Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

The Live-Action Remake of 'Mulan' Won't Be A Musical, & The Internet Is NOT Having It

$
0
0

Two years ago, Disney announced that Mulan would be the next Disney princess getting her own live-action remake. Now details of the film are finally starting to come out, and people are NOT happy. 

This new Mulan won't be a musical. Let me repeat: The wonderful animated film that spurred hits "Reflection" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" will no longer feature said songs. Literally why? What is the point of remaking the beloved, empowering musical sans music?

“From what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children,” director Niki Caro told Moviefone. Um, so if even the director recognizes this is a huge problem, I would think that she'd have some power over that. Caro just joined the team in February, so let's hope she gives Mulan life again by adding the classic numbers back in.

As expected, the internet is absolutely not having any of this. People in the Twitterverse are even canceling the film. 

Fans also want to make sure references to the LGBTQ+ community make it into the film. Not only does Mulan's own physical transformation relate to the transgender community, but Captain Shang's love for Mulan can imply he is bisexual since he had feelings for Mulan when she was dressed as both a man and a woman. BUT Shang might be replaced with a new character in the film.

So what good can be said about the Mulan remake? Well, it has a female director, which is very rare. And casting for the film is happening in China, so hopefully the movie will avoid whitewashing its Chinese characters. And according to Caro, we can get hyped for an "incredible, muscular piece of girly martial arts extravaganza in China," though I'm not exactly sure what "girly" martial arts is. Cool.

We're watching you, Mulan, and our expectations are high. 


5 Things You Should Look for On Admitted Students Day

$
0
0

Entering college for the first time can be stressful, scary and most of all, hard. With the flurry of transitioning between the halls of high school to the green campuses of college, it can be difficult to decipher if the school of your dreams is really the fantasy you originally thought. So, incoming freshman, get your checklist ready! With the help of some professionals, we figured out the five things every student should watch out for on Admitted Students Day.

1. Equal treatment of all students

It may be 2016, but (unfortunately) that doesn’t mean that inequality has vanished completely, especially on large college campuses!

“A huge red flag to look out for if you, or someone that you know or see is in the minority/diverse group in any way, is to make sure that your or their needs are being addressed and respected just as much as everyone else,” says Lori Maas, a guidance counselor at Eastwood  High School in Ohio. Do everyone’s questions get answered? Is there any discrimination among the students or staff members? Making sure that everyone is treated with equal respect is huge.

Kortni Montag, a freshman at the University of Toledo, says that equal treatment goes a long way when attending an Admitted Students Day for the first time. “I think that equal treatment to all students makes individuals feel as if their education and experience matters just as much as the next person’s,” says Kortni. “That makes for a better environment in classrooms and [on] campuses in general.” Equality creates a healthy learning environment from the first day!

Inequality can be experienced for many different reasons. If you see disrespect or a certain privilege that is being given to students because of gender, race, wealth or anything in between, it can be a telltale sign that a university or college may be biased towards its students. When everyone is on the same playing field, it can become much easier to focus on education and feel more at home on campus!

2. The vibe of the student body 

We get it, soon-to-be collegiettes. Coming to college for the first time can be an extremely daunting experience in itself, which is why having friendly people along the way is super important.

Although you shouldn’t base your college decision on first impressions, it is useful to sense a clear vibe when determining if the people you will be going to school with have the best intentions. Admitted Students Day will allow you to meet some of your peers!

Mimi Doe, co-founder and president of Top Tier Admissions and co-author of the book Don’t worry you’ll get in! says that it is important to make positive connections with other students on Admitted Students Day. “Especially for young women, it is really critical when selecting a college [to have] a heightened awareness of what kind of support is in their peer and supervisor groups,” she says. While it’s not a huge deal-breaker, trying to feel a connection between you and your peers early on can mean more than you might think!

Maas agrees with Doe. “It can help you make trusted friends of the same gender, as well as see who is not trustworthy," she says. "You want to make sure that the student body is open and kind. It limits bias and makes everyone feel more comfortable.”

Admitted Students Day is a great chance to see if you could fit in with the students around you. So, take advantage of getting to know other students as much as you can!

Related: This is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Prepare for College

3. If the college gives back to new students

Whether a college gives back to its new students on Admitted Students Day or not does wonders to show how excited the college is about potential students.

Do they offer free food? Are they putting on awesome events? Do they give away coupons and merchandise? Whatever it is, a college that makes its environment fun and enjoyable to new students on Admitted Students Day is a college that cares about the future of its newcomers. “One sure way to show students that the college is also interested in their attendance is to offer free things that will show they care about garnering the interest of new students,” Maas says. Make sure on Admitted Students Day that your college will go the extra mile to provide gratitude and excitement to its new students for attending.

4. The resources available

When it comes to its students' successes, a college needs to contain a number of resources that are readily available to its students during their college career. On Admitted Students Day, incoming students should be made aware of these resources and how to access them.

Doe says you need your mind, body and spirit to be satisfied by the resources that should be provided by your college campus. “Mind: are their intellectual needs offered through tutoring? Body: is the health center opened to a young woman’s needs and OBGYN checkups? Are there co-ed locker rooms and are the gyms safe? Spirit: is there a place where a young woman could feel comfortable with like-minded people, and groups she can be a part of?” she asks. Making sure that all three aspects are nurtured on Admitted Students Day will prove to be a huge plus––especially when you are deciding if you will be comfortable and safe at a potential new school!

Additionally, make sure that all your safety needs are met! “Whether it's flashing blue lights and/or a campus security you can call, the university you are attending should always have safety resources easy to access in case of an emergency,” Maas says. It is super important to look for these resources on Admitted Students Day to make sure the college of your choice can provide for your most important needs.

5. Your gut feeling 

Regardless of how many things have caught your attention on Admitted Student Day, nothing is more important than your natural instinct during the experience!

The reality is, if something just doesn’t feel right to you, it probably isn’t! Trusting yourself, your surroundings and your feelings when choosing the right college is valuable, and always something to be aware of when attending Admitted Students Day. “We, as women, need to honor our inner choice––it's our North Star,” Doe says. “Once you are sure that your mind, body and spirit are going to be attended to, don’t let anything hold you back and pay attention to your gut feeling. Your true north star will always guide you.”

Relying on your intuition on Admitted Student Day––above all else––can tell you if you are really where you are meant to be.

Related: 6 People Who Shouldn't Have a Say in Your College Decision

Let out that breath—we’ve broken down the five major things that you should keep your eyes peeled for on Admitted Students Day. From treating all students equally to having a friendly student body, giving back to new students, having trusted resources and relying on your natural instinct, you can feel confident that the college you chose will help you rise to the top. 

9 Times Aria's Outfit on 'Pretty Little Liars' Was So Bad You Couldn't Look Away

$
0
0

Being a die-hard Pretty Little Liars fan means trying to figure out who A (or bootleg A) is, shipping couples... and questioning the characters' outfits. Whether you’re a PLL fan or have just watched a few episodes, there has been at least one time when Aria’s outfit made you cringe a little. I mean, seriously, where does she get some of the skirts she wears? And her mix-and-match game is mind-boggling. Where do they even sell clothes like these? SO MANY QUESTIONS. Check some of Aria’s weirdest outfits:

1. Necktie Skirt

This skirt got really popular after the episode aired.

2. Comic Book Skirt Suit

This one makes me respect the hell out of her. Hats off, Miss Montgomery.

3. Shiny AF Leather Skirt

I guess this is kind of cool?

4. Mix & Match Print

Lost for words. Not in a good way.

5. Purple & Yellow

I don't know...

6. Snakeskin Ensemble

Her facial expression says it all.

7. Fish Sweater

She looks like an aquarium.

8. Neon Outfit

Just LOL.

9. Multicolored Cheetah Print

This is super weird.

You Can Now Dress Exactly Like Princess Belle, Thanks to This Indie Boutique

$
0
0

If you guys are as pumped as I am for Disney's new live action Beauty and the Beast, then you are going to be blown away by indie online boutique Morning Lavender's newest ensembles. 

The boutique has three looks based on Belle's signature outfits–yes, even her amazing golden ball gown. Morning Lavender was created by wedding photographer and fashion blogger Kim Le Pham, so of course she's going to have classic taste when it comes to vintage and stylish looks. Thanks to Kim, you can dress exactly like Belle, the smart and caring French villager from Beauty and the Beast, aka the best Disney role model played by real-life feminist Emma Watson

Firstly, you can wear Belle's gold gown in the form of this Off the Shoulder Lace Top ($54.99) and Full Yellow Maxi Skirt ($74.99). I love how the top's elegant shoulderless lace complements the mustard skirt.

Secondly, you can replicate Belle's rustic French village outfit with a summer vibe. The look includes a Sleeveless Chambray Shift Dress ($56.99) for the pop of blue, and a Long Sleeve Lace Crop Top ($42.99) for a delicate touch. Accessorize with the Ines Reversible Ivory & Brown Tote ($48.99) and the Seychelles Affirmation Wedge ($119.99). This outfit, perfect for a hillside picnic or day window-shopping around town, modernizes Belle's famous blue apron dress with a more carefree vibe.

And remember when Belle realizes her blossoming love for the Beast and sings "Something There" in the snow? Well, Morning Lavender offers a new twist on Belle's red snow outfit with a more purple-tinted summer look. Instead of Belle's red velvet, fur-trimmed shawl, snag this Bree Pink Floral Kimono ($48.99) over Morning Lavender's Becca Taupe Maxi Dress ($78.99). If you're heading to a more formal occasion (dare we say a Belle-themed wedding?) you can add the Kailey Faux Leather Wallet ($22.99).

Literally all my dreams are coming true because Morning Lavender can let me dress like the most intelligent Disney Princess without resorting to cheap and tacky Halloween costumes. If Belle attended my college campus, this is what she would wear according to today's fashion trends.

Now all I need in my life is to go watch Emma Watson bring Belle to life on screen! *heart eyes*

Disney Princess Bikinis Exist & I Don't Know How I Feel About Them

$
0
0

I'm a Disney lover as much as the next girl, but something about these new Disney Princess-themed bikinis feels off. 

On the one hand, Enchanted Bikini's matching top and bottom sets sound like a fairytale come true—it's about $80 to embody my favorite animated princesses in a bikini. Ariel's purple sea shell top? Belle's rose-embellished golden bikini? Rapunzel's lace-up look? YES—they're straight-up adorable and charming and so nostalgic. They let us show off our own royalty at the beach (though let's be honest, no one would wear these elaborate wigs during a beach day with gal pals). 

The bikinis are fun and flirty and exude a royal confidence. AND they come in sizes S to XL and top sizes A to DD, because after all, princesses come in all shapes and sizes. Basically, they take dress-up to a whole new level.

On the other hand, the bikinis also have the potential to slip into cultural appropriation by dressing up as characters like Jasmine and Pocahontas if you're white. One must be careful to avoid cultural appropriation because dressing up as historically oppressed minorities in costume is not okay. Not on Halloween. Not at the beach. Not ever.

And spreaking of representation, where are Tiana and Mulan?

What are your thoughts on the Disney princess bikinis?

A Former Law Student Claims SCOTUS Nominee Neil Gorsuch Said Some Odd Things About Women & Maternity Leave

$
0
0

A Senate committee met Monday to discuss the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Reuters reports. Meanwhile, a former student of Gorsuch has spoken up about his problematic views on female workers, according to New York Magazine.

Jennifer Sisk, a graduate from the University of Colorado Law School where Gorsuch taught, said that during a class last spring, Gorsuch told his students that firms need to ask prospective women employees about their pregnancy plans, as women will frequently use companies to get paid maternity leave and then quit, New York reported.

The concerns were published in a letter posted Sunday evening by the National Employment Lawyers Association and the National Women’s Law Center, NPR reported.

“He asked the class to raise their hands if they knew of a female who had used a company to get maternity benefits and then left right after having a baby,” Sisk wrote in the letter.

Sisk told NPR that she had written the letter “so that the proper questions could be asked during his confirmation hearings.”

Another student in the class has denied Sisk’s account in a letter to the committee, and other women who worked with Gorsuch as law clerks have also come forward to say that he treats female employees equally.

According to NPR, Will Hauptman, a current student at the University of Colorado, denies that this incident took place in the way that Sisk described.

“Although Judge Gorsuch did discuss some of the topics mentioned in the letter, he did not do so in the manner described… The judge was very matter-of-fact in that we would face difficult decisions; he himself recalled working late nights when he had a young child with whom he wished to share more time. The seriousness with which the judge asked us to consider these realities reflected his desire to make us aware of them, not any animus against a career or group,” Hauptman wrote in his letter.

Sisk spoke about her concerns in a Facebook post in late January. She ended the comment saying, “He’s still better than the rest of the choices.”

If Gorsuch is confirmed by the Senate as expected, the court will go back to having a 5-4 conservative majority, Reuters reports. Committee members gave opening statements Monday and will take turns questioning the nominee Tuesday.

The LGBTQ+ Community Made #YouTubeIsOverParty Trend After Realizing Their Videos Were Being Restricted

$
0
0

Several Twitter users have come forward with complaints that YouTube unfairly filters out LGBTQ+ videos under its restricted mode, The Guardian reports.

According to The Guardian, British YouTuber Rowan Ellis was one of the first to point out the problem when she posted a video about YouTube’s “anti-LGBT” bias on Thursday. Twitter responded with the hashtag #YouTubeIsOverParty, which attracted a lot of attention from around the world.

Restricted mode is off by default, but can be turned on to automatically filter “potentially inappropriate content.” Google, who owns YouTube, says this is defined by “community flagging, age restrictions, and other signals,” according to The Guardian.

In a late-Sunday night tweet, YouTube responded vaguely to the allegations, saying “LGBTQ+ videos are available in Restricted Mode, but videos that discuss more sensitive issues may not be.”

The statement continued, “We are so proud to represent LGBTQ+ voices on our platform – they’re a key part of what YouTube is all about.”

Other celebrities, like YouTube star Tyler Oakley, with more than 8 million subscribers, spoke out against the restricted mode video disappearances.

“One of my recent videos ‘8 Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Who Inspire Me’ is blocked because of this. I’m perplexed, @YouTube,” Oakley tweeted.

In a follow-up tweet, Oakley said, “Until we hear back from @youtube, please actively check on all LGBTQ+ creators you’re subscribed to & continue to support their content.”

YouTube has acknowledged in the past that the restricted mode algorithm is “not 100 percent accurate," according to ABC News. Until more is known, we’ll have to wait and see if YouTube addresses this criticism and how, if at all, it makes changes to its restricted mode feature.

The 'This Is Us' Cast Just Debunked These Popular Fan Theories About Jack's Death

$
0
0

During the This Is Us season finale, Jack Pearson, played by Milo Ventimiglia, didn't died, which left fans who were expecting his death with so many questions. While looking back on Season 1 at PaleyFest on Saturday, the cast and producers set the record straight about some major theories that have been floating around the internet. 

Before answering any questions, Chris Sullivan, aka Toby, jokingly told the audience, "It happens how you think it is going to." According to Cosmpolitan's report, Jack was definitely not murdered. BFF Miguel doesn't kill him, and producers John Requa and Glenn Ficarra immediately shot down the theory that Kate is literally responsible for his death.

One fan theory that might not be entirely false? Since we've been given hints about Kate's fear of flying and Kevin throwing away his model airplanes after his dad's death and the theory wasn't debunked during the panel, the whole "Jack dying in a plane crash" thing might be true after all. Just don't expect him to be involved in the 9/11 attacks. (Yes, that was an actual theory at one point.) Sterling K. Brown, Randall's portrayer, told the PaleyFest crowd, "He's in Pittsburgh!"

Guess we're going to have to wait a while to get a definitive answer. Ugh. 


Jake Gyllenhaal Isn't Interested in Talking About Taylor Swift, Thank You Very Much

$
0
0

Do you remember a time when Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift dated? Well, apparently Jake's trying to forget—just like the rest of us already have.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, journalist Tim Jonze asked Jake whether or not dating Taylor Swift was like "playing with fire" since the actor likes to keep his private life a bit more hush-hush than the singer tends to. "I think when you’re in a relationship, you are constantly scrutinized, your friends are scrutinized, but…" he said, never quite finishing that thought.

After being asked to speak more about his personal life, Jake reportedly silently stared at Jonze before he gave him "an exaggerated shrug." During that insanely cringe-worthy silence, Jonze then proceeded to ask Jake if he had listened to any of the music that was written about him.

To that question, Jake replied, ""I would love to not talk about my personal life." The journalist assured Jake that he wasn't interested and didn't want to talk about his love life, which gave Jake cause for this sharp response: "Oh, really? You don't?" Just like Tim Gunn says in Sex and the City 2, "Awkward times two!" 

In an effort to shift the focus back to Gyllenhaal's upcoming film, Life, Jake apparently gave Jonze a "cold smile." Honestly that would have been a little too awkward for my taste.

If you want to feel even more uncomfortable, you can read the entire interview here

I Still Like the 'Beauty & the Beast' Animated Movie Better—Here's Why

$
0
0

By Danika Miller

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

Beauty & the Beast is one of my favorite movies of all time and I went into the live-action hesitantly hopeful. I absolutely loved it. I loved Emma Watson, I loved the update on Belle, the addition of several backstories, the beautiful costumes and castle, and the CGI on the Beast didn’t make me cringe as much as I was worried it would. Every actor really shined and did the original justice; however, I still prefer the animated version. Here are a few reasons why:

The Music

Just hearing the opening sequence of the animated movie can give me chills, and I thought a lot of the instrumental work was just as beautiful in the live-action. That said, I was disappointed by how altered some of the vocals were, specifically Emma Watson's. Despite having no professional training or education in music, the auto-tuning was painfully obvious to me. I know Emma Watson isn’t necessarily a singer, but from what I could make out, the unaltered parts sound lovely enough. Certainly a few off-pitch and not-so-perfect notes would have been less distracting than the digital pitch correction that riddled every song of hers.

 

@beautyandthebeast opens today! I hope you have as much fun watching it as I did making it. Love, Emma

A post shared by Emma Watson (@emmawatson) on

The Romance

Beauty & the Beast is a love story, one of the best, about finding love within. I thought the live-action did a good job of showing a friendship and an intellectual connection between Belle and the Beast. I was pleasantly surprised by the Beast’s sense of humor. However, their relationship didn’t quite feel as romantic as it does in the animated film. The live-action held a distance between Belle and the Beast. I empathized and connected with them separately, but together they had no visible chemistry. This could be chalked up to the fact that the Beast was created with CGI. I relied heavily on what I knew from the animated version when it came to their love story.

The Furniture

I wasn’t quite enchanted by the enchanted servants in the live-action remake. I thought the characters they added were rather unnecessary, except for a few funny lines. These characters were really charming in the animated version, and I felt like they didn't add much to the movie's charm. This could be due in part to their CGI nature, resulting in a limited scope of visual emotion.

The Final Transformation Scene

The pinnacle of emotion in this movie is arguably when the Beast dies. Belle is beautifully distraught and professes her love tragically late. But then the Beast magically transforms back into the Prince. This moment always made me cry in the animated film. It was beautiful, emotional, and hopeful. In the original film, there’s a colorful fall of magic and rain around our fallen hero. And then suddenly there’s a handsome prince and you can see all of the emotions Belle feels as the Beast transforms and returns. She has him back, though it’s not in the form she knew him as, and they share the long-awaited kiss. In this live-action remake, it feels almost anticlimactic. Especially as a rather disappointing Dan Stevens appears, and stumbles into a kiss where there are no fireworks, literally and figuratively.

7 Things Gynecologists Want You to Stop Worrying About

$
0
0

The thought of scheduling your annual gynecological exam is not exactly the most exciting thing on your to-do list. But it is necessary, and believe it or not, there are things you may not know that will make the experience better for you. First and foremost, your gynecologist is a doctor, which means this person is not only professional and knowledgeable, but he or she also cares about making you feel safe and comfortable.

If you don’t believe us, read on for peace of mind straight from a gynecologist herself. We’ve consulted Dr. Kimberly Bridges-White, M.D., of Garden State Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates to get some perspective on the things your gynecologist wishes you would stop worrying about.

1. Going to your appointment during your period

This is something that’s highly contested, but we’re here to tell you the truth once and for all: yes, you can go to the gynecologist when you’re on your period. Gynecologists have seen everything, and menstrual blood is no different.

Dr. Bridges-White believes this is one of the biggest misconceptions about gynecology appointments. "If the [patient's] complaint is an irregular cycle or heavy period, then it is no problem to be evaluated at that time," she says. However, there are instances when period blood can interfere with the results of your appointment.

"If one would like me to check for a yeast infection or chlamydia or gonorrhea, that is different," Dr. Bridges-White adds. "I will have to look under a microscope to test it, and a large amount of red blood cells on the slide will prevent me from seeing anything. Often, blood may cause a false-positive test result." Similarly, period blood can yield inconclusive results when you're getting a Pap smear test

You might have to come back and get some testing done again, but you should never cancel an appointment altogether because your Aunt Flow is in town. If your flow is heavy and you are worried that your excessive bleeding might interfere with your appointment, always contact your doctor first.

2. Grooming before you go

Like we literally just said, gynecologists have seen everything. Although you may feel self-conscious about some extra hair down there, chances are your gynecologist won’t even notice (or care).

"We don't care at all," Dr. Bridges-White says. "It is also very awkward when women come into the office announcing how they have "prepped" just for the exam." Obviously, if shaving or waxing will make you feel more comfortable, go for it. However, keep in mind that your gynecologist is a doctor, and he or she is guaranteed to be much more concerned about your vagina’s health than your vagina’s appearance.

In fact, in some cases, going overboard with grooming may actually have a negative effect on your experience in the doctor's office. "The more waxing and shaving that a patient does, the more prone she is to heavier vaginal discharge and boils," Dr. Bridges-White says. "Hair is your first line of defense to prevent bacteria. The second line are your vaginal secretions that keep bacteria out of the uterus. If you remove all of the hair, the vaginal secretions must increase." So, if you come into the office to ask about this seemingly excessive discharge, your gynecologist will likely say that the secretions are completely normal. 

Keep all of these things in mind the next time you "prep" for an appointment, or any event in general. 

3. “Freshening up” to the extreme

It makes sense to worry about what you smell like ––especially in that region–– before your appointment, but don’t freak yourself out too much about any odors or perspiration that may or may not exist. Now, this isn’t an excuse to hit the gym or skip the shower before your appointment. It’s just a reminder that your gynecologist sees many patients on any given day, and your typical odor will not stand out amongst the rest (unless there is something more serious going on – in which case, it’s not your fault).

Along the same lines and as previously mentioned, relax about the amount of discharge you have. Every woman discharges, and while some might have it more than others, it is completely normal. If, however, your discharge is discolored or has an abnormal odor, let your gynecologist know this so that he or she can test you for a possible infection.

Dr. Bridges-White has some tips for everyday vaginal healthcare. "Wash in between the lips of the vagina daily, and wash front to back," she says. "When wipipng with toilet paper, wipe front to back. Do not use douches! They cause an increase in vaginal bacteria that cause a fishy odor, which will further increase your discharge." 

Another common worry Dr. Bridges-White often hears women complain about is an odor later in the day, but she reminds us that the vagina area has sweat glands too. To combat such odors, she says, "Do not wear your sweaty gym clothes all day ––take them off immediately after [a workout] to prevent vaginal and yeast infections." Good to know.

4. Addressing your most personal concerns

One of the most important things you can do at an appointment is open up about any questions or concerns you may have. We suggest writing them down beforehand, so if you get nervous in the exam room and draw a blank, you have something to fall back on. Don’t be embarrassed by your lack of knowledge about something, either. Your gyno is the expert, after all. He or she will not judge you, and will be glad to inform you about anything you want to know.

Dr. Bridges-White warns that if you don't feel at ease in your gynecologist's office, you are in the wrong office. "You should always feel comfortable with your gynecologist," she says. "If you feel rushed, your concerns are not addressed, or you don't feel comfortable having a candid conversation, then you are at the wrong doctor's office." 

She adds, "This is the most sensitive and personal area of your body and your provider should respect that. Your first visit, you should be clothed and interviewed so that you are not intimidated. Once your questions are satisfied, then you will feel more comfortable proceeding with the exam." We love this advice.

Related: 5 Myths You Probably Still Believe About Your Vagina

5. Opening up about your sexual activity

It’s no secret that sexual activity is super personal, but your doctor is not someone to withhold information from. Whether you’re sleeping with multiple partners, a significant other, or aren’t sexually active at all, it can be awkward to divulge the details without feeling embarrassed. However, in order for your gynecologist to do his or her job, he or she must know this information in order to guide you towards the safest (and most necessary) methods to prevent STDs or unwanted pregnancy.

Dr. Bridges-White emphasizes that many college women have misinformation about STDs, and the only way to learn accurate information is to speak up and ask questions. "Another misconception is that you have to have symptoms to have an STD ––this is absolutely not true!" she says. "Chlamydia and trichomonas cam stay in the vaginal tract for long periods of time and may not cause any symptoms."

What's more, Dr. Bridges-White finds that many young women don't realize they can aquire an STD without having sex. From oral sex, you can get a throat infection from gonorrhea, oral herpes, or genital warts of the gums. From anal sex, you can contaminate the vagina with bacteria from the colon. While such risks are not necessarily normal occurences, the only way to know the safest and most preventative measures is by asking the expert who is at your disposal. 

Keep in mind, collegiettes, that no matter what information you dispell to or discuss with your gynecologist, you are in a safe space. He or she is not going to judge you, no matter your level of sexual activity or lack thereof.

6. Getting a Pap smear test

The dreaded Pap smear test is often extremely misconceptualized by young women. First and foremost, it is a screening procedure that tests for precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix. 

"People often believe that the Pap smear checks for all types of female cancer and STDs," she says. "It only checks for cervical cancer and does not include a screen for STDs. Some women also believe that whenever they have had an exam with a speculum, a Pap smear was automatically done, but this isn't always the case." Dr. Bridges-White recommends checking with your gynecologist before and after an exam to see if a Pap smear was done. 

Pap smear tests start when you turn 21, regardless of your sexual activity.

7. Visiting too often (or not often enough)

By this point, you might be wondering just how often you can (and should) be visiting your gynecologist. Is an annual enough? Well, to put it simply, there isn't one clear answer. It's very dependent upon individual circumstance, but you should be going whether you are sexually active or not.

"Once a year for a visit is adequate for general health," Dr. Bridges-White says. "However, any woman may make an appointment if she has any concerns regarding STD testing, menstrual irregularities, breast masses, abdominal pain, etc." It's always a good idea to make an additional appointment for STD screening if you change sexual partners, she adds. 

Take a deep breath, collegiettes, a visit to the gynecologist is by no means as scary as you think it is. Your doctor is there to not only make sure you’re healthy, but also to make sure you’re informed and comfortable. The next time you schedule an appointment, come prepared, calm, and ready to address your concerns. Trust us, you’ll feel better in no time.  

MAC Is Dropping 5 New Lip Kits & They're Super Sultry

$
0
0

Makeup mavens rejoice, because MAC is killing the lip game yet again! Just this January, the cosmetic giant released a collection of lip kits based on some of their most popular colors, like Velvet Teddy and Twig. Now they're back at it again with a whole new line-up of five deep-toned lip combos, perfect for recreating that "Instagram Baddie" aesthetic.

Check out this perfectly plum pairing of Smoked Purple and Nightmoth.

Each kit, which includes a full-sized lip liner and matching lipstick, will retail for $29 . 

The brand's Film Noir lipstick and Chestnut liner create a deliciously warm combo for spring and summer.

The rest of the collection will include Investigator/Cyberworld, Media/Vino, and Sin/Burgundy. Grab 'em while you can, because, like the first collection, they're only available for a limited time—from March 23 to the 27th in store and online at Macy's and Nordstrom.

Jouer Cosmetics' New Spring Collections Are Everything You Could Ever Want

$
0
0

Mark your calendars, beauty junkies, because Jouer Cosmetics is releasing some highly anticipated goodies on April 4. Their Rose Gold Collection is the absolute perfect kit for spring and will include a super pigmented Long Wear Lip Crème, Long Wear Lip Topper, and a blinding powder highlighter. Check out some swatches of these gorgeous shades here:

The excitement doesn't stop there, though! Your vanity is about to be poppin' with Jouer's Springtime in Paris eye shadow palette which launches the same day as the Rose Gold Collection. This stunning palette will include twelve playful matte and shimmer shades for spring and summer. 

Take a look at a sneak peek released on Jouer's Instagram:

Get hyped, collegiettes.

Chrissy Teigen's Daughter Just Said Her First Word!

$
0
0

Some of you might disagree with this but babies are perfect. They are small, cute, cuddly, and don't know how to talk back yet. What could be better? 

One baby who is particularly adorable at all times is Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's child, Luna. Although barely 11 months old, the baby is already cooler than I will ever be and I am totally okay with that. But the thing I had on her was that I, at least, could say words. Until today, that is. 

According to People, today Luna took her first step into adulthood by saying her first word (and wearing her first bow.) In two Instagram posts, the supermodel mom shows the world Luna's progress with a video of her saying "ca" when her parents point to a cat. 

 

First bow!

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

 

 

Ah!!! So many firsts

A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on

Mazol Tov, you learned the most important word in the English language!  

Kat Von D Threw Shade at the New Makeup Revolution Palette on Instagram

$
0
0

As a lover of beauty products but also a college student (aka: broke), it brings me great joy to find a knock-off version of a high-end beauty product that works just as well and costs way less. Oftentimes, however, cheap versions of things do not work as well as their expensive counterparts. Which, apparently, is exactly how Kat Von D feels about Makeup Revolution's knock-off of her latest Eye Contour Palette.

LOL @ the savagery in this post. If captions could kill...

I mean dayummmm... #lazyfucks is a bit harsh, if you ask me. And as a girl on a budget, #cheapass really means #affordable, so that's not a problem for me. Almost every high-end brand gets copied by a less expensive alternative at some point or another. There are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of articles dedicated to using designer makeup products next to their drugstore dupes and figuring out if they're really worth the price or not.

People in this Reddit thread pretty much summed it up perfectly: by posting this, Kat actually drew attention, and probably sales, to her competitor. Not to mention, all of her fans now know that there is a perfect dupe to her palette—whoops. She should have realized that imitation is the best flattery, and just *let it go* (cue Frozen music).


This Insane Video Proves You Can Actually Apply Makeup With an Egg

$
0
0

Being a beauty blogger, I have seen my fair share of crazy beauty trends (i.e. using a condom to apply makeup). But each time I proclaim that I have found the weirdest trend, someone decides to take things a step further. This time, it was Nadi, the beauty guru behind ThePopLuxe.com, who took weird to the next level.

On his YouTube channel, Nadi does a segment where people suggest totally random objects for him to apply makeup with (like a dildo... no really, he did that one next. See for yourself!). This time, the object was (drumroll please)... a hard-boiled egg. Like, a literal baby chicken egg.

My initial thoughts as I started watching: a) I pay way too much for my pasture-raised eggs to waste on my face, and b) how TF is this even going to work?!?

Well, after watching this video 100 times (mostly because Nadi is so hilarious, but also because I was trying to remember which products he was using), I can assure you that yes, you really can apply your makeup with an egg. It blended everything from foundation to freaking eye shadow! And if you're trying to be frugal, hell you can even eat the egg after you're done to avoid any waste. Win-win. (Maybe, like, rinse it first tho.)

The only downside to this whole thing: it seems that you tend to get crumbles of egg shell all over your face, and then your face smells like egg. So unless you are truly in desperate need of a beauty blender and an egg is literally your only option, maybe you should stick to your usual beauty sponge.

27 Weird Things Only College Students Get Excited About

$
0
0

College can be a stressful experience, what with balancing classes while attempting to be a semi-functional adult. After all, sleeping three hours a night and bathing in coffee is somewhat functional, right? Even though college is a strenuous journey, there are some exciting things that happen during your four years (or more) of college. Granted, they might not seem so enthralling to non-college students. 

1. When you see a flier for a campus event that’s giving away free food

Most people love free food, but only college students go crazy over eating free pizza. 

2. Somehow, you passed that exam you thought you totally bombed

You don't know how it happened. Your professor doesn't know how it happened. Nobody knows. It only matters that your GPA survived. 

3. When you get a care package from your family

You don't even care what's in it, but it proves that your family at least tolerates you.

4. When you don't have class on Fridays

Three day weekend. EVERY weekend. Unless you have work on Fridays.

5. When your professor says that attendance is optional

Bye!

6. The RA stops trying to convince you to go to “fun dorm activities”

Now you can stop pretending that you like the other people on your floor. Or people in general. 

7. A restaurant offers student discounts

Now you don't have to feel as guilty about treating yo self!

8. When your roommate finally does their dishes

You finally have room to fill the sink with your own dishes.

9. The laundromat actually has empty AND working machines

BLESS. 

10. Opening an email that says, “Class is canceled for the day,” before you actually leave your apartment

You can finally be productive now. JK, you're going to binge-watch TV.

11. When your lab TA is cute AF

You're never late to this class.

12. When your roomie’s parents visit and invite you to dinner

Maybe they won't notice if you order an entire to-go meal as well.

13. When finals are finally over

FINALLY!

14. Your class ends early

Time to rush home so you can nap. 

15. There aren’t any required books for a course

Saving $300 just got easier.

16. Going home during break and finally cuddling with your cat or dog

Even if Fluffy or Boots is still pissed at you for leaving them in the first place. How dare you choose higher education over them, you monster!

17. When the class gets an extension on an assignment

Time to procrastinate for another week.

18. You manage to find answers for an assignment online

Whoever takes the time to put class assignments online is the real MVP. 

19. Better yet, you find course notes for the entire semester

Seriously, who are these hidden heroes?

20. When they make fresh curly fries at the dining center

You picked a great time to finally get off the couch.

21. You manage to catch the bus on time

You don't have to jog across town today!

22. For once your group members are actually competent 

Now they just have to stay efficient until the end of the project.

23. Better yet, your professor says you can choose to work alone on a project

After all, you're probably the one who does all the work in a group project anyway. 

24. You get to class late, but your professor isn't there yet

You're dripping in sweat from sprinting to class, but at least you don't have to deal with your professor's judgy glare.

25. You manage to cook a whole meal, without setting off the fire alarms

Adulting isn't always hard.

26. There's a curve on an exam

Okay, you weren't the only one to flunk that test. That's a relief, I guess.

27. Or the whole course!

Congrats, we all collectively suck at this class.

13 Texts All Guys Want to Receive

$
0
0

Navigating whether or not a guy is into your texting style can be tricky. Not everyone likes emojis or four exclamation points. Here are some pointers so you don’t end up sending texts no guys want to receive.

1. Good morning texts

Most people enjoy little signs of positivity, especially in the morning, a “good morning” text being one of them. This text essentially means you thought of them first thing when you woke up. Yes, that’s right, before caffeine and teeth brushing. Guys may act like they think texts like these are stupid and cliché, but in my experience, when they’re accustomed to it, they start to miss them when they’re gone. If you want to mix it up a bit a "have a good text" can also have the same effect.

2.“I had a really good time with you last night.”

Ugh, can we all just agree that receiving this texts just makes you feel like the best damn person on the planet? In fact, you were solely responsible for making someone else have a “great” time and that’s just amazing. Props to you and everyone involved. 10/10.

3. Memes

Everyone likes to think they have the best and most unique sense of humor. Having your friends or loved ones send you memes means that someone thought something was funny and wanted you to laugh along, even if you’re miles apart. They thought you’d enjoy something so silly or ridiculous, or perhaps it reminded them of a funny time you embarrassed yourself. In this day and age, meme sharing is bonding and it’s 100 percent normal.

4. Invitations

Whether it’s a party or a romantic date, it is nice knowing that someone remembered to shoot you a text when some plans are approaching. They like your presence.

5. Compliments

Telling your man that you think he’s hot will give him a little confidence boost throughout the day, especially since he knows you’re thinking of it. This is definitely geared toward people already in relationships so it won't sound so out of the blue. A few examples could be "you looked cute in your Snapchat you sent me" or "how did I get so lucky?" Make sure you're sending texts not only he's comfortable with, but you're comfortable with as well. There's definitely a difference between "ay daddy *insert heart eyes*" and "wow you look good."

6. “Come over.”

This is a little more aggressive than a simple invitation to your Uncle Bob’s barbecue. It clearly has some sexual implications for all of the right reasons. Guys like a woman who knows what she wants, and he’ll appreciate the tone. It’s really up to you whether to add winky faces or not. Is it overkill? Yes. Will it get the point across? Most definitely.

And if you simply wanted them to come over to hang out without the sex, maybe mention a few activities you'd rather do instead to clarify your intentions. He'll like to know what he's getting into.

Related: 18 Responses to Receiving An Unsolicited Dick Pic

7. Long stories

If your guy loves you, he will appreciate your thoughts on how the universe is expanding and time is moving so fast. He will like the daily updates about which dogs you saw that day, and he’ll especially enjoy the childhood story of how you fell out of a tree in your grandma’s backyard. He will learn to appreciate your mood swings and the long, terrific tales that come with them of the rude girl in chemistry who would not stop kicking your chair. Whatever it is, they want to hear their significant other spill their heart out. They love you and your (bad) storytelling habits.

8. “I’m ordering food, what do you want?”

Because pizza and wings tonight sound amazing and he will thank you with a heart eye emoji. Double the points if you know his order by heart.

9. Chain texts

Those dirty, emoji-filled chain texts that blow up everyone’s phones around the holidays make you feel like a kid again. They are lighthearted and fun, and you can never really tell your grandparents why you’re smirking at your phone around Thanksgiving.

However, there are some people who don't enjoy these silly texts as much. If you or your man's humor  are more on the serious side, I'd opt out of texts of these sorts.

10. “I got my period.”

Hooray! This text mainly applies to guys you're sleeping with. No future baby in the next nine months may be good news if you're not planning a pregnancy.

11. Nudes

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Most people enjoy a nice booty pic every once in a while on Snapchat. If you're unsure of what to send, check out some safe rules for sexting.

12. Goodnight texts

Okay, the whole idea of dudes not liking feelings and emotions is pure bullshit. He likes knowing he was the first and last thing on your mind.

13.“I love you.”

Being loved rocks. Period.

15 Signs You Are Still Obsessed With 'Gossip Girl' After All This Time

$
0
0

Though Gossip Girl's finale happened back in 2012, the fashion, drama and friendships are enough to last a lifetime. You're clearly still obsessed (& we don't blame you!) if you can relate to any of the following:

1. You still refer to Blake Lively as "Serena." 

2. You refuse to believe there is anyone hotter than Chace Crawford. 

3. You still root for this relationship. 

BLAIR AND CHUCK FOREVER!!!

4. You don't understand how Blake Lively and Leighton Meester are already moms...

5. THIS was the wedding of the century. 

Sorry, Will and Kate.

6. You're still searching for your very own Chuck Bass. 

He's bad in the best way.

7. Wondering what happened to Nelly Yuki keeps you up at night. 

8. You will never forget the important lessons Blair taught you. 

9. You have vowed to never go near anyone who sounds or looks like Georgina. 

Because she's crazy.

10. You are eager to know what Blair and Chuck's son looks like now. 

It's been four years!

11. You still think Cyrus is the sweetest stepdad ever. 

12. You will never forget the best line of the show. 

13. You hope to one day have a housekeeper (or a BFF) like Dorota.

14. Jenny will forever be up to no good.

15. The show's opening is the best. 

Ahhhh!

XOXO, Collegiettes!

How Entering the Real World May Affect Your Love Life

$
0
0

Relationships are hard. Relationships in college are difficult, and maintaining college relationships after you’ve graduated can feel damn near impossible.

Whether you and your partner met while doing keg stands at a frat party or while sharing a table at the library studying for the upcoming biochem exam, your college relationship is likely built on a shared mutual lifestyle that developed through your higher education years. You’ve shared classes and dorms together, you’ve attended late night parties together, you’ve spent afternoons complaining about professors you both hate and talking about local jobs you’re applying for to make ends meet while you complete your studies.

But post-graduation, everything looks very different. Suddenly, the sturdy base of shared moments and interests you developed throughout college are very different from the base you need to sustain your relationship in the real world. It’s tough to predict whether yours will make it through the transition for a few key reasons. 

1. Your daily schedule looks a lot different

Once you get out of college and start looking for jobs, your schedule looks a lot different, especially if you enter a full-time, 9-to-5 job. Gone were the days when your life was documented by shifts—class shifts, part-time job shifts, hours in the day you could easily head to your dorm room for a mid-afternoon Netflix session with your partner.

Now you’re working all day, and when you come home it’s probably to a partner who has shared nothing of the past eight hours of your life. You don’t see them at all in the daytime except on weekends. Suddenly you have to build a relationship based on what you do outside of work, rather than the free time between shifts. Suddenly, you have a career you need to develop in a different institution from your partner’s. This change in schedule is not incompatible with building a relationship, but it’s probably a fundamentally different lifestyle from the one your college relationship was built on. 

2. Your visions of the future may differ

For many couples, what happens after college remains an uncomfortable conversation they put off until suddenly it happens—they’re post-college graduates. Did you take the time to decide you both want to stay in the same city and make sacrifices to stay together, or did you both secretly know you would always prioritize your personal goals over your partner’s? That’s not a bad thing to do. Your career will play a significant role in defining your life, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about ending a relationship to make decisions about your future.

However, if you wanted to stay together without ever having The Talk, you may find that you’re caught between a rock and a hard place. What if you can’t find any good jobs in the city your partner wants to live in? What if you want to continue your education in a particular school, but your partner wants to live in a particular area somewhere else? For most people, you will begin your career after graduation. Will you both be able to begin your careers in the same city? How compatible are your visions of the future?

3. Your understanding of love changes

Post-graduation, your daily responsibilities, motivations and interests shift. Suddenly you’re a tax-paying employee working full-time. You probably have a place of your own you have to maintain, more bills to pay than ever before and new desires and motivations. What you imagine love is might change in this transition. It goes from fancy dates to quietly remembering to take out the trash for you in the morning. It changes from writing you love songs to packing you leftovers for lunch the next day so you won’t have to buy any. Love changes from grand gestures to helping you build a life together. Not every college relationship is going to last through that transition.

Entering the real world is a tough and scary endeavor. Although it may feel impossible to imagine doing it without your partner, the partner you wanted and needed in college may not be the right partner for you post graduation. Don’t be afraid to let yourself, your relationship and your future grow by holding onto old relationships.

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images