judge Mark Hornak, other than a report from one student in October 2015 claiming “there was a boy” in the girl’s bathroom and a parent commenting about something similar in 2016, it seems there really have not been any problems in the school surrounding the issue. He also noted that there is no proof that the three transgender students have violated anyone’s “physical or visual privacy” while using the restrooms.

The students, all seniors, chose to come together in October to challenge the school’s bathroom policy. Elissa Ridenour, 18, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the three will soon start using the bathrooms of their choice at school. While she is glad for this win, she added, “We still have a fight left to go, but we're not going to give up."

This case has become even more important now that the Trump administration has ended federal protection for transgender students, which previously allowed them to use public bathrooms of their choice. Now, the government is leaving it up to individual states and school districts to decide how transgender students should be treated.

'Beauty and the Beast' Will Feature Disney's First 'Exclusively Gay Moment'

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Just when we thought we couldn't get any more excited for Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, director Bill Condon gave us another reason to rush to the theater on March 17. In an interview with Attitude, Condon reveals that an "exclusively gay moment" will happen in the film, and we're intrigued, to say the least!

In the movie, Gaston's manservant LeFou, played by Josh Gad, has conflicting feelings about the oh-so-dreamy Gaston. "LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston," says Condon of the complicated relationship.

"He’s confused about what he wants," Condon explains. "It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has these feelings. And Josh makes something really subtle and delicious out of it. And that’s what has its payoff at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie." I can already hear the fanfic being written! 

This is a huge moment for Disney and the LGBTQ community, and Attitude's editor-in-chief Matt Cain sums it up perfectly. "It may have been a long time coming but this is a watershed moment for Disney. By representing same-sex attraction in this short but explicitly gay scene, the studio is sending out a message that this is normal and natural—and this is a message that will be heard in every country of the world, even countries where it's still socially unacceptable or even illegal to be gay. It's only a first step towards creating a cinematic world that reflects the world in which many of us are now proud to live."

We couldn't agree more! 

A Publisher Just Paid More Than $60 Million For Barack & Michelle Obamas' Books

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The Obamas are back on American soil after a well-deserved vacation, and they’re already hard at work on their next steps.

It was announced Tuesday evening that Penguin Random House will publish coming books from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady, Michelle Obama. According to The New York Times, multiple publishers bid, and USA Today reports that the offers went above $60 million.

We don't know yet if the books will be memoirs or another genre, but there's no question that they'll be bestsellers.

Penguin Random House CEO, Markus Dohle released a statement reading, “We are absolutely thrilled to continue our publishing partnership with President and Mrs. Obama. With their words and their leadership, they changed the world, and every day, with the books we publish at Penguin Random House, we strive to do the same. Now, we are very much looking forward to working together with President and Mrs. Obama to make each of their books global publishing events of unprecedented scope and significance."

8 Chocolate-Scented Beauty Products for the Chocoholic in You

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These eight beauty products prove that chocolate isn’t just for eating anymore. Below are some of the best cocoa-infused products that are currently on the market, which look and smell good enough to eat… but yeah, don't do that.

1. Cupcake Fresh Face Mask ($9.95 at Lush

This mask is perfect for those with troubled or oily skin. The cocoa helps to reduce redness and provides a deep cleanse.

2. Chocolate Whip Oil-Free Body Moisturiser ($4.99 at Cocoa Brown)

We absolutely love Cocoa Brown products!

3. Choc Pot Nail Polish Remover ($8 at ciaté)

Hate the smell of regular nail polish remover? Do you wish that it would smell like literally anything else? Well you’re in luck with this amazing product that smells like dessert.

4. Chocolate Bar Eye Shadow Collection ($49 at Too Faced

Would any list of chocolate - infused beauty products ever be complete without this cult favourite? This palette Would any list of chocolate - infused beauty products ever be complete without this cult favourite? This palette truly is my go-to; it can create anything from a basic neutral look to a bright, complex one.   

5. Fresh Cocoa Body Exfoliant ($45 at Sephora)

Who needs perfume when your whole body smells like chocolate?

6. Dirty Massage Bar ($11.95 at Lush)

To be honest, this seems like a better gift than real chocolate. Snaps for this product, that will leave your skin silky smooth AND is animal cruelty-free and vegan.

7. Cocoa Contour ($42 at Too Faced

This contour kit provides you with everything you need to create the perfect sculpted look. You’ll smell this amazing product as you apply it, so if you’re anything like me, and it takes you a while to blend in your contour, this will make the process a bit more enjoyable.

8. Chocolate Sugar Body Scrub ($25 at Erin’s Face

 

This delicious product is designed to exfoliate and soften your skin, leaving it “crazy hydrated.” Fans of the product are not only in love with its amazing results, but claim that it smells exactly like the most drool-worthy chocolate you can imagine. Ugh, now I'm hungry.

Brad Pitt Has Reportedly Been Texting Jennifer Aniston About His Divorce

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Amid his divorce drama and joint custody battle with Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt has reportedly been texting ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, a source close to Jen revealed to Us Weekly.

He apparently went to great lengths in order to reach out to Aniston, as the source says he tracked down her number through a "tangled web" of contacts. Pitt wanted to wish the star a happy birthday (she turned 48 on Feb. 11), which then led to a conversation. "Brad told her he's having a hard time with his split," the source says. "And they exchanged a few texts reminiscing about the past."

For those of you worried about Jen's marriage to Justin Theroux, fret not. Aniston, who has been married to Theroux since 2015, just spent six nights with her hubby in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to celebrate her birthday and Valentine's Day. 

Surprisingly enough, Theroux has no problem with the exes exchanging texts. "Justin is okay with them being friends," the source explains, adding that he knows that "Jen just wants to be nice." 

While it's great that Justin is comfortable with one old friend confiding in another, we hope Brad stays focused on dealing with his divorce and custody issues with Angelina.


The 5 Stages of Becoming Friends With Your Ex, As Told By 'The Mindy Project'

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Last season on The Mindy Project, Mindy and new doctor Jody found themselves in a classic case of opposites attract. Jody is conservative, old-fashioned and used to more traditional ladies than Mindy. However, Mindy's high energy and knowledge of pop culture won him over, and they shared a passionate kiss. Unfortunately, after Mindy's one-night affair with Danny, she broke things off with Jody, which made their work situation a little uncomfortable. Especially considering Jody had joined Mindy's company Later Baby as a co-partner. Awwwwwkward. 

After a lot of avoiding each other, the show has finally addressed the tension between Jody and Mindy—this week, they reconnected as friends. It may have been awkward at first. (After all, Jody bought Mindy an apartment! Hard to go back from there.) But eventually Jody turned out to be an even better friend than expected. After lecturing Ben on treating Mindy better, he showed up to a sad Mindy's apartment with a friendly offering: a bag of McDonald's. Best. Friend. Ever. 

In honor of Jody and Mindy finally recovering from their breakup and reconnecting as friends, here are the five awkward stages everyone goes through when becoming friends with their ex.

1. Avoiding each other at all costs

Awkwardly avoid running into each other at all costs. This is especially hard if you have multiple mutual friends or work together, like Mindy and Jody. Just avert your eyes and back away…slowly. 

2. Reconnecting when the time is right

Whether you shoot them a text, tag them in a funny video on Facebook or get stuck on a road trip to Maine with them, reaching out is the first step to reconnecting. Sometimes it takes months to feel like you're in the right space to talk again, but as long as you put in the effort to reconnect, it won't matter how much time has passed.

3. Don't let old feelings come back

It can be easy to fall back into old habits, but it's important to remember that you broke up for a reason. Becoming friends only works if it stays platonic! 

4. Support each other

Whether it's engaging in each other's hobbies or offering up special gifts, supporting each other is a true sign of friendship. Even Jody supported Mindy's relationship with Ben by offering up his weird but helpful advice about Ben's ex-wife.

5. Finally become friends

Becoming friends with your ex can be awkward and tricky, but once you get over your past, you can learn to support and love the person without all of the romantic feelings. Mindy and Jody may have had a disastrous breakup, but they managed to overlook it in order to work together and grow their frienship. Plus, Jody knows the key to Mindy's heart…

7 Signs You’re Slacking Off at Your Internship

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Congrats! You’ve gotten through the hard part: actually finding an internship. But the work doesn’t stop once you’ve gotten the job. And yes, it is a job, even if you’re only getting paid in credits or experience. There’s nothing more frustrating to an internship supervisor (or your fellow interns) than seeing someone who isn’t quite pulling her weight. Here are a few signs that that slacking intern might be you.

1. Showing up late

It’s one thing if there’s traffic or your train is late once or twice, but entirely another if you’re consistently showing up to work late. Even if all you’re earning for this internship is credit – or experience – it’s still a job and the impression you’re making matters. The same thing goes for taking those extra-long lunch breaks or failing to dress for the job.

The thing is, you’re trying to show that you’re a reliable employee. Carol Spector, Director of Career Services at Emerson College, stresses, “An internship, whether paid or not, is still an opportunity to gain skills and experience and a person should take it seriously.” On top of that, “An internship is not a very long time period,” she says. You only have a few months to make a good impression. And yes, that includes showing up on time, or even just a little bit early. That might mean skipping your morning Starbucks run or setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier, but your supervisor will love to see you at your desk and ready to work before anyone else gets into the office.

2. Chatting with the other interns more than you’re doing your work

It’s great that you’re getting along with your coworkers! After all, work can be a social place. But if you’re spending all of your time chatting with the other interns and letting work fall by the wayside, it can send the message to your employer that your priorities aren’t right. And sure, we’ve all been at a job where being able to talk and gossip is the only thing that gets you through the day. Even if you’re not loving your internship, the benefits of throwing yourself into it whole-heartedly far outweigh the costs.

Spector encourages interns to “take a look at what is going on and realistically think about how they are being perceived. They may need to take themselves out of the situation and see it from the supervisor’s view.” Talking may make the day go faster, but what does it say to your boss? Do your best to cut back on the chit-chat. And if the other interns won’t quit, see if there’s another place you can get your work done, or maybe put in some headphones, if that seems appropriate for the workspace. You don’t have to become completely anti-social, but your supervisors will definitely notice if you’re paying less attention to the chatter and more to the work at hand.

Related: 8 Things You Should Never Do at Work

3. Using social media on the job

It can be tempting to just check Facebook or Instagram between projects or as a reward for getting work done. Just because you’re at work doesn’t mean the world stops moving and it can feel like it’s important to keep up. But, according to Mara Hyman, internship supervisor and marketing professional, seeing an intern on his or her personal social media during work hours is a major red flag. “Even if you're churning out quality work, if someone passes by your desk and sees you on Facebook, it can definitely give off the impression that you're slacking,” Hyman says.

The fix for this one is easy. Just keep your phone in your purse or in a drawer and consider downloading an app like SelfControl for your laptop if you need a little extra help staying away from distractions.

4. Doing your homework on company time

If your internship falls during the school year, it can be tempting to use some of your downtime to get a little homework done. After all, just because you’re working doesn’t mean your professors stop giving you assignments. But just like spending time on social media, homework takes your attention away from your internship, which, during office hours, should be your primary focus. And if you have time to be doing homework, then you’re probably not making the most of that experience.

Still, balancing school and work can be a battle, especially during finals and midterms. If you’re having trouble keeping up with homework, look into whether your school offers resources on time management. Consider using a planner to block out your time more specifically (instead of just hoping you’ll get it all done “sometime over the weekend”). And if you’ve really over-committed yourself, it might be time to cut back on those internship hours.

5. Not getting to know your superiors

Networking is a huge part of why internships are useful. Your supervisors want to help you learn about the company or the field! But if you’re keeping to yourself (or strictly socializing with the other interns), it sends the message that you just aren’t that interested in learning. Is that slacking? Well, it definitely isn’t taking advantage of all the opportunities you have and it shows your superiors that you’re probably just there to gain a line on your resume.

If you’ve been slacking off up until now, it might be awkward to suddenly approach your boss. Spector says, “It is not impossible to win back your supervisor’s regard, but you need to do it quickly. You should have a conversation with your boss and be honest and accept responsibility for your lack of performance.” It all comes down to showing that you’re willing to turn things around. Now, this can be a hard one if you’re shy, but striking up a conversation with your superiors goes a long way to helping out future you. One day you might need a recommendation letter or even a job! Take the steps to lay that foundation now and show that you’re going to work harder. Who knows? Your boss might even have some great advice for you.

6. Sloppy work

According to Spector, not paying attention to detail is another huge red flag. A few small errors in an email or report might seem like tiny mistakes to you, but to an internship supervisor, those spelling and grammatical issues demonstrate that you aren’t bothering to put in the time or effort to proofread, so you probably don’t really care. That might not actually be the case, but this is another area where it’s easy to make a bad impression, even if the work you’re turning out is otherwise great.

This is another easy fix. Take the extra few minutes to proofread and make sure that you’ve gotten everything right. You wouldn’t send in a sloppy cover letter or a resume riddled with mistakes! That shouldn’t stop once you’ve gotten the job.

Related: 10 Totally Unprofessional Things You Should Stop Doing Now

7. Never asking “what’s next?”

In the end, internships are about learning as many things as you can. Supervisors want to see that you’re engaged and interested in what you’re doing. And that can start with asking for a new task once you’ve finished something or even proposing a new project. If you’re constantly waiting to be told what to do, or dragging your feet between assignments, people are going to notice that you aren’t excited about the position. “Seek out what you can learn from each opportunity and do not miss that experience," says Spector. "You usually learn from each experience even if it is not what you set out to learn.”

Now’s the time to prove that you’re invested in the company or business that you’re working for. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, show that you’re curious, or throw yourself into each new assignment with enthusiasm. As Spector puts it, “Keep your goals in tact and strive ahead!”

7 Brands That Actually Make Translucent Powders for Darker Skin Tones

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Translucent powders are a gift sent from heaven to all makeup addicts. These magic pots lock in your foundation and concealer, and keep your skin from looking super oily. But there's a problem: translucent powders can make your skin look extra white. As a girl with a dark skin tone, when it comes to translucent powders, the struggle can be very, very real. A powder that is supposed to be invisible and loose on your skin ends up making you look either ashy or cakey. Nobody wants that! Thankfully, there are makeup brands that are finally making powders for darker skin tones—here are a few of the best!

1. Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium Deep ($38)

Finally!

2. Lancôme Silky Soft Ultra-Smoothing Loose Powder Foundation ($37)

This looks golden!

3. Ben NYE Ebony Classic Translucent Face Powder ($11)

Save this for your best Instagram pictures!

4. Iman Luxury Translucent Powder in Earth Deep ($20)

This actually looks luxurious.

5. E.l.f. Beautifully Bare Finishing Powder ($6)

Do not underestimate the power of e.l.f. 

6. Estée Lauder Perfecting Loose Powder ($42)

Pretty!

7. Kat Von D Lock-It Brightening Powder ($25)

I'm a lock-it believer.

To all dark skin tone makeup junkies, you now have multiple options!

Orlando Bloom & Katy Perry Are Officially Over

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First it was Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama, then it was Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie and now…Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. And we thought 2017 was going to be better for love. But nope, we were all wrong. 

According to Bustle, the couple, who have been together a little over a year, are taking a break from their relationship. But don't freak out yet—it might just be a ~break~ and nothing more. A rep for the couple told Us Weekly, "Before rumors or falsifications get out of hand we can confirm that Orlando and Katy are taking respectful, loving space at this time." Okay, space. That's not a big deal, right? 

I mean, it was only Sunday that they were taking adorable pictures at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party together. What could have changed? 

Ugh, my heart cannot take any more of this. 

The Internet is Freaking Out Over These Pics of Young Justin Trudeau

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Remember that time photos of young Joe Biden went around and the internet freaked? No? Shall I remind you? 

First, you are welcome. Now, let me introduce you to the next best thing: young Justin Trudeau. 

Just this past week photos of the Canadian Prime Minster in his prime (lol, get it?) started making the rounds on the internet, and tbh, I am all for it. I mean, just look at him. 

Literally, there is nothing more to say other than he is SO FREAKING HOT. I can't even. 

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