Elissa Stein and Susan Kim, in their book Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruationpoint out, that the average period-having person throws away anywhere between 250 and 300 pounds of waste related to menstrual products during their lifetime. That’s not a small amount. A company called DAME wants to help work on reducing that amount, and they’re starting with a reusable tampon applicator.

After 14 months of rigorous testing and creating, DAME — launched by Celia Pool and Alec Mills —has created a fully functioning prototype called ‘D.’ Close collaboration with medical engineers has made sure that D is both incredibly hygienic and easily and comfortably used.

D is made from medical quality Mediprene®, which is a BPA free plastic that’s meant to be durable. It also boasts self-cleaning technology, with antimicrobial Sanipolymers® inside the applicator’s material. The plastic is also made with a smooth finish that will ensure comfort for all users, and it’s heat-resistant, which means you can sanitize it with boiling water without worrying about damaging it. And, made with just two pieces that are covered by a lid, there aren’t many parts to worry about losing and it won’t take up space.

DAME includes a storage tin, travel pouch and six of their organic tampons with each purchase of D.

It can be assumed that production of these amazing applicators isn’t cheap, and so DAME created a Kickstarter for their product. You can contribute to their product and purchase D at the same time.

"Not enough people are using reusable period products — the desire is there but the habit change is too much of a barrier," their Kickstarter says. "We want to keep things simple. Using D is what you do already, you just don't throw it away."

California is making it easier for teenagers to be ready to vote once they turn 18.

Cosmopolitan reports that California Governor Jerry Brown passed a law on Friday that will, hopefully, increase the number of young adults who vote “by an estimated 200,000 per year,” according to Democrat Assemblyman Kevin McCarty's office.

Teenagers will be immediately pre-registered to vote when they receive a license or any other kind of ID card from the DMV — and their registrations will become active on their 18th birthdays.

The new pre-registration will make it easier for young people to get more involved in the political process. The numbers are starting to make a turnaround now in recent elections, but the 18-24 age group has been notorious for having some of the lowest voter turnout every year since 2000, despite having a decently large demographic in the United States overall. Baby Boomers, Gen X and the Silent and Greatest Generation (anyone over 71) have, until recently, had far more voter turnout than Millennials, and especially so during presidential elections. It seems like that tide is changing, and this law will help it continue to change in California.  

Registering to vote when getting a license at the DMV in California is currently an opt-in service. It will become automatic with this law, as will being pre-registered to vote if you’re 16 or 17. The law Brown signed is a combination of two bills; one dealt with automatic registration, and the other handled pre-registration for teenagers.

With the current increasing political upheaval, teenagers have begun to stand up and make their voices heard in any way they can. Now teenagers in California can be sure they’ll be ready to put their voices to a vote the moment they turn 18.

Automatic pre-registration will start January 1, 2019. Teenagers from California can sign up to pre-register here.

Now that spring is officially here, there's little we've been thinking of besides spring break. Dreams of warm beaches and bikinis provide solace from cold, dreary classrooms, and give us motivation to push through those midterms. If you’re actually lucky enough to be taking a trip somewhere warm this year, it’s time to start thinking about your skin. Especially after a winter spent indoors, you’ll need to give your skin a little extra TLC to ensure adequate protection while soaking up those rays. 

1. Use SPF 30 or higher—and re-apply!

It’s simply not enough to spritz on some SPF 15 just so you can say you did. Dr. Elizabeth Hale, a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU and Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation, recommends applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the entire body, being sure to wait about 20 minutes for it soak in before going outside. "Best to do this naked to get the areas that may be under your bathing suit,” says Dr. Hale. It’s also important to reapply if your spending all day outside, and especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

But don’t forget your face! Renee Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician, recommends "both a sunscreen cream followed by an SPF powder." There are also some great moisturizers with SPF that are soothing and smooth on the face, without the greasy feel of traditional sunscreen. Try Clinique Sunscreen Face Cream,which also happens to have a lovely, fresh scent, or a super lightweight serum from Supergoop!

2. A faux tan won’t protect you from burning

Unless you happen to go to school in Southern California, chances are you’re feeling about as pale as a vampire by the time spring break rolls around. If you want to get a head start on your golden glow, a spray tan can be a safe option, but only if you still take precautions. "One must realize that these artificial tans do not contain any sun protection," says Dr. Hale.  "Your skin is still able to burn despite having this 'base tan'." In addition, if you like using a tanning oil to help achieve an even color, be sure that you either apply sunscreen as well or use an oil with built-in SPF. Sun Bum Tanning Oil is one example, but keep in mind these products usually only come in SPF 15, so a little extra protection is still necessary.

And don’t even think about hopping under a tanning bed. Not only are they likely to increase your risk of skin cancer, but "contrary to popular belief, tanning beds do NOT make the skin less likely to burn," says Dr. Peggy Fuller, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Esthetics Center for Dermatology.

Related: 7 Self-Tanners That'll Give You a Perfectly Bronzed Glow

3. Know your skin type and plan ahead

While everyone should wear sunscreen before going outside regardless of skin tone, there are some who should take extra precaution. "The people with lower amounts of natural melanin, i.e. those with blonde or red hair, light skin, and light eyes are at greatest risk,” says Dr. Hale. “This is because melanin is protective so people of darker skin types have some degree of natural protection." In addition, different skin types may give way to damage in different ways. Rouleau notes that "dry, sensitive and aging skin is most susceptible damage," which could appear in the form of redness or brown spots. Of course, those with very pale, porcelain skin or a tendency for rosacea will likely develop more redness. "With fair skin types, a burn can occur in as little as 20 minutes," says Rouleau.

For a skincare routine that is more tailored to your tone, look for products that are geared toward your needs. If you also have sensitive skin, there are particular ingredients you should look out for as well. Rouleau notes that physical sunscreens with "active mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide" are "much better for sensitive skin… since it deflects the heat and energy given off by the sun away from the skin."

4. Invest in a rash guard or sun-protective shirt

Dr. Fuller is a big advocate for the rash guard! "Rash guards are really cool tops that have UVA/UVB protection built in," she says. "I have rash guards in bright and beautiful colors that not only protect the skin I’m in but look smashing and flattering."

A rash guard is a great way to ensure extra protection, especially when you are in the ocean and sun exposure is the greatest. If you’re hesitant about ditching your bikini, don’t be. Rash guards are on trend and will give off that effortless, surfer-girl vibe. Dr. Hale recommends checking out J. Crew and Mott50 for a stylish selection.

5. Adjust your diet

Healthy skin has as much to do with what you put inside your body as what you put on the outside. The first step toward building a glowing complexion is to hydrate properly. Dr. Fuller recommends that you "start hydration early (and) drink lots of water" before your spring break trip. Fuller gives another important and under-acknowledged spring break tip: "Don’t combine alcohol and the beach." Not only is it a recipe for severe hydration, but you’re more likely to overdo sun exposure or forget to reapply sunscreen if you're a little tipsy.

For even more protection, Dr. Hale suggests adding in a supplement. Omega-3s and Vitamins D and C can boost skin health, while "some essential oils and even caffeine may afford some additional sun protection," says Dr. Hale. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can actually reduce the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is the most common type of skin cancer. Keep in mind though that coffee can be dehydrating, so make sure you’re drinking water throughout the day.

6. Build healthy skin with a top-notch routine

Besides layering on the sunscreen, there are many steps you can take to prepare your skin before long hours spent outdoors. Rouleau also suggests "a natural skin lightener" like "magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a type of vitamin C," applied daily under sunscreen. A lightener "will help suppress melanin cells to fade and prevent brown spots," she explains.

It may also be beneficial to start preparing your skin for prolonged periods of sun exposure by catching a few extra rays in the weeks leading up to spring break. The most damage often occurs when you jump into a day of sun-drenched fun after months of very little exposure. "It happens because the skin has not yet developed a tolerance to the sun, which is something that often occurs by the end of the summer," says Dr. Hale. Sun damage can occur after only 20 minutes of exposure, particularly if your skin has not yet adjusted from a winter spent indoors. Make sure you’re well prepared by aiming to get 10 minutes of sun exposure each day in the time leading up to spring break.

Proper skin care is an invaluable skill that will have lifelong rewards. Dr. Hale, VP of the Skin Cancer Foundation, stresses the importance of skin protection from an early age. “Exposure to the sun is responsible for 90 percent of skin cancer and percent of the signs of premature skin aging,” she says. By protecting your skin during your spring break adventures, you’ll not only be able to enjoy the fun without the pain of a burn, but you’ll also be setting the foundation for a life of healthy, happy skin.

Swimsuit model and all-around babe, Ashley Graham, is on the cover of 2018's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for the fourth year in a row, and her family couldn't help but exchange hilarious (and definitely unexpected!) comments about it.

The 30-year-old Nebraska native recently posted a screenshot of a group chat between her husband, sister, mother, and herself to her Instagram story.

Her husband Justin Ervin sent a shot of Graham pulling down her bikini bottoms during her SI Swim shoot, to which he added a scribble pointing out his wife's clean shave down there. "Needs a bush to make this photo better," Ervin joked in the text message. I think most girls would be mortified if their husband made a joke about pubic hair to their family members, but clearly Graham wasn't fazed. She simply responded: "You wish your bush looked like mine."

Her mom and sister also have quite the sense of humor. "I got a big bush & I cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny," her sister Abigail wrote, making reference to the song "Baby Got Back." Her mother then chimed in, "I have no bush and it's divine. Be jealous."

As Graham noted on Instagram: "Gotta love family group text."

You probably thought majoring in STEMor business would keep you safe from taking a humanities class, and finding out that you needed an English course was an unwelcome surprise. Whether it's a literature class or English composition, it’s time to buckle up your literary seat belt and accept that this ride has to happen.

It’s not all bad! English will sharpen your critical thinking, abstract thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity and communication, which even if you're a STEM powerhouse will help you in the future. Getting out of your comfort zone is scary, but there are ways to make it easier for yourself. Here are six pieces of advice that will help make your English class exceed your expectations.

1. Choose the course you want

Depending on how you register for classes at your college, odds are you’ll have more than one option when you choose your general English requirement. Whether there are multiple professors teaching the same English 101, or you get to choose between American literary history and modern drama for your literature course, there are key factors you’ll want to consider.

Dr. Amy Wiley, an English lecturer at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, highlights a few of these considerations. “First ask yourself which course pairs best with your academic and career goals,” she says. “If you’re going to be doing a lot of research and proposal writing, you’ll want to take a composition class geared towards argumentation. Look at the time of the class; try to take it in a gap where your brain will be functioning. Buy in to professor ratings since it is a low-stakes class and choose who will provide a fun learning experience. Most importantly go with a subject matter that calls to you, interests you and doesn’t make you scared of English. The point is to learn something, not suffer.”

Essentially, go with your gut feeling on this. If you’re still lost, your college’s academic advising center can answer more questions and help find you the best fit.

2. Psych yourself up for it

Semester goal: make English class as lit as possible. But really, if you come to class stoked on life and ready to take on the world, you’ll have a better experience. Maybe for you that means treating yourself and bringing a venti latte to lecture, or buying a new journal and highlighters to make notetaking vibrant instead of dull. Small joys keep your interests and motivation up.

Additionally, if you’re feeling comfortable in class, you might be more likely to participate. “I think speaking up in class, engaging in discussions and trying to relate the text to your own life helps,” says Iris Goldsztajn, a University of California Los Angeles alumna. She’s totally right!

Meaningfully contributing in class is one of the surest ways to make the experience more rewarding, and keep you excited to come back for more.

Related: What to Do If You’re Failing a Class​

3. Grab an audiobook

If reading is your personal hell, trade in your paperback for an audio recording. From poems to full novels, there are audiobooks and YouTube videos for pretty much everything in the English canon. They’re low maintenance, and even better you can listen to your homework while you're at the gym, driving or making dinner. I'm an English major, and there are some texts even I prefer to listen to rather than read. Let's be honest, nobody really wants to read Moby Dick or The Canterbury Tales. Bless audiobooks for taking our pain away.

4. Let yourself be a critic

If you don't like a text or totally disagree with an author, then be vocal about it! The point of your English class isn't to like everything you read, it's to respond to what an author is trying to say, form an opinion and add to the scholarly conversation. If you like it, great! But if you want to set your copy of The Great Gatsby on fire, that’s okay too because it means you’re engaging.

“When I teach, I find that students force themselves to like the material because they think that’s how they pass or how they make the class worthwhile,” says Dr. Wiley, about being critical in class. “That’s so wrong! I love when my students feel peppery about a text. It means they’ve done the reading and are thinking critically about it in some way. Literature is unique because it doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. The only answer is how you react to it.” If that wasn’t enough English inspiration for you, I don’t know what is.

Related: Should I Drop A Class? How to Decide Whether to Stick It Out or Drop It

5. Try to learn something new every day

You don’t need to be the star pupil, or anxiously exhaust yourself trying to get an A. If you’re taking away one surprising bit of knowledge each day, you’re winning––and probably making your class feel more worthwhile too.

“I’m a marketing major and English was the bane of my existence,” says Caitie Donovan, a senior at Biola University. “To cope I tried to make a little game with myself of how many new facts/realizations I could learn that day, even if I didn’t think they helped me with marketing. By the end up the class I realized I had fun. I tricked myself into being interested, and ended up actually interested and proud of myself for every new thing I learned.”

We totally recommend following Caitie’s model. If nothing else, try to succeed for your own personal gratification, not the grade.

6. Do the reading

You’re probably exhausted from hearing this advice, but people keep saying it for a reason. Doing the reading is the number one tip for kicking butt in English class, both because you’ll understand the material better and your professor will literally love you. Even in a class that’s writing based, you’ll likely be reading journal examples and some creative work.

Dr. Wiley can’t emphasize the importance of doing your homework enough. “Get out of the mindset where reading is a daunting obligation, and look at it as the chance to learn on a deeper level,” she says. “Literature contains the record of humanity. In English and American literature, you learn history, culture, emotional insights and get to look at social behavior. Reading a book is art, just like going to a museum, or watching a play or movie. You’ll take away a lot more from a book than from your professor, I promise.”

If you’re not putting in the work to make English enjoyable for yourself, it won’t happen. Enjoying the course all depends on your attitude, and if you follow these simple tips you’re sure to succeed. Good luck, collegiettes!

Swimsuit model and all-around babe, Ashley Graham, is on the cover of 2018's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for the fourth year in a row, and her family couldn't help but exchange hilarious (and definitely unexpected!) comments about it.

The 30-year-old Nebraska native recently posted a screenshot of a group chat between her husband, sister, mother, and herself to her Instagram story.

Her husband Justin Ervin sent a shot of Graham pulling down her bikini bottoms during her SI Swim shoot, to which he added a scribble pointing out his wife's clean shave down there. "Needs a bush to make this photo better," Ervin joked in the text message. I think most girls would be mortified if their husband made a joke about pubic hair to their family members, but clearly Graham wasn't fazed. She simply responded: "You wish your bush looked like mine."

Her mom and sister also have quite the sense of humor. "I got a big bush & I cannot lie. You other brothers can't deny," her sister Abigail wrote, making reference to the song "Baby Got Back." Her mother then chimed in, "I have no bush and it's divine. Be jealous."

As Graham noted on Instagram: "Gotta love family group text."

These past few months have not been a good look for E!. In December, longtime E! News anchor Catt Sadler announced she was leaving the network after finding out her male co-anchor made double what she did. Just this week, Ryan Seacrest's former stylist publicly accused him of sexually harassing her for years — and yet, E! still has plans for him to represent the network on the red carpet at the Oscars this weekend. (Though many celebrities' publicists have already announced their plans to tell their clients to avoid him as a result of the allegations.)

Now, one former E! producer is accusing the network of firing her for allowing a clip of Eva Longoria voicing her support for Catt Sadler to be aired during E!'s 2018 Golden Globes broadcast. As the New York Times reports, Aileen Gram-Moreno, who had been with E! since its beginning in 1990 and had worked as a producer on its red carpet shows for the last 12 years, says that during the broadcast, she was instructed by her boss to flag any red carpet interviews at the Golden Globes that made any kind of mention of #MeToo, Time's Up or Catt Sadler before they aired.

Since most of E!'s red carpet interviews happen simultaneously, they are often prerecorded and broadcast (or not) later on in the evening. According to Gram-Moreno's account, the network became concerned that more celebrities would mention Sadler after Debra Messing was critical of E! during a live interview with Giuliana Rancic — and she was told to vet every single interview, making sure not to include any mentions of Sadler that could be critical of E!.

"They said, if there’s any mention of Catt in the preshow, make sure you flag it," Gram-Moreno told the Times. "You’re censoring celebrities; it’s just not a good idea in my humble opinion. But it wasn't my decision."

So when Gram-Moreno accidentally let a clip of Eva Longoria saying, "We stand with you, Catt," slip by and air on the broadcast, the network was less than thrilled. Though she says she texted her boss to apologize, and her boss told her it couldn't have been avoided, Gram-Moreno says an executive producer called her several days later to fire her from the rest of the awards season shows including the SAG awards, Grammys and Oscars. Hmm.

In a statement to Us Weekly, E!'s president Adam Stotsky responded to Gram-Moreno's claims. "We don’t agree with Debra Messing’s assertion. We’re not in the business of being a megaphone for an inaccurate story." Stotsky also claims that Gram-Moreno was fired following a "pattern of poor performance" (despite being given a raise for her performance on the job five years ago), and that she wasn't technically "fired" because she was a freelancer with the network.

Gram-Moreno says she requested multiple financial settlements from the company before filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming that she was not only unfairly fired, but also allegedly replaced by a male producer who was given a higher title. Yikes.

On Saturday, the Secret Service said it responded to reports of gunshots outside the White House around noon, CNN reports.

"BREAKING: Secret Service personnel are responding to reports of a person who allegedly suffered a self-inflicted gun shot wound along the north fence line of @WhiteHouse," the official Secret Service Twitter account tweeted Saturday afternoon.

While the full details were not immediately known, Secret Service spokeswoman Cathy Milhoan told CNN that the only victim suffered a single self-inflicted gunshot wound, and that Secret Service personnel did not have to fire any shots, despite being seen sprinting across the White House lawn with their guns drawn in response to the incident. 

According to NBC News, White House personnel were told to shelter in place at 11:30 a.m, and a lockdown on the White House was lifted after 45 minutes. President Trump and FLOTUS Melania Trump were both reportedly in Mar-a-Lago in Florida at the time, though they're scheduled to return to Washington this evening. According to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the president was briefed on the situation.

As of right now, the victim's condition and identity have not been made public. Thankfully, according to reports by the Secret Service, no one else was hurt in the incident.

When looking online for information about colleges, one of the most referenced websites is the U.S. News & World Report. While it is a great website for getting information about applying and general statistics, don’t be dismayed by what you see—just because a school ranks a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the right school for you. There’s more to it than numbers when it comes to picking the right college.  

U.S. News has its own methodology for ranking schools. It uses a formula to measure “quantitative” aspects of academics, as determined by educational experts. Once it categorizes the types of school (i.e. Regional or National), it ranks them based on “15 different indicators of academic excellence.” You’re probably thinking that sounds pretty mathematical and confusing—and we agree. Plus, some of the indicators aren’t just based on academic achievement and graduation retention, but also things like “high school counselor rating scores” and “peer assessment.”

Plus, for as advanced as the U.S. News ratings may seem to be, they just simply cannot take into account the little things that make a college so special and the measurements used have the potential to become biased. The statistics might be a good starting point, but if you really want your dream school, you’ll have to look beyond whatever place it ends up on the list. So here are ten things to keep in mind out for when skimming the latest U.S. News rating.

1. They don’t take campus size and surrounding area into account

Although there are maps that show where each school is located, actually seeing the location is something you can’t get from a website. Some people want more secluded schools and others want campuses in big cities or small cities.

Let’s be honest, looking at a map and actually walking the route that you’ll have to take to an 8 a.m. are two very different things. Big schools like University of Pennsylvania require buses to get around campus, but it’s still considered a terrific school with a high ranking. If that doesn’t sound like something you’d enjoy, then it probably isn’t the school for you. Size preference isn’t something the fancy “quantitative formula” takes into account.

Additionally, until you visit the school, it’s hard to get a feel for its surrounding area. The rankings aren’t based on how college-friendly the area is, the restaurant scene, or the fun off-campus activities you can do. Trust us, the older you get the more you’ll want to branch off campus. You have to make sure it’s an area you’ll like.

2. They don’t factor in athletics

For some people, college sports are the be-all-end-all. Whether it’s football, basketball or hockey, there’s no denying that sports are a huge part of many college experiences. Although there are tons of great college sports teams, there’s a huge difference between an SEC football team and a D3 football team. But although something like that might be important to you, it’s not a huge factor in determining the “top schools.” For example, Harvard and Yale don’t have D1 sports teams, but they’re ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively on U.S. News. Sports can be a great way to feel school spirit, plus the tailgates that come along with them are pretty fun. You can’t get that from a rating!

3. They use selectivity as a measurement

Selectivity concerns how many students a university rejects in the admissions process. In USNR rankings, schools with higher selectivity are also ranked higher. The problem with this method is that certain schools may receive a lot of applications simply because they are well-known, like Ivy League colleges. That means that they also get to reject more students and inevitably end up with a higher ranking. By doing this, the more “prestigious” colleges have a greater chance of ranking high.

4. They don’t take into account what classes you’ll end up taking

You’ll usually find a list of the most frequent majors for each school, but that doesn’t take all of the classes into account. Some schools offer more classes than others, or classes that are more interesting to you specifically. Unless you have a very specific major or a major that is the most prevalent at a school, you might need to look beyond whatever rating a school received.

If a liberal arts school is ranked lower than a school that is more business focused, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice. In fact, it might rank lower for reasons totally unrelated to your major. Choose a school that will have the right courses for your interest. Check out a school’s website for a full list of majors, requirements and courses so you know exactly what your options are.

5. Spending money is heavily factored

This measurement favors the Ivy League and private institutions heavily because it basically just gives a higher rating to schools that spend more money. Plus, the amount of money doesn’t even have to go towards academics.

6. The social scene isn't considered

No matter how highly ranked a school is, there is simply no way to take into account what the nightlife is like. Sure, it may provide students’ opinions on it, but that doesn’t mean you’ll actually like it. Some schools are bigger party schools, some have a larger Greek life, and others are bar schools.

If you have a preference for a certain social scene, then the rating isn’t enough to go off of. The best way to ensure you’re picking the right social environment is to contact someone who goes to the school and ask them, or visit the school yourself. Some of the highest ranked schools have a pretty dismal social scene, so if that’s important to you, then you can’t just look at the numbers

7. They don’t take post-graduation success into consideration

So you know how the whole point of college is to end up with a career at the end? Well the USNR rankings don’t necessarily think that’s an important aspect to keep in mind. Their quantitative rating doesn’t factor in post-grad job rates or quality of education. Isn’t that the whole point though?

8. "Peer assessment" is part of the rating process

Although peer assessment may sound like something you’d want to include, it isn’t what you think it is. Instead of taking student commentary and opinion into account, peer review is actually referencing the reputation of a university. This measurement, which determines 22.5-25 percent of a university’s ranking, means that more renowned schools have the upper hand. Plus, the so-called “peer reviews” aren’t even from college students, they’re actually determined by college professors, provosts, admission directors and high school counselors. 

9. Living arrangements aren't included

Most often, rankings will tell you what type of living arrangement is most popular at a college. Whether it is freshmen-only on campus, four years of on-campus living or all off-campus housing, living situations are a crucial part of the college experience.

Plus, you don’t know what the dorms look like, or what the off-campus housing options are like. Or, what if you don’t want to live off campus? Remember, you’ll be living there, so it’s pretty important that you’ll actually enjoy wherever you end up. Classes only take up so many hours of the day, and chances are you’ll want a welcoming place to go home to.

Related: 7 Things That Shouldn’t Affect You College Decision

10. Extracurricular activities aren't factored in

One of the best things about college is the tons, and tons—and tons—of extra-curricular activities you have the option of joining. College is a great time to get involved in something that you love, or even gain some leadership experience. While most schools have plenty of options when it comes to extracurricular activities, not all of them will have everything you’re looking for. In fact, although Princeton is ranked No. 1 on US News’  Best Colleges of 2018, there is absolutely zero Greek life on campus. If that’s something you want during your college career, then it’s a huge turn off—even though it’s the top school!

No matter what the rankings of a given college are, it’s impossible to decide the next four years of your life based off of a number. Everyone has different preferences and ideals when it comes to college, so focus on your own. It’s okay to use websites like U.S. News to get a general idea of what a school is like, but don’t stop there. Check out other websites, like the Princeton Review, which uses surveys collected from actual college students, and do some of your own research too! Visit schools, talk to students and look at school websites. When you find the right one it will be because it’s right for you.

Kylie Jenner has understandably held back on how much she's shared about her new baby girl Stormi since her daughter was born a month ago. While we've seen Insta photos of Stormi's adorable hands and her bundled up in her mom's arms, along with Snapchats of her teeny toes, we haven't actually seen all that much of her — until now.

On Saturday afternoon, Kylie took to Snapchat to share what might just be the best glimpse we've gotten of Stormi yet — and truly, it couldn't be cuter.

"My pretty girl," Kylie captioned the adorable shot of Stormi all snuggled up with her purple pacifier. Despite only being exactly a month and two days old she already has Kylie's big, brown eyes and plenty of both of her parents' dark, thick hair.

While Kylie famously took a social media hiatus and stayed out the spotlight prior to Stormi's birth, it looks like this Sunday's Keeping Up With the Kardashians finale will bring even more deets on her pregnancy and new daughter. According to a teaser Kylie posted to Snapchat, we'll not only be seeing a pregnant Kylie and Khloe, but their older sister Kim's surrogate will also finally be revealed — making it a truly wonderful weekend for Kardashian baby news.

Ah, skincare— it’s super hard to stick to a routine, but we all want that clear, smooth skin we see on TV. So where can college girls find the balance? We talked to Dr. Kenneth Mark, a skin cancer and cosmetic dermatology expert, and collegiettes with experience to let you in on the skincare habits you can’t skip out on if you want flawless skin. Wash, rinse, repeat.

1. Take your makeup off before going to sleep

This may be something you hear all the time, but it’s so true! Sleeping in makeup causes dirt and residue to accumulate, leaving more room for problems. "It is essential to remove makeup, as by definition all makeup clogs pores," Dr. Mark says. "Over time the clogging of pores can and will cause blemishes, pimples and even cysts. At the minimum, it will cause unsightly dilated pores." None of that sounds fun!

Amanda Goecke, a junior at Carthage College, is trying to get into the habit of this. “Usually I'll come home at night and change into comfy clothes and become so tired that I don't even care that I'm going to bed in my makeup,” she says, “Sleeping in makeup isn't good!” She’s right; we all know the feeling of wanting to hop into bed with a full face of makeup on, but think twice. This could be where your issue lies.

2. Find products that work for you (and stick to them)

It may take some trial and error, but finding the right products for you is super important. "[The] most important would be a daily moisturizer with spf/sunscreen," Dr. Mark says. "Given stress and hormones that are also prevalent for collegians, it is a great idea to use a daily exfoliator even if it is just in your cleanser, such as Neutrogena acne wash which contains 2 percent salicylic acid. This exfoliates and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the formation of pimples."

Claire Biggerstaff, a sophomore at Davidson College and skincare goddess, says, “Consistency is key when taking care of your skin, and even if your routine is only two steps, you should do those everyday without fail.” If you have dry or irritable skin, you may need a lighter face wash. If you have oily skin, you’ll need to find products to accommodate that. Once you find products you love, there’s no turning back!

3. Drink a TON of water

Water is super important for your body and skin’s, health. "The skin is the largest organ in the body and as such its hydration is essential for optimum looks and performance," Dr. Mark says. No one wants dry or inflamed skin!

Lauryn Higgins, a first year graduate student at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, finds this to be the easiest way to keep her skin glowing. “Fill up a water bottle before each class, and make sure you drink it all before your next,” she says. “And when drinking on the weekends, make sure you drink as many glasses of water of alcohol that you have!” When you’re hydrated, your skin is happy.

Related: How to Revive Dull, Dreary Winter Skin

4. Use an exfoliant and toner

Wondering what products you should be incorporating into your routine? "Another benefit of exfoliating on a consistent basis is that over time, the superficial stripping of the top layers of the epidermis sends signals to the dermis to produce more collagen and thus help prevent fine lines and wrinkles," Dr. Mark says. "A toner helps prepare the skin like a canvas for the application of other skin products including makeup." Our skincare guru Claire agrees that a light exfoliant and toner are a must.

“It can help to slough off dead skin, prevent blackheads, and keeps your skin’s pH in balance,” she says. Sounds good to us!

5. Moisturize daily

Keeping moisture locked into your skin is crucial, especially during the winter months. "Especially for those with oily skin and/or combination skin, the right moisturizer can actually help balance out the oil glands and help treat their acne," Dr. Mark says. "I have almost all of my acne patients use a custom formulation of vitamin B, zinc and aloe." There’s nothing worse than dry, cracked skin you can’t seem to heal!

“I have dry skin, so I need to moisturize after showers and washing my face, otherwise my skin becomes really dry and tight,” says Amanda. “Some of my friends, however, don't moisturize at all, and I think they're missing out on some really great benefits of moisturizers.” These benefits include hydrating your skin, preventing flaking and dullness and creating a protective layer of moisture that lasts all day.

6. Try a sheet mask

You know those moods when you just want to apply a facemask and relax? Next time, try a sheet mask for the perfect pick-me-up! “There are so many kinds to choose from, with different ones made for basically any skin care concern you could ever think of,” Claire says. “Ulta and Sephora now carry several brands of them (woo!).” Online shopping, anyone?

7. Check out different routines

If you’re really looking to amp up your skincare routine, Claire suggests looking into the 10-step Korean skincare routine. “It’s absolutely amazing, and I recommend it to anyone (it’s not as intensive as it sounds, I promise),” she says. If you have the money to spend, this may be worth it.

Now that you’re cued in on that skincare habits you need to start immediately, you can do some more research to find out what products will work best for you. If you still feel lost, schedule a visit with a dermatologist. Most importantly, keep your skin clean and moisturized, and you’ll be glowing in no time!

Flirting, tanned skin, no responsibilities, a chance to finally sit back and relax: spring break is exactly what you’ve been waiting for after a strenuous semester! With spring break right around the corner, you’re probably anxious to leave your schoolwork behind for a little bit of fun in the sun, and, more importantly, an unrestricted sleep schedule. You’re probably also anxious to leave behind the myriad of love interests at your school who just really aren’t doing anything for you anymore.

You’re most likely at the point in the semester where meeting someone new would do you some good, and spring break may be the perfect time to search for some worthy prospects. The only problem is, you may not know where to look or how to approach them!

Have no fear, because Her Campus is here to help! Whether you’re taking an exotic trip with your best friends or you’re simply venturing back home for the week, here’s how you can make a spring break fling happen for you.

If you’re going home

If you’re going home for spring break this year, your romantic prospects may be looking a little bleak. Unless you want to hook up with an ex or have a casual fling with the person who sat behind you in math for three years in high school, it probably seems that you’ll have to spend your spring break flying solo.

But this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. There are probably tons of cuties from your hometown who’ll be home for spring break—you’ve just never met them!

Where to look

Going home for spring break has the potential for a casual fling, or even just some new flirtatious friendships, as long as you make the effort. While it may be tempting to spend your entire break raiding your fully stocked fridge, if you really put yourself out there and try something new, the potential for meeting some new candidates skyrockets.

If you’re super athletic but haven’t seen anyone worthy at your local gym, use spring break to try some new activities. See if there’s a fun exercise class or race happening nearby or even give rock climbing a try.

"I’d always wanted to do a mud run, so when I heard there was one in my hometown over spring break last year, I immediately signed up," says Caitlin, a sophomore at Gonzaga University. "There were a ton of hot guys there, and I even kept pace with this one really cute guy named Matt the whole time. We started talking a little bit before the race started, and he was really easy to talk to. I definitely had to run a little faster to keep up with him, but it was worth it because he gave me his number once we were done!"

If athletics aren’t really your thing, then there are plenty of other places you can go to meet some at-home hotties. Take a trip to your local community pool with your friends or hit up the beach if you happen to live within driving distance. Just because you’re not in an exotic location doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun!

There are bound to be other people from your high school who are home for break as well, and there may even be a party or two to go to. If you have a mini high school reunion with all your friends who are home for break, there’s a good chance that they’ll bring some of their new college friends with them.

"Last spring break I went to a party with a bunch of my old friends from high school and one of my best guy friends brought his roommate home with him," says Natalie, a sophomore at the University of Oregon. "I had seen Facebook pictures of him before and I thought he was super cute. I really wanted to talk to him, so I pulled my friend aside and asked if he’d casually introduce us. We ended up talking for a good majority of the party!"

How to approach them

Spring break is way too short to wait for the guy to approach you, so don’t be afraid to make the first move! Ask your friend to introduce you to her good-looking friend from college, or single out a cute guy and ask him to spot you while you climb the rock wall at your gym. You never know what kind of cute boys will be waiting for you when you decide to try something new!

It’s not a bad idea to figure out which of your friends are going to be home for the break. It’s an even better idea to find out which ones are bringing home cute friends with them. Your friends will definitely be your best assets when it comes to making a spring break fling happen, so don’t hesitate to ask them! If you let a friend know you might be interested in her cute friend, she’ll definitely pass along the message.

The best part about an at-home spring break fling is that if you two really hit it off, there’s a good chance you can turn your fling into the real thing once you go back home for the summer!

If you’re going on a trip

So you and your best girlfriends decided to take the plunge and hit up one of the popular spring break destinations for some week-long fun. When you pick a well-known spring break location, there’s bound to be a ton of people who are looking to have a good time, so finding someone cute to flirt with should be a piece of cake!

Where to look

The beach is one of the best places to search if your spring break destination happens to be warm and tropical. Whether you’re tanning during the day, going to a bonfire at night or taking a long stroll through the sand, there will always be something going on and plenty of new people to socialize with.

"I went on a trip to Cancun with all my friends last spring break, and there were a ton of people partying on the beach at all times," says Hannah, a junior at the University of Washington. "We would all wake up, immediately throw on our bathing suits, head down to the beach and usually stay there all day. That was definitely the place where everyone wanted to be. It was really fun!"

If you need a break from the beach, you can also look for local events happening in your area, like concerts or carnivals that you can attend. You’re bound to find a group of cuties who would be willing to tag along to an outdoor concert or accompany you on a fun day trip to a local tourist attraction. TripSmarter.Com is a great place to search for spring break concerts and activities as well as good restaurants and local hot spots!

Be on the lookout for people who are staying in your hotel as well. The place you’re staying at will probably be swarming with college kids who are all looking to have a good time, just like you. If you meet someone attractive in the elevator on the way down to the lobby, don’t be afraid to ask them if they know of anything cool going on later that night. They may have the inside scoop on which club is having the best dance party that night, and they might even invite you and your friends to accompany them and their friends!

Maybe warm beaches aren’t really your scene, so you’re heading to a prime ski destination, like Vail or Salt Lake City, for your week-long break. Sunscreen and beach volleyball won’t exactly work in this location when trying to get attention, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend your break skiing the slopes solo. Whether it’s a group of college snowboarders or a hot ski instructor you talk to, there’s plenty of potential for some flirty fun.

If you’re hitting the slopes, you may be able to find someone cute to help you navigate the bunny hill or give you a hand when you totally eat it on your snowboard.

How to approach them

While the atmosphere will most likely be incredibly social, you may still need an excuse to approach someone. Ask them to join your beach volleyball game or see if they can put some sunscreen on that one spot on your back that you can never seem to reach. When you’re on a spring break trip, you don’t even really need a legitimate excuse to approach someone, but it’s always nice to have one just in case!

"There were a ton of college students there [Cancun]," Hannah says. "It was pretty easy to meet guys. Everyone was very social and just looking to have a good time, so you really didn’t need an excuse to approach anyone. The guys were just looking to hook up and the girls were just looking to flirt. Everyone knows the drill, so there’s really no awkward introductions."

If you’re somewhere where the weather is a little more on the chilly side, then you and your friends can invite a group to take a late-night dip in the hotel’s hot tub with you, or scope out which ski instructor is the cutest and sign up for a lesson! Don’t be afraid to be a little flirtier than normal, because once the week is over you’ll probably never see these people again!

Related: A Step-by-Step Guide to Turning a Spring Break Fling into a Relationship

"I go skiing and snowboarding at Schweitzer [in Idaho] all the time with my friends, and there’s always a ton of hot snowboarders there," says Katie, a sophomore at Gonzaga University. "Last time I went, there was this guy who was doing some really cool moves that I hadn’t learned yet, so I just went up and asked him if he’d teach them to me. He was more than happy to show me because I think it just gave him an excuse to show off. We had a lot to talk about, though, because we both love to snowboard so much!"

If your skiing/snowboarding technique isn’t quite Winter Olympics status, don’t let that deter you from striking up a conversation. Maybe they won’t be able to teach you any insane snowboarding tricks, but you can always ask them to help you with the essentials, like how to stop or how to move five feet without face-planting in the snow.

Whether you’re at home or at an exotic location this spring break, there’s a ton of potential to meet some total hotties. Time to put yourself out there and perfect those flirting skills–make this spring break one that you’ll never forget! 

In today’s job market, the saying often goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Beyond a resume and cover letter, networking is a useful skill that can greatly affect your job search. According to a study by The Adler Group, 58 percent of candidates looking for jobs landed a position through an internal move or networking. Essentially, networking is all about talking to people.

Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, networking with potential employers and professional connections can be intimidating. And if you’re more introverted, networking might seem like your worst nightmare. But have no fear, reserved collegiettes! HC asked the experts and came up with networking tips specially tailored to those of us on the shy side.

Send a LinkedIn InMail

One great networking tool for all collegiettes is LinkedIn. Beyond being able to create a professional profile and search for job opportunities, you can also expand your digital social network. This is a particularly great first step for shy collegiettes to get their feet wet in the networking world because it’s all online.

According to Lesley Mitler, president of Priority Candidates, a career-coaching service for college students and recent grads, learning how to use LinkedIn can help collegiettes network better overall. “Connect with friends, family, past employers, high school colleagues and professors,” Mitler suggests. “You can even connect with alums through InMail.”

The majority of interactions on LinkedIn are via InMail, the messaging component of the website. For shy collegiettes, you may feel more comfortable initially interacting with alumni or potential employers from your school in the form of a written message. You can introduce yourself, explain your career goals and ask for their advice about a particular field or what they did to find jobs after graduation. This can get the conversation going so if you ever do meet one of these people in person, you’ll have an established connection, which can calm your nerves.

Want to contact an alumnus and don’t know what to say? First, start with a greeting such as, “Hi [alumni name]” and introduce yourself. It can be as simple as this:

“I’m a current student at [school] and I came across your profile. I’m graduating in [year] with a major in [blank], and I was wondering if you would be willing to give me some advice on [entering the work world/specifics about an industry/the job search]. I would really appreciate it!”

Then, provide your contact information, such as your phone number or an additional email address. Alumni tend to love helping other alumni, so a personal message can help you make those helpful connections!

Practice with friends or family

The best way to deal with your networking anxiety is to practice a lot! For shy collegiettes, the idea of small talk can be uncomfortable and awkward. But if you practice with people you’re comfortable with, you’ll feel more confident with strangers.

“Start by speaking with and connecting with people that you already know—family, friends, people you’ve worked with or for, and professors,” Mitler says. “It will give you experience with the networking process and hopefully build confidence.”

Your uncle who works for an advertising firm? Ask him what his favorite part of his job is at your next family gathering. Call your cousin who just got a job as an interior designer and ask if you can pick her brain. Or reconnect with that fellow intern from your internship last summer and ask about her future plans. The more you have these kinds of conversations, the better you’ll feel about initiating them in the future.

Beyond family and friends, internship bosses or mentors can be great people to help you practice networking. Erin Crabtree, a senior at Belmont University, says her mentor is the source of her networking success.

“I was very introverted when I began my first internship, which required me to network at parties with complete strangers,” Erin says. “[But] I had a fabulous mentor right beside me the whole time who guided me through it and taught me exactly how to connect with people.”

Your boss or mentor definitely has a ton of networking experience, so don’t be afraid to ask him or her questions or get suggestions for how to improve your own networking skills!

Improve your phone skills

Mitler also encourages shy collegiettes to get comfortable speaking on the phone. “Since many introductions will start with a phone conversation, it is important to be able to communicate clearly and enthusiastically over the phone,” Mitler says. “It’s a skill that many students, particularly those who are more reserved, are not as good at. [Practice] speaking on the phone and get comfortable with that form of communication.”

Veronica Burnett, a senior at Villanova University, says she became more comfortable talking on the phone through her internship. “I used to really hate talking on the phone [with strangers] because I just felt so awkward,” Veronica says. “But my internship required me to interview sources to write web articles, so I kind of had to just do it! I would write notes of questions or important things I [knew] I wanted to say, and after doing it a few times, I became much more comfortable.”

So instead of shooting your mom a text the next time you want to update her on your life, give her a call instead. Make sure you speak slowly and clearly, because these are techniques that can help you if you ever have to tell a potential employer about yourself over the phone. Plus, your mom will appreciate hearing about your day!

Take a public-speaking class

Most schools offer a public-speaking course, considering it’s an important skill for almost every major.  Even some of the most extroverted collegiettes don’t particularly like public speaking, so for those of us who are more introverted, public speaking is our worst nightmare. However, by taking a class, you can learn different techniques to decrease nervousness and effectively convey a message; these are two things that can be applied to networking situations.

Milter highly encourages reserved collegiettes take a public-speaking course to further build confidence. While networking is more one-on-one interaction versus speaking to a large group, applying public-speaking techniques to a networking conversation can keep you calm. Plus, if you can master your fear of speaking in front of a classroom of people, networking with one or two people will seem like a breeze.

“I actually had to take a public-speaking class for my major,” Veronica says. “I wasn’t thrilled to because I get so nervous public speaking, but my professor focused on ways to decrease anxiety in the beginning of a speech [when you’re most nervous]. She even taught us breathing techniques. I got so much better and felt awesome by the end of the semester!”

Check your course catalogue or talk to your academic adviser to find out more about these kinds of classes and when they’re offered. You’ll get over your fear of public speaking before you know it!

Do some research

So there’s a big career fair or networking event happening at your school that everyone is going to. While part of you wants to run and completely avoid a room full of strangers, preparing beforehand will make you feel more confident when you get there.

Career fairs or networking events will often publish what companies or employers will be attending, so it’s in your best interest to do some research before going. If you know a little bit about an organization before talking to an employer or recruiter, you’ll feel more confident in starting a conversation.

“Make sure you do your homework beforehand…be aware if there are any jobs posted in their organization that might be a fit for your background, skills or experience,” Mitler says.

By becoming familiar with the company, their values and possible opportunities, you’ll have a basis for conversation and questions. Check out a company’s website or look them up on LinkedIn. If you know a little bit about them, they’ll be interested in getting to know you!

Related: The Lazy Girl's Guide to Networking 

Come up with a personal statement or elevator pitch

One of the most basic networking small-talk topics is telling someone about yourself. While this may seem like an easy conversation starter, when put on the spot, you might not know where to start! By thinking about it beforehand, you can avoid that awkward moment when you can only tell the person your name because of nerves.

“Compose a personal mission statement to articulate what you are about [and] your skills and goals,” Mitler suggests. “It’s far more effective than repeating what they can read on your resume. It is a great way to tell your story.”

Think about what type of job you want, why you want to be in a certain industry or a story from a previous internship or campus club that you think exemplifies you as a potential employee. You have a lot to offer, so never be afraid of sharing that!

In one of her classes, Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at University of California, Los Angeles, found that expressing her interests helped her make a connection. “The professor brought in amazing speakers every week, and I told one of them (a TV show director) that I wanted to write for a magazine, and he immediately [put me in touch with] his friend, a contributor to a big-name magazine,” Iris says. “The only courage I had to employ was to follow up with him after class and send an email reminder. I learned that networking isn’t as daunting as it sounds! It’s actually more natural and organic than you think.”

Also, it’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street, so show some interest in the people you’re talking to! Ask them about themselves, how they got started and their favorite parts about their careers. You can even ask them advice on how you should go about the job search. Prepare a list of these kinds of potential questions to avoid lulls in the conversation; that way, you can feel confident you can keep the conversation going no matter what!

Networking can seem scary to any collegiette looking for a job or internship, particularly for those of us who are not the most outgoing. If you’re more on the reserved side, don’t shy away from networking! Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll feel confident in your connection-building skills in no time.

Best Oscar beauty looks of all time. [allure]

I let my cat choose my hair color. [Hello Giggles]

Beyonce is going vegan to prepare for Coachella. [Cosmopolitan]

A reusable tampon applicator. [Teen Vogue]

Red carpet secrets. [USA Today]

Why we should lower the voting age to 16. [The New York Times]

The youngest Oscar nominees. [PEOPLE]

How much do Uber and Lyft drivers make an hour? [Quartz]

Boozy Shamrock shake recipes. [Elite Daily]

The oddest landmarks in every U.S. state. [BuzzFeed]

While UGGs and leggings are one of our go-to weekday winter outfits, it turns out that there are tons of other ways to style our favorite furry boots. (And stay super warm and comfy doing it!) If you’re looking to step up your winter shoe game, consider coupling your UGG boots with something other than your favorite pair of yoga pants. Here are five fashion-forward ideas for styling your UGG boots.

1. Dress them up

Since UGGs are seen as casual shoes, consider going for a more chic look with the rest of your outfit. Try leather pants or a patterned maxi skirt. These nontraditional choices will look great paired with your UGG boots.

2. Add accessories

If you’re content wearing your UGGs with skinny or boyfriend jeans, play them up with legwarmers or knee socks. The added pop of color or fun pattern will take your UGGs from boring to boot-iful.

3. Play with color

Brighten up your neutral colored UGGs with a burst of color. Choose a pair of pants in a fun, solid hue like red or dark purple. Your outfit will add some cheer to even the grayest of days.

4. Layer, layer, layer

Contrary to popular belief, dresses can be worn with UGG boots. You just have to layer. Wear tights, socks, or tights and socks under a short (but warm) dress. Don’t forget to add a statement necklace!

5. Be you

Every collegiette has her own unique sense of style, so let yours shine through! If you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, chances are it looks good. So rock those UGGs however— and whenever—you want.

When it was announced that Ryan Seacrest was still going to do interviews on the red carpet at the Oscars, supporters of the Me Too movement, including the founder of the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke, were not pleased that Seacrest would be there on the red carpet, The Huffington Post reports.

“I feel like we should be celebrating the fact that people are finally paying attention to what we’ve been talking about for decades,” Burke told Variety on Saturday.

Addressing the Me Too movement at the Oscars and on the red carpet requires a lot of sensitivity and understanding, but it would be hard to accomplish that with someone like Seacrest on the red carpet.

Burke did not think it was fair for the women on the red carpet to feel obligated to state their position by either agreeing or declining to have an interview with Seacrest, Variety reports. “They really shouldn’t send him [to the Oscars],” Burke said of E!, the NBCUniversal network. “We shouldn’t have to make those choices of, ‘Do we or don’t we?'”

“This is not about his guilt or innocence,” Burke said. “It’s about there being an accusation that’s alive, and until they sort [it] out, it’s really on E! News and shouldn’t be on us. … It will let us know where they stand in terms of how respectful E! News is of this issue ― and of women.”

Seacrest, according to HuffPost, was accused by his former stylist for sexually harassing her over a period of seven years. The stylist, Suzie Hardy, said that she was fired in 2013 after reporting the allegations to the human resources department at E!, HuffPost reports.

Seacrest has denied the allegations, and E! said last week that they had conducted a third-party investigation and Secreast had been cleared of any wrongdoing, HuffPost reports.

But Seacrest was able to avoid any uncomfortable encounters on the red carpet, CNN reports.

While the E! News host did interview actresses such as Allison Janney, and Mary J. Blige, E! News did seem to rely more on hosts Kristin dos Santos and Giuliana Rancic.

When Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino arrived on the red carpet, dos Santos talked about their involvement in the Me Too movement, not Seacrest, CNN reports. The two actresses did stop on the red carpet for interviews with other news outlets, it appears that they were not interviewed by Seacrest.

Overall, Seacrest appeared to have an uneventful evening on the red carpet, but it was not considerate of the network to potentially put women in an awkward position, like Burke noted.

Celebrities have been using their fashion to make political statements, and tonight isn’t any different.

Stars were expected to wear pins on the red carpet to show support for gun control, Hollywood Reporter reports. The pins were from Michael Bloomberg’s gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety.

According to Time Magazine, Everytown for Gun Safety is an organization that raises awareness about gun violence prevention.

“Tonight, actors and allies will #WearOrange pins and ribbons on the #Oscars red carpet to bring awareness to gun violence prevention in the wake of the Parkland school shooting,” Everytown for Gun Safety wrote on Twitter.

“These orange pins and ribbons are worn in honor of the 96 Americans who are killed every day by gun violence and the hundreds more who are wounded — and to demand action,” Everytown for Gun Safety told Fox News via email.

“They’re a reminder that there is more we all can and should do now to prevent future acts of gun violence,” the group added.

According to Fox News, the organization chose the color orange in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, an honor student shot and killed on a playground in Chicago.

“Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s childhood friends decided to commemorate her life by wearing orange,” Everytown said. “They chose the color because hunters wear orange in the woods to protect themselves and others.”

Several actors and filmmakers were on board with the movement, including actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, who donned an orange pin on the red carpet.

As E! News reported, numerous actors have become supporters of the organization, including Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, who voiced their support after the Las Vegas shooting.  Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd have all been featured in PSAs for the organization. Following the Parkland shooting, George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg all donated $500,000 to the March for Our Lives, which will take place on March 24 in Washington D.C.

Everytown for Gun Safety said it was glad that stars were using their platforms to support their cause.

“Americans need gun safety measures enacted immediately to save lives,” the group said. “Everytown is deeply grateful to all members of the creative community who have been and are continuing to use their platforms to spotlight this uniquely American crisis and to honor those affected by gun violence.”

2018 Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel did not shy from addressing the most important topics of the night: sexual harassment in Hollywood and gender and racial inequality.

In his opening monologue, Kimmel kicked off the show by discussing Me Too, Time’s Up, Harvey Weinstein and how Hollywood has taken steps to try to change its culture, ABC News reports.

“The Academy, as you know, took lengths to expel Harvey Weinstein from their ranks,” he said. “What happened with Harvey and what's happening all over is long overdue ... if we can work together to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.”

“If we can do that, women will only have to deal with that every other place they go,” Kimmel joked.

Dozens of women accused Weinstein last year of sexual misconduct, including harassment and rape, PEOPLE Magazine reports.  

Kimmel said that he wanted to keep the night positive, and focus on the successes in the industry, including celebrating best director nominees Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele, ABC News reports.

“Ceilings have been shattered,” Kimmel said, mentioning Gerwig and Peele. “Our plan is to shine a light on a group of outstanding and inspiring films, each and every one of which got crushed by “Black Panther” this weekend.”

The Oscars host also noted Gerwig’s nomination for best director was monumental considering she is a woman, but mentioned the fact there is still a long way to go to bring about more equality for women, ABC News reports.

“Only 11 percent of movies are directed by women,” Kimmel added, and also mentioned that equal pay still has yet to be achieved.

Kimmel mentioned how he was glad to see Black Panther and Wonder Woman become such successful films.

“I remember a time when studios didn't believe that a woman or a minority” could headline a superhero film, Kimmel said. “And I remember that time because it was March of last year.”

The host also joked about the best picture mishap from last year’s Oscars ceremony, when “La La Land” as best picture instead of the actual winner, “Moonlight,” ABC News reports.

"This year when you hear your named called, don't get up right away," he joked.

Kimmel also told the nominees that if they were to win and give a speech to make sure to speak from the heart and to use that moment and their platform to talk about something that is important to them. But, according to ABC News, he also told the audience that if they kept their speeches short, they could win a special prize: a jet ski.

“Why waste precious time thanking your mom when you could take her” on the ride of her life on the jet ski, Kimmel told the audience.

It was perhaps the best event of the night. 2018 Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel told the audience that they should thank moviegoers for supporting all of the work that they were celebrating at the Oscars. When the audience applauded, Kimmel told them that they should really thank them, and suggested that a group of stars accompany him to a theater next door to surprise a group of moviegoers, ABC News reports.  

“I don't think you fully understand, I don't want us to just clap [for the moviegoer],” he said, and revealed his plan.

"Let's head over there right now," Kimmel said, leading the group to the theater.

Lupita Nyong’o, Margot Robbie, Gal Gadot, Mark Hamill, and Guillermo del Toro were some of the stars that accompanied Kimmel over to the TCL Chinese Theater to surprise the group of moviegoers watching an early screening of A Wrinkle in Time, Vanity Fair reports.

According to Vanity Fair, at last year’s Oscars, Kimmel brought a tour group to the front row during the show to meet some A-listers.

When Kimmel and his group reached the movie theater, they walked in and greeted the audience with snacks, including candy, a six-foot sub and a cannon that shot out hotdogs, ABC News reports.

Kimmel then broke the news to the audience that they were live on the Oscars.

“This is so much better than the Oscars,” Gadot yelled.

Kimmel thanked the audience for attending the movies, and even got the entire audience of stars at the Oscars to thank the moviegoers.

The Oscars host then grabbed one lucky moviegoers, who was named Mike, and let him introduce the next presenters, Tiffany Haddish and Maya Rudolph, ABC News reports.

Honestly, I’m a little jealous, and am totally wishing I was in that movie theater. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get free snacks from some of your favorite celebrities?

Frolicking at the beach or spending hours in the pool definitely amounts to our idea of a good spring break. However, ruining a freshly painted manicure is not. Keep reading for a few tips on how to keep your nails looking good all week long, without having to worry about taking the time to completely repaint them.

1. Use gel polish

Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel ($9.99) polish only takes two steps—the color and a topcoat—and doesn't require a light! It's extremely durable for up to 14 days of color and shine. The best part is that removal is simple—just soak your nails and it comes right off!

2. Keep nails short

This doesn't mean you have to cut your nails to nubs, but cutting them a bit shorter than usual may help with chipping. The longer they are, the bigger the chance that the tips get hit, scraped or bumped.

3. Prep with a base coat

If you decide not to use gel polish then be sure to apply a base coat to your nails before applying color. Base coats help with chipping, eliminates streaking and ridges and prevents dark polishes from staining your nails.

Related: 8 Nail Polish Colors Every Collegiette Should Own

4. Seal with a top coat

Another way to prevent chipping is to apply a clear top coat after your colored polish has dried. It also makes the nail shiny and smooth and protects the polish from fading. This will definitely be a problem when you're out in the sun all day during spring break, so be proactive and protect your mani! Seche Vite ($4.69) is a really great top coat that dries in seconds.

5. Fix chipped nail polish

If the chips have jagged edges, take a nail buffer and smooth them out. Using a toothpick, lightly fill in the areas where the polish has come off. After the spots dry, paint a thin layer of polish over the whole nail and then apply a topcoat.

6. Prevent chipping daily

In order to prevent chipping, apply a thick line of top coat to the very tips of your nails. Be sure to pack top coat when you leave for spring break so you can take this preventative measure every day!

With all the activity that comes with spring break—beach volleyball, making sand castles and tons of other outdoor activities, your nails are going to be exposed to even more things that'll cause them to chip. Fortunately, with these tips, you can both prevent that from happening and fix the problem when it does! Here's to a chip-free spring break this year, collegiettes!