When going through a dry spell, recovering from a recent breakup or successfully maintaining your perpetually single lifestyle, it can seem like the entire world suddenly cares about your love life. Everyone from long-lost friends from high school to old neighbors and family friends whom you haven’t seen in a while all seem to ask the same dreaded question: “Are you seeing anyone?”

They don’t mean any harm; they’re just trying to ask you about your life. But when you’re so used to hearing this question and so annoyed of saying no, sometimes it’s fun to switch up your responses. Here are 21 different ways to respond to those curious minds.

1. “Yes, I’m actually seeing three different people right now…on different continents. I’m really good at multitasking and communicating.”

2. Walk away.

3. Burst into tears and babble hysterically until he or she apologizes: “I thought you knew…he was in the gross anatomy lab…my friend called me asking for my favorite pizza topping…he was with cadavers all day…she never knew I hated pepperoni…and then there was the snake tattoo on his arm…”

4. “I’m going to Rome for a year and I don’t want to be tied down when I’m surrounded by all those Italian men who are just dying to bring me home to their mothers and feed me homemade pasta.”

5. “I’m definitely in a relationship with Barefoot Moscato. Does that count?”

6. “I’m joining a convent. I’m really looking forward to taking that vow of chastity.”

Related: 20 Thoughts We Have After Being Single For Way Too Long

7. “I’m on a boycott. You know, a boy-cott.”

8. “No…but someone proposed to me at a bar last week. Does that count?”

9. “Have you heard of this ‘hook-up culture?’ I think I’m a lifetime member.”

10. “I’m in love with myself. Isn’t that enough?”

11. “Not exactly…I just joined a cult where we don’t believe in any sort of lasting, committed relationships. We just use one another to keep the population populated.”

12. “I see people all the time. I’m seeing you right now!”

13. “Actually, I’ve found paper folding and basket weaving to be a better use of my time. Those are two of my new favorite hobbies, you know, since I’m single.”

14. “Well, I’ve started training my dog for the circus, so that takes up a considerable amount of time.”

15. Pull him or her aside and whisper, “Did my mother tell you to ask me that?!”

16. “Ughhh, I only ever match with weird guys on Tinder!”

17. “I’ll be honest. I am ‘on the prowl,’ but guys just don’t seem to be picking up what I’m putting down.”

18. “Yes, and he’s already got two kids of his own, so you’ll get those grandchildren you’ve been waiting for!”

19. “My dog fulfills my need for companionship. So do my cats…and my guinea pig.”

20. “Have you seen the majority of the male population lately?!”

21. Point to a random guy and say, “Him. We just don’t like to interact in public settings.”

An exotic zoo...in a Florida jail. [Narratively]

A wish list for college presidents. [The Huffington Post]

Exercise seems to influence when and how much we drink. [Newser]

Why it sucks being a woman in comedy. [Vice]

Netflix is doing better than TV. [Wired]

Everything you need to know about the 2016 FAFSA. [NerdWallet]

5 cocktails for people who hate the taste of alcohol. [Spoon University]

In what season do men find women most attractive? [YourTango]

The most popular U.S. TV shows around the world. [Vulture]

One trick to keeping the passion alive in a long relationship. [Cosmopolitan]

Kylie Jenner, known for those pouty lips, recently released a lip color collection that she had been teasing for a couple of months now. Within seconds, the website crashed due to the sheer volume of shoppers trying to get their hands on Kylie's coveted line. Weren't able to get one of the lip kits (and don't have the $10,000 to score a kit on eBay)? Here are our list of lip products to get that will give you that Kylie-inspired color.

From left to right, the colors are Dolce K, Candy K, and TrueBrown K.

For Dolce K, Try:

Teeny Tiny Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lip ($6)

This matte shade will give you that pouty look without the (now-hefty) price tag! This long-wear color applies smoothly and won't require frequent touch-ups.

For Candy K, Try:

Bahama NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($26)

Part lipstick, part liner, this is the ultimate way to get Kylie lips! Overtrace the edges of your lips to give them a plumper look before filling them in. Not only is this shade rich and highly-pigmented, it's also infused with good-for-you ingredients like Vitamin E.

For TrueBrown K, Try:

Birkin Brown Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution ($32)

Charlotte Tilbury is a celeb fave, and her high end products make it clear why. Not only is this lipstick beautifully packaged, it looks so good on, too. Using Lipstick Tree and Orchid extracts, this product softens, smoothes and hydrates the lips while keeping your pout looking totally gorgeous.

Winter weather is rolling around, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for warm winter boots! There's something so comforting about sliding into a pair of cozy, weather-proof boots in cold weater, so we've put together a list of the warmest winter boots—all under $150.

1. SOREL Snow Angel Lace Boots ($100 at Zappos)

These boots—made especially for those colder days—can really be worn with anything. We'd say they're a must have!

2. Ivanka Trump 'Gentry' Lace-Up Boot ($141.90 at Nordstrom)

For those fashionistas who want to go the winter couture route, these boots are definitely a go-to staple for winter. 

3. Sole Society 'Lanee' Tall Boot ($139.95 at Nordstrom) 

Knee-high shearling suede boots... need we say more?

4. BEARPAW Carrie Cold Weather Buckle Boots ($99.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods)

For those who want to add a little edge and flare to their winter attire while remaining warm, these boots are definitely a great seasonal steal. 

5. Naturalizer Maddox Cold Weather Boots ($69.99 at 6pm.com)

These fur-lined buckled boots will be the perfect touch to any winter outfit you have in store. 

6. Report Yurick Boots ($69 at Zappos)

These winter booties will keep your feet warm and take winter chic to a whole new level. 

7. Tommy Hilfiger Dark Chestnut Nola Boot ($69.99 at Zulily)

We love these Tommy Hilfiger boots—winter has truly never looked so good. 

So, collegiettes, which boots will make a dent in your wallet this winter? 

While cooking meals in your dorm or apartment can be a great way to stay healthy and save money, as busy collegiettes with heavy course loads, extracurriculars and social lives, it can be tough to find time to spend in the kitchen. With this list of easy recipes that use no more than three ingredients, you can effortlessly and inexpensively whip up some healthy and tasty snacks!

1.  Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Made with bananas, oats and no added sugar, this chocolate chip oatmeal cookie recipe from The Burlap Bag is quick and guilt-free!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 
2. Spray a non-stick cookie sheet with cooking spray.
3. Combine the mashed bananas and oats in a bowl.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips and place a tablespoon of each on the cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.

2. Oat and Date Bars

Cooking couldn’t get easier than this no-bake oat and date bar recipe from Colorful Canary. With its only two ingredients being oats and dates, this recipe provides a tasty, nutritious and high-fiber snack option.

Ingredients:

• Medjool dates 
• Oats 

Instructions:

1. Pulsate water and dates in a food processor until a thick, smooth paste forms.  It should be the consistency of a thick jam.  
2. Add the oats; pulsate until blended.
3. Press into the bottom of a glass pan to about 1/2" thickness and chill.
4. Once chilled and firm, cut and serve.

3.  Banana Pancakes

It’s sometimes hard to set aside enough time to work a healthy breakfast into a hectic schedule, so this three-ingredient banana pancake recipe from Eugenie Kitchen is the perfect choice for the busy, health-conscious collegiette. The combination of eggs and bananas provides protein and potassium to kick-start your day!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ large bananas
• 2 eggs
• 1/8 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Crack the two eggs into a bowl and whisk together.
2. In a separate bowl, mash the banana with a fork or masher, but do not over-mash as this will cause your pancakes to not be fluffy. Be sure to use enough egg to hold the mashed banana together, but make sure that you don’t use too much banana, or else the pancake will not hold.
3. Combine both bowls of ingredients together and stir.
4. Cook in a pan over medium-low heat, using only about one to two tablespoons of batter for each.
5. Once bubbles begin to form, flip the pancake over and allow it to cook for an additional minute.

4.  Oat Pancakes

While the natural sugars in the bananas add sweetness to the previous recipe, pancake lovers who prefer savory to sweet can go with this sugar-free, two ingredient pancake recipe from Run Eat Repeat, which uses only oats and eggs. For extra flavor, protein and healthy fats, you can also use your favorite nut butter as a topping!

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 packet of instant oatmeal
• Optional: banana for topping!

Instructions:

1. Whip up the egg and stir with the packet of oatmeal.
2. Spread the mixture onto a hot, oiled pan.
3. Wait to flip until the first side has set.

5.  Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

This chocolate chia pudding from Babble is a healthy, vegan dessert option for chocolate lovers.  The incorporation of chia seeds not only adds texture but also fiber, protein, minerals and omega fatty acids. You can find chia seeds at health foods stores like Whole Foods, and maybe even at your local supermarket.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soy milk (vanilla)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1 tsp cacao powder

Instructions:

1. Briskly stir the seeds, cacao powder and soy milk for a few minutes until the seeds begin to plump.
2. Alternate, easy (no-stir) version: Place all ingredients in a blender and allow to mix on the lowest setting possible (ultra-low) for a few minutes until thickened.

3. Place in fridge to chill.
4. Serve with fresh fruit.

6.  Peanut Butter Cookies

Another easy cookie recipe is Better Recipes’ peanut butter cookie recipe.  The peanut butter and egg base is a good source of protein, and since the recipe’s other ingredient is sugar, an option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake is to substitute regular sugar for a zero-calorie option such as Stevia, Truvia or Splenda.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Combine peanut butter, sugar and egg.  
2. Refrigerate at least one hour or until firm.  
3. Roll into 1-inch balls and press down with a fork, making crosshatch marks.  
4. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

7.  Sugar-Free Raspberry Yogurt Pie

This light, fluffy, low-calorie dessert option from Kalyn’s Kitchen requires only a microwave and two ingredients. Greek yogurt is rich in protein, calcium and potassium, so this dessert can help power you through a late-night study session.

Ingredients:

• 32 oz. plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
• Sugar-free raspberry Jell-O (or use any flavor you like)

Instructions:

1. In a large, microwave-proof bowl, mix together the yogurt and sugar-free Jell-O powder until it's all combined. 
2. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir several times, then microwave 1 minute more. 
4. Pour the heated yogurt mixture into a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie plate that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. 
5. Refrigerate three hours or until set, then cut and serve with a dollop of sugar-free nonfat whipped topping if desired.

8. Tomato and Avocado Sandwich

While you may think the best sandwiches contain several ingredients, by picking only two ingredients that complement each other, such as tomatoes and avocado in this recipe from Saveur, you can create a tasty and nutritious vegetarian lunch or dinner option that serves as an excellent source of vitamin C and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of seven-grain bread
• ½ avocado, peeled and sliced
• 3 tomato slices

Instructions:

1. Top one slice of bread with tomato and avocado.
2. Top with the other slice of bread.

9. Bun-less Turkey Burger

Turkey burgers are leaner than regular beef burgers but still pack in a lot of protein. By eliminating the bun, you avoid refined carbohydrates that are essentially empty calories because they contain sugar but no other nutrients to really fill you up.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen turkey burger patty, such as Jennie-O Turkey Burgers
• 2-3 slices of tomato
• 1 lettuce cup

Instructions:

1. Prepare turkey burger according to package instructions.
2. Place tomato slices on top of cooked burger and wrap in lettuce.
3. Top with ketchup, mustard or other condiments of your choice.

While cutting down the number of required ingredients will make a recipe quick and easy, there are other ways to speed up the mealtime process, like making microwavable meals. For more simple meal ideas, check out these 7 easy meals to make in your apartment!

Are you in desperate need of primer but haven’t received your paycheck for the month? Did this semester’s textbooks keep you from indulging in your favorite acne cleanser? Are you new to makeup and don’t know where to start? We've asked professional makeup artists to share the budget-friendly products they love, in order to give you a go-to guide to affordable and accessible products that work.

1. INGLOT Liquid Eyeliner in Color 25 ($12, Macy's)

Need an easy way to apply liquid eyeliner without losing precision while creating winged tips? Look no further than this eyeliner. Maile Pacheco, makeup artist and founder of beGlammed, says that this eyeliner is a must. "INGLOT Black Liquid Eyeliner is [great] for creating a perfect cat eye. The applicator is a great tool to create that pointed winged liner, so no brush needed.” Pacheco is basically saving our wallets right now—the fewer tools needed, the better!  

Need another reason to get your butt to Macy’s? INGLOT doesn’t smudge, and even though the applicator allows for high precision, you don’t have to compromise solid color! Oh, and did we forget to mention that it’s quick-drying?

2.  Bioderma Sensibio H20 ($6.95, Beautylish.com)

Some makeup removers leave your skin feeling dehydrated and irritated—but not this one. According to Pacheco, “Bioderma Sensibio H20 micellar water cleanser is all the rage amongst professional makeup artists and models worldwide. This amazing remover contains clusters of cleansing molecules that break down and dissolve impurities and [refresh] your skin, leaving you with brightened, smooth skin.”

Best of all, Bioderma has products made for practically any skin type, be it dry, oily, or just ultra-sensitive (though prices may vary on specific product type). 

3. Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector Concealer ($4.94 at Walmart)

In college, it's basically the norm to be awake during the most ungodly hours of the night to finish an essay or problem set. In turn, getting ready the next morning can feel impossible, thanks to stubborn dark circles! We know you work hard, so here’s a product that will work hard for you. Say hello to a fresh face without a bulky price tag.

Brittany Lo, makeup artist and founder of NYC beauty service Beautini, shares her go-to product to hide the effects of sleep deprivation: Maybelline's Cover Stick Corrector Concealer. “It's a slightly thicker consistency than most concealers, so it's perfect for when you need [to] pull an all-nighter or [when you] have early morning classes! The key is to get a shade lighter than your skin tone so it not only covers but brightens your under-eyes!” This is surely a must-have for busy collegiettes, and you can get it from your closest drugstore!

4. L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Pro Extra Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner ($9.49, Walgreens)

Looking for an intense eyeliner without the intense price? Paula Heckenast, a Chicago-based makeup artist whose past corporate clients include Smashbox, Disney and CoverGirl, talked to us about a few products she finds just as effective as they are accessible. “L'Oréal has an intense eyeliner pencil that’s great for blending. And you can get it from Walgreens,” says Heckenast. This specific liner promises the precision you want for smooth lines, but can also be smudged for a smokier look. Talk about versatility!

5. e.l.f. Eyeshadow Primer ($3, elfcosmetics.com)

We all want to get the most out of our eyeshadow without paying an arm and a leg. Luckily, your search for the best affordable primer is about to end. Heckenast’s recommendation? e.l.f.’s Eyeshadow Primer. It’s cost-efficient and gives your shadow long-lasting color, while simultaneously preventing creases and moisturizing your eyelids. This product also boasts being without parabens, preservatives and chemical dyes. Not too shabby for a $3 buy!

6. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Super Slim Liner ($8.99, Walgreens)

If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses, meet your new favorite (and reasonable priced) opthamologist-tested eyeliner.

Margina Dennis, an artist whose work has been seen on celebrities such as Lea Michele and Jane Lynch, recommends L'Oréal Infallible Super Slim Liner for price-conscious collegiettes. "This precision felt tip applicator gives you a lot of control so you can [apply a] thin or thick line. The color is a rich black and it doesn't budge once it's dry. You will want to use waterproof makeup remover to take it off!”

7. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow ($6.99, Walgreens)

For all of the collegiettes out there who collect vibrant shades of shadow, get your hands on this product stat. It lasts for 24 hours (that is, if you ever needed to keep it on that long) and maintains a striking color without creasing at the eyelids.

“This is in a lot of pros’ kits and can be used [alone] as a shadow or shadow base,” says Dennis. “And you can mix the colors together and customize them. I also use them as liner colors, or as a base for a colored smoky eye. They come in matte, metallic, and shimmery shades that are long-wearing.”

Just another heads-up: this product is also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lenses wearers. So where has it been all our lives? Oh, right—the nearest drugstore.

8. NYX Eyeshadow Collections ($4.49, ULTA)

NYX is one of the more affordable brands commonly used by makeup artists, and for good reason. With NYX, you have a wide variety of options for quality neutral shadows and gorgeous, vibrant hues. So whether you lean towards natural tones or glittery products, you’ll find your match with NYX’s Eyeshadow Collections.

"Prismatic, Hot Singles, Nude Matte and Glam—you will probably see these shadows in more pros kits because they now offer a pan only version that will easily fit into a Z Palette," says Dennis. "I have some of the bright colors in my kit as an affordable option because I don't use brights that [often]. They will [also] work on all different skin tones.” Works for us!

9. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream ($5.99, ULTA) 

There's one thing nearly every collegiette wants in a lip product: durability. And while lip balms promise to last, they can't always cut it when you want vibrant colors. Thinking about changing up your lip regimen? Try out NYX’s Soft Matte Lip Cream.

“This long-lasting liquid lipstick comes in a wide range of colors including nudes, fun colors, reds, browns—you name it. Make sure you have those lips exfoliated and moisturized before applying so that you get the best finish," says Dennis. "Overall, [it’s a] favorite for bridal artists or those wanting [long-lasting] wear.” 

10. Sonia Kashuk Brushes ($3.99 to $39.99, Target)

If you’re ever in need of a new makeup brush, Sonia Kashuk has exactly what you’re looking for. Face it—who wants to drop $40 on single brush when you can get a set of ten for the same price? And even if you aren't ready to commit to a set, you're in luck. This Target brand has some great brush finds, starting at $3.99 (i.e. this blending brush).

According to Dennis, “These brushes not only look good [but] also perform well and easy on the eyes and face. Sonia Kashuk is a makeup artist who thinks about not only the consumers but also fellow artists. Her brushes are one of the things that sell out quick in store, especially the limited edition collections.”

So if you’re looking for brushes that are easy on your face and available at your closest Target store, you better act fast.

11. Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color SPF 16 ($9.99, Target)

The issue: You like vibrant lipsticks, but you also like keeping your lips safe under the sun.

The solution: Sonia Kashuk’s Satin Luxe Lip Color SPF 16.

“Creamy, bold rich color, and non-drying,” remarks Dennis, describing the sticks. “These lip colors not only have SPF protection (which is hard to find in lipcolors these days), [but] they are paraben free. Nice packaging too, which [looks] and feels luxurious.”

The sun may be able to kiss you, but now you can kiss it back.

12. L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Glossy Lip Balm ($6.97, Walmart)

Lipstick can be a pain to put on (and a hassle to keep off your teeth), and lip gloss gets continuously stuck to your hair. That's why, if you're aiming for a product without any annoyances, you should try L'Oréal Colour Riche Lip Balm.

“This is a gloss that is long wearing that doesn't dry out the lips. Artist[s] love it because [it] look[s] like a hybrid between a lip stain and a gloss and give[s] that fresh look. As the gloss wears away you are left with a stain of color on the lips,” says Dennis. 

13. Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara ($7.94, Walgreens)

Do you like versatile products that won’t bulk up your makeup bag? Do you advocate for time-saving beauty regimens? Are you looking for a new eyebrow mascara that doesn’t clump? Consider Maybelline’s brow mascara, which keeps your eyebrows in place throughout the day while simultaneously giving them a dramatic look.

“Pros love products that do a multitude of things at once because they are time savers for us.  Available in four colors this mousse-like gel not only keeps your brows where you want them all day, but it also tints them and fills them in,” says Dennis.

Brb, we're off to Walgreens to brows.

14. e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit ($3, Walgreens)

When it comes to patchy or out-of-control brows, many turn to brow pencils to give them an arch or fill in space. But if you’re looking to shape and sculpt your brows more efficiently, consider e.l.f.’s Studio Eyebrow Kit.  

“[It comes with a] tinted wax and along with a setting powder that keeps everything in place,” says Dennis. “[The kit also] comes in three flattering colors that work with most hair colors.  And a bonus is that it comes with a doubled sided brush to that you can get a precise brow look.”

After trying this product out, you might ditch the eyebrow pencil for good!

Related: 5 Beauty Products That Are Worth the Splurge

15. NYX HD Finishing Powder ($9.99, ULTA)

Stephanie Johnson, a Dallas-based makeup artist, hairstylist, and cosmetology educator, offers us some of her go-tos. And as a part-time photographer, you can bet she knows how to get your face looking photo- (or selfie-) ready!

On her list? this powder, which reduces the appearance of creases and pores on your skin, giving your face a smoothed-over, matte finish.

"[NYX's] HD Powder is a great finish and set powder that floats on the skin, creating a more smooth and unified appearance. This is a favorite on photoshoots as it photographs beautifully,”  she says. So the the next time you’re prepping for a photo-filled event, look no further!

16. NYX Loose Pearl Eye Shadows ($1.49, ULTA)

If you’re the playful one who rocks the zany colors, you can now do it at a lower price. These shadows give you long-wearing tones that will make your eyes pop.

“The NYX loose [pearl] pigments are a lot of fun to play with, and super pigmented,” says Johnson. “A sure-fire favorite for the really creative gal who likes to make art out of her eyes.”

And yes, you read that correctly—one shade is $1.49. Since that's literally less than the price of a tall cup of Starbs coffee, you don't have an excuse to not stock up. Better yet, you have thirty shades to choose from.

17. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick ($6.99, ULTA)

“The new lip suedes by NYX are amazing," says Johnson. "They're true to tone and have fun colors that the younger ladies are going nuts for. This is a new favorite in the whole kit for me,” she adds.

The lip suedes are also waterproof, so there’s no need to worry about wear due to rain (or, for the lucky ladies, a day by the pool).

18. Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush ($11.99, CVS) 

Physician’s Formula’s Happy Booster Blush gives your complexion a warm glow, and on days when you’re feeling especially bogged down, applying this blush will give you a pop of color that just might boost your mood!

“Something I'm using on my own face, daily, that I'm crazy about is the Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush. It's a great daily blush with a soft finish," says Johnson.

So what are you waiting for? Look radiant and get happy, collegiettes!

19. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($7, ULTA) 

Winter is coming, and with it an onslaught of dry, flaky skin. So when choosing a moisturizer to carry in your seasonal bag, try the Mario Badescu Facial Spray.  

“This is a great thing to keep in your bag. It's a light [moisturizer] that can set makeup and give a dewy finish (or soften that crazy powder) or just give your skin a little refresh throughout the day,” suggests Johnson. “If you're a natural girl, you can spritz to keep your skin refreshed. [It’s] also great to help parched winter skin, through travel, or sitting in rooms with artificial heat all day long.”

20. L’Oréal Double Extend Lash Extension Effect Mascara ($10.99, CVS)

“This product makes the lashes [appear] long and thick," says two-time Emmy nominated celebrity makeup artist DeeDee Marcelli. "It's unique because on one end of the product it has a primer to coat each lash and once it dries you follow up with a creamy mascara formula on the other end. The combination of both gives your lashes the best look possible. I use it all the time on my celebrity clients and they love it!”

This is slightly different from your typical single-brush mascara, in that it comes with a base coat and top coat. The base coat functions to to protect your lashes, and the topcoat provides the desired, dramatic length. So are you willing to take an extra step for extra long (and inexpensive) lashes? We sure are!

21. Ardell Fashion Lashes ($4.99, CVS)

Molly Leahy, a bridal hair and makeup artist at Blushing Brides (a Boston-based boutique offering hair, makeup, and nail services), recommends these falsies when you're feeling daring.

These lashes are “Certainly not something for everyone or every day, but if you are going out at night then it's super easy to do your normal makeup routine and add some false lashes for a more dramatic nighttime look,” she says. And since everyone has different preferences, Leahy offers up an extra money-saving tip: “If you don't want full strips then cut the strip in half and use both pieces as two sets of lashes instead! Not only is it more subtle and easier to apply but you just doubled your investment as well.”

Dramatic look + drugstore availability + two “sets” for one price = a must-have.

22. L'Oréal True Match Foundation and Concealer ($10.99 and $8.99, CVS)

You’re at CVS, casually glazing your eyes over the variety of foundation and concealer products, as thoughts of “Which one? Which one? Which one?” play on a loop in your flustered brain. Girl, we've got you! Try L'Oréal True Match.

“There is literally every shade and tone available for every skin type, so you will never be at a loss to find your perfect color," says Leahy. "The liquid is super blendable and the concealer actually has great coverage!" Bonus tip: "If you want to go really crazy, you could get two extra concealers in darker and lighter shades for liquid contour and highlighting.”

23. e.l.f. Lash and Brow Mascara ($2, Target)

“You can't really get much more inexpensive than e.l.f. with most items being as low as $3,” says Leahy. “That being said, some of their products are truly awesome! Their brow compact comes with a gel and powder that can double as brow fillers or eyeshadow.”

This gel works wonders by conditioning your lashes for a healthy look, and it's long-wearing to boot!

24. CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm ($8.99, CVS)  

This vibrant product gives your lips what you want, while treating your skin with what it needs: bold color and moisture!

“I live for these!” says Leahy. “They moisturize your lips and give a really beautiful soft color that wears off naturally.” 

25. BH Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palettes ($12 to $30, BHCosmetics.com)

If nearby stores don’t carry the eyeshadow palettes you need, you’ll probably look online. Need somewhere to start? Try bhcosmetics.com for lower-priced deals on diverse palettes!

“This is a website that is literally my Mecca for great, inexpensive, quality makeup products," says Leahy. "You can get a 120 [color] eyeshadow palette for $20, contour kits for $10 and to top it off they have CRAZY cyber Monday sales that you won't want to miss if you're looking to stock up. This is [also] a great place to get a makeup brush set for way less!”

With large color palettes comes great potential. Can you imagine all the effects you can achieve with one of these beauties? Let your creative wings soar with tools from this budget-friendly website.

26. Maybelline Lasting Drama Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner ($7.94, Walmart)

St. Louis-based makeup artist Emily Miller uses this Maybelline product on her clients all the time, noting that the 24 hour long-wear promise is actually accurate. “I put it on in the morning, didn’t take it off that evening to test it out and it was still on the following morning,” says Miller.

“I have tons of brushes... and I can honestly say the brush [this product] comes with is one of my favorites," she adds. "The color choices are great, the liner dries and doesn’t flake and doesn’t hit the upper lid if you have hooded eyes. The formula is smooth and dries quickly.” So what's not to love?

27. Covergirl TruBlend Fix Stick Concealer ($7.59, Target)

Need an alternative for covering up those tired under-eye circles? CoverGirl has your back.

Freelance makeup artist Jana Geyer recommends CoverGirl’s concealer stick. “[It’s a] great, cost effective option for covering up blemishes, getting rid of redness as well as dark under eye circles [that can] also be used as a highlighter for contouring.” Geyer also says using CoverGirl TruBlend Liquid Foundation will help you achieve an “even base.” The foundation settles on your skin for a smoothed over, even look, which will do a lovely job of complementing your newly-freshened face.

28. Ben Nye HD Matte Foundation ($12, CameraReadyCosmetics.com)

Melanie Djuric, a professional makeup artist from Australia (Up Front Styling and Makeup Services), is a published author currently writing a book about cruelty-free cosmetics. With her emphasis on ethical cosmetics, she finds Ben Nye products to be a prime.

“My favorite cream foundation is 100% Ben Nye matte cream foundation. There is NOTHING like it on the market. It looks so gorgeous on. I use this a lot in my kit and on jobs because it's long lasting.” But can this formula truly become your next go-to? “It's quite a heavy foundation for everyday use," she admits, but fear not! "It's perfect for special occasions like weddings, parties, going out anything where you want to really step up your game and put a little more effort into your makeup!”

While a bit pricier than other foundations on this list, this product is totally worth it when it comes to special occasions. It’s also an ideal product for oilier skin types.

Choosing the right makeup can take time and (a lot) of money, but it doesn't have to. There are some amazing finds at your local drugstore, as well as some inexpensive online options—all approved by the experts themselves! 

Trigger warning: Sexual assault 

Middle school: the time when everyone wore tank tops over their shirts and tried on thongs for the first time. For most girls, it was a period of experimentation––eyeliner was applied thickly around the entire eye, because, let’s be honest, we had no clue what we were doing. 

At the beginning of sixth grade, my appearance started to change. My boobs began to grow and by the end of the year, I was quickly surpassing a C-cup. My hair turned curly, and I got my ears pierced when I turned 12-years-old. Everything was going wonderfully––I loved being in middle school! 

However, I wasn’t the only one noticing the changes in my look. Boys were taking notice, too. 

I don’t remember the first time it happened, nor do I remember the last. Honestly, I don’t remember each individual time, either. I just remember some of the most distinct times and the fact that nobody did anything to help. 

What am I talking about? Sexual assault that I faced on numerous occasions, and the lack of effort anyone made to help. People turned their heads away from it––how marvelous human beings can be.

In sixth grade, everyone was in the same classes. In seventh and eighth grade, there was some separation for math class, but for science, social studies and language arts, we were all together again. 

I thought this was good!  I could keep a steady group of friends––we could complain together about the ridiculous dress code, or snicker to each other while desperately avoiding being called on in class. What I failed to realize at the time was that this also meant the same boys would be in my classes as well.

At first, I marveled at the attention I was getting.  After all, not many girls were developing as quickly as I was, which remains true to this day.  Since my boobs were bigger than others, I suppose they believed this was an open invitation.  In the beginning, I didn’t say no––but I didn’t necessarily say yes either.

There was a core group of boys who were assaulting me, though they weren’t the only ones.  For example, I remember being in my eighth grade social studies classroom when half of the guys in the class cornered me.  They were violating me.  I remember loudly telling them to get away from me, but they just laughed in response.  I would get violent, even kicking them and hitting them in their beloved balls. Sadly, I usually missed.

One time, a boy came behind me in class and whispered in my ear, “I’m going to bend you over and your legs are going to do some crazy shit. I’m gonna f*ck you til you’re screaming.” It haunts me to this day.

On another occasion in seventh grade, my class was in the computer lab with a substitute teacher. Like many middle-schoolers do, I chose a seat with an empty one beside it to save for my friend, Kennedy. Instead, the guys sat next to me. 

I was wearing this little snake ring from Target that I loved. My classmate tried to reach down my shirt again, and in the process, broke my beloved ring. To my disgust, the substitute called me over and told me to cut it out––to stop distracting them, as if my appearance justified their assaults. They never did stop.

Back in sixth grade, one of the boys in the group said I had the "finest tits and ass of any white girl he had seen."

In seventh grade, each member of the group took turns running up behind me and reaching down my shirt. They loved telling each other how “soft [my] tits were.”

The only time one of them was punished was in my seventh grade social studies class. One of the boys called me babe and kissed me on the cheek. My teacher finally noticed, and he was suspended.

However, the torment came from all around. On one occasion, even my assistant principal passed me in the hall and told my past-knee-length dress should be saved for the weekends…keep in mind I was only 12-years-old. 

I could go on forever.  In eighth grade, I was nearing a D-cup and a random teacher pulled me out of the lunch line and brought me to an empty classroom to tell me I looked like a whore. She said, “What would your mother think of you? What kind of messages do you think you’re sending the boys?” She made me feel like I deserved the assault thanks to my body’s natural development.

These are the memories on the forefront of my mind. These are not special occasions, nor are they the worst of them––they are what I think of when I think of middle school.

They are the reason I contemplated suicide in middle school multiple times. They are the reason I know that over-the-counter pills do not kill you easily. They are the reason I would always carry a bottle of pills around, in case I suddenly got the urge to attempt to take my life. They are the reason my parents believed I hated them for over a year. Most importantly, they are the reason I hated myself, my peers and my life.

I’ve never spoken any of these words aloud. People know the vague details, but I never bring them up. A few people know the full story, though not as specific as the what I’m sharing now. Looking back, I genuinely wish I had gone to the police. 

Sometimes, I see the boys’ names on my Facebook feed and I cringe. It has been almost five years since I’ve seen them, yet I think about them everyday. 

I wish so truly that every person that has ever been sexually assaulted in any way gets their justice and peace. I hope they find solace in something or someone. I hope that if they want their assaulter in jail, the assaulter goes to jail. No one deserves the slightest bit of pain, especially something like this. These are our lives and they are precious.

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story!

We all know about the piercing headaches and the throw up, but what about everything else that happens after that?

1. Confusion sets in.

You wake up to the gleaming sun shining through your blinds and a pounding headache. You squint your eyes and look around as you try to make sense of things. Where the hell are you? Is this home? How did you even get here?

2. Intense hunger.

You need to eat, but you’re too lazy to move.

2. The cellphone manhunt.

Your eyes widen and your heart jumps— your hands feel around your comforter, lifting pillows and throwing them off the bed. WHERE IS YOUR PHONE?

3. You see a text saying, “Can we talk about last night?”

But… what did happen last night?

4. You examine the digital evidence.

Once you finally find your phone (it was on the nightstand the entire time), it’s time to search for answers—what the f**k happened last night? You unlock your phone and open Snapchat, tapping on each of your friend’s stories in search for evidence. Your hand shoots to your mouth in shock at what you see.

5. REGRET/ANGER/EMBARRASSMENT.

You slump in your bed, bring the blanket over your head, and groan. The first though to enter your head? “Why, why, why, why, whhhhy?” Why are you so embarrassing? Why did your friends let you do that? Why did you even go out in the first place?

6. You call your friends.

Still not understanding how exactly you made it home, you call your friends—partially to make sure they know you’re alive, and partially so you can yell at them.

7. You think about cleaning up.

As you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, rubbing your eyes from tiredness, you begin to notice the burning of your eyes. You forgot to take off your makeup before passing out and you’re still in last night’s clothes. You should probably get yourself cleaned up, you think to yourself, as you continue to lie in your bed and stare at your ceiling.

8. You remember the cute guy/girl you met.

You see a new contact in your phone and smile. Should you text them now? Are they going to text you first?

9. You become the ultimate social media stalker.

You manage to find their Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube pages just from their phone number. The CIA should hire you.

10. You wonder how you can get water without leaving your bed.

Because at this point, you you’re not leaving your bed for anything. Not even thirst.

11. You notice a McDonald's bag full of fries.

You’re drunken self is a godsend.

12. Snapchat the rest of your friends to let them that you’re alive.

Smeared eyeliner, scarecrow hair and all.

13. Aching legs and feet.

After you finally convince yourself to stand up, you realize that you can’t and fall back into the comfort of your bed. You need to recover from dancing.

15. You see all the missed calls from your Uber driver.

Well, guess you walked home. Maybe that’s why you’re feet hurt so much…

Has anyone seen our motivation? We can't seem to find it. It must've gotten lost somewhere in the end of this semester. If found, please return ASAP.

1. Your bank account is practically nonexistent.  

2. Your naps get longer and more frequent.

3. Your number of days between showers increases and your containers of dry shampoo run out quicker.

4. Taking notes has turned into this:

5. Your meals are either takeout or 100 percent microwaveable.

6. Cleaning isn’t really a thing for you anymore.

7. You no longer feel the need to go grocery shopping, so you just throw together whatever you have around the house.

Related: 15 Signs You May Not Make it to Winter Break

8. You have so much to do, yet you spend every second of your precious free time doing absolutely nothing.

9. Your outfits have become a smorgasbord of random things pulled from every corner of your apartment - usually a combination of going-out clothes, leggings and sweatshirts.

10. Your incredible Facebook-stalking skills have gone to a whole new level, enlightening you with amazing information, like that Casey’s brother’s friend’s sister’s fiancé’s cousin went to jail for stealing a car. Oh, and that girl in your biology class has a super hot brother who goes to Yale. 

11. You've calculated every single one of your semester grades in case you bomb the final exams.

12. You begin to think Satan himself created group projects.

13. The phrase “assigned reading” is the funniest joke you’ve ever heard.

14. You begin making collaborative group decisions with your friends about skipping class.

15. And then when your roommate decides at the last minute to go to class, you're like:

16. You start running out of everything, but you continue to violently shake bottles and scrape remains from caps because you don’t want to have to buy any more of anything until you get home.

17. You begin to tire of every food option on campus.

18. Not even coffee is doing the trick anymore.

19. You start throwing sporadic temper tantrums about the simplest of tasks…

20. …and then you reward yourself for accomplishing those basic, everyday tasks you should be doing.

21. When people brag about not having finals, you want to hurt them.

Related: 16 Things Not to Say to a College Student During Finals

22. You validate every class you skip, quiz you fail, project you half-ass and meeting you miss.

23. Every time you get back from any daunting errand (like going to class or the bathroom) you go right back to where you belong.

24. The only thing you get excited for anymore is the pizza-delivery man knocking on your door.

25.  Every time you start to worry about something, you're like:

Harry Potter is easily the most universal of obsessions our generation has. Even though the bittersweet ending came and went years ago, it isn't any less near and dear to our hearts than it was when we were first introduced to the series. Fortunately, Harry Potter is the gift that keeps on giving—we recently caught wind of Daniel Radcliffe's leaked first reading, and it's better than anything we could have ever imagined.

Freaking out?! So is he.

In a recent interview with The Times Magazine in the UK, he shared his overwhelming embarrassment over the release of the video. Don’t worry, Daniel—it only makes us love you even more! Check out the clip below—and prepare to squeal, cry, laugh and feel just about EVERY emotion you've ever experienced.

Name: Ellie Burrows
Age: 31
Job Title and Description: Chief Executive Officer of M N D F L
College Name/Major: Northwestern University (Magna Cum Laude) / Double Major in Radio/Television/Film and Art History
Website: www.ellieburrows.com and www.mndflmeditation.com
Twitter Handle: @_ellieburrows_ and @mndflmeditation

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

Ellie Burrows: At M N D F L, I hold the overall responsibility for the organization and provide the strategic growth plan. I’m also responsible for the overall experience of the client – everything from the design of the space, to our creative partnerships, to the quality of our meditation cushions. I work with our Chief Spiritual Officer, Lodro Rinzler, to oversee the finances, long-range planning, day-to-day operations of the company and provide leadership to position the company at the forefront of the meditation industry. We both work together to ensure that our company is always in integrity and offering an authentic meditation experience. In my mind, CEO also stands for Chief Experience Officer.

What is the best part of your job?

EB: M N D F L exists to enable humans to feel good. It gives people the space to breathe. Basically, I get to be the Boss of Relaxation. Best job ever.

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

​EB: This is a crazy story! Did you watch the show Entourage? I was Lloyd. When I graduated college I went into the William Morris Agency mailroom. During my last semester of college, I went to Israel on a Birthright trip. While I was there I became very close to one of the soldiers who was accompanying our trip. He told me he had a cousin in the film business in New York and I sort of brushed it off. I started my job around Halloween in 2007, and all these kids were trick or treating in the office while I was pushing a mail cart. I happened to linger at the desk of the agent I wanted to work for and her daughter came out in a princess costume. I gave her some candy and said hello. That night I went home and randomly had an email waiting from my Israeli friend. Attached was a photo of the girl in the princess costume holding a baby! It turned out his cousin worked in my office. The next day I walked into that agent’s office and told her the story. She pulled me out of the mailroom and hired me to be her assistant. Since the story started in Israel, I would have to call this “bashert” which means “meant to be” in Hebrew.

Although I consider that job, my first true entry-level position, I always worked retail in high school, and I never imagined I would return to it as an adult. I thought I would run a movie studio, not a meditation studio. As an executive in the film business, my meetings began to evolve into coaching sessions around effective communication and interpersonal relationships. I noticed a pattern, so I chose to pursue mindfulness in a more meaningful way. I quit the film business in 2013 and traveled the world as a spiritual tourist ultimately returning to New York where I received my Certificate in Coaching from New York University and beginning a modest career as a blogger. I started volunteering for Lodro’s non-profit, Institute for Compassionate Leadership, and one day we had coffee and hatched the idea for M N D F L. I knew I had a unique skillset between my own spiritual pursuits and business experience. The secret is out: technically, this is my entry-level job in the meditation world. One is never too old to start over.

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

​EB: There is a difference between people who meditate and people who want to be in the meditation business.

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

​EB: Lodro Rinzler. He accepted my ambitious offer: I told him I could raise the capital and design the space for M N D F L if he could rally a stellar group of teachers and create the content. We are well-matched business partners because we have entirely different strengths and weaknesses and we know each other and ourselves well enough to know what they are. We both believed from the very beginning that we could do this together. 

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

​EB: One of my favorite spiritual teachers, Peter Evans likes to say, “True control comes from doing nothing.” I repeat this like a mantra when my emotions are heightened in my personal or professional life. From an evolutionary perspective, our body doesn’t know the difference between a bear that’s attacking us and an angry email from a boss or client. When our bodies fill with adrenaline, we want to act out in various ways by fighting or flying. We do whatever we can to try and get a handle on our emotions and gain control of the situation. But in states like that, we end up making decisions with a total lack of clarity. Sometimes if we just sit with ourselves in the discomfort and let it move through us instead of acting out or responding right away, we start to feel empowered instead of powerless.

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

​EB: I have made so many mistakes and have learned a great deal from each one. It’s hard to consider them mistakes at this point because I was able to gain some needed knowledge from each one. The silly mistakes often happen when I’m moving too fast or doing too many things at once. But the glaringly obvious one was flat out ignoring the small voice that told me I was on the wrong path when I was working in the film business.

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

​EB: I went to a networking dinner party a couple weeks ago and the icebreaker was “What is your current job? And what would you rather be doing?” And I laughed because there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. I remember sitting in on meetings with my colleagues at various film companies and listening to them talk with fervor and passion about film. I remember feeling envious, as the only thing I was equally passionate about was the pursuit of consciousness and mindfulness. I assumed I would never love my job as much as they did because neither of those amorphous things sounded like a “full-time job.” I quit my job in film in 2013 and it took me a full three years to find my way to make “feeling good” a career. The fact that I get to wake up every day and open the doors to a studio that helps people sit quietly and relax is beyond surreal. 

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

​EB: Great question. It’s all about their energy and integrity, particularly the presence of quiet confidence and a real palpable interest in the field. I would never hire someone I didn’t meet in person or over FaceTime. I need to see someone’s eyes to really get a feel for him or her. I also look for someone who is proactive and prepared. 

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

​EB: Did you know that a 24-year-old brain is still considered adolescent? The 20s are so much harder than people make them out to be. You don’t have to have it all figured out in your 20s. It took me a decade to figure out a genuine passion. I always heard stories about people who dramatically and successfully changed directions in their 30s after they devoted their 20s to a specific track. When I heard those stories, I thought of those people as unicorns, but it turns out they’re totally human. Use it as a time to really explore yourself. And if you begin to show yourself compassion and patience during those years, there will be much ripening to be had.

Books have the ability to let us escape reality into a world of suspense, romance or imagination. But most importantly, they can teach us a lot of valuable lessons that will  impact our lives. Feminism is one special topic that has been highlighted and talked about in a wide range of books, and as graduettes, it's important to be both educated about it and inspired by it. By the time we turn 25, we’ve faced many milestones and obstacles such as graduation, break-ups, losses, and maybe even marriages and having children. These books are fundamental reading for every feminist before they reach this age, allowing them to be inspired and empowered. Be sure to give this list a look!

1. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

In this work, Roxane Gay shares her brilliant essays regarding popular topics such as violence, race, The Hunger Games and more. She’s able to combine humor and power while simultaneously connecting to her own personal past.

2. Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

Allende describes this novel as that of a young woman seeking self-knowledge. The obstacles the woman faces in these stories, along with her struggle to define the role of feminism in her life, make the narratives ones to read over and over again. 

3. What Will it Take to Make a Woman President? by Marianne Schnall

This eloquently-voiced book highlights interviews with women such as Nancy Pelosi, Melissa Etheridge and more. Their answers to the title will inspire you to be a better leader in the fight for an increased presence of women in politics.

Related: 16 Books Every College Grad Should Read

4. Bossypants by Tina Fey

In this read, the hilarious Tina Fey steps forward to defy the (incorrect) notion that women can’t be funny. Shannon Slocum, a student at University of New Hampshire, says, “The part when Amy Poehler tells Jimmy Fallon that she 'doesn’t care if he likes it,' was a pivotal moment for me—it reminded me that a feminist doesn’t have to act or look a certain way, a feminist just wants women and men to be treated equally.” Fey not only teaches valuable lessons about feminism and body image, but also succeeds in making us laugh again and again.

5. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

This fiercely feminist story takes us into the imaginations of Meggie and her father. As they read books together, the characters enter the real world and fantasy takes flight. Meggie’s journey is a great fit for any woman of any age.

6. Feminism is For Everybody: Passionate Politics by Bell Hooks

If you’re struggling to determine how feminism impacts your life and views, this is the book for you. In it, Hooks teaches women who are curious about feminism more on the subject, as well as how to make a difference as a feminist.

7. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

In this title, Amy Poehler shares her collection of stories filled with laughs and success. Emily Izzo, a student at New England School of Law highly recommends this book, saying, “Amy’s humble beginnings make her book very relatable. It’s hysterically funny, and she is very honest about her experiences along the way.” Her anecdotes will give you a new take on life, and will prove that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. 

8. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

From dumpster diving to selling vintage clothes on eBay, this book follows Sophia Amoruso as she becomes the CEO of a multimillion-dollar business. Her drive to never give up, and to never take no for an answer, proves that girls are indeed the ultimate bosses. 

9. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

TheBell Jar draws readers into protagonist Esther’s mind so intensely that you can't help but feel the real and rational story. A haunting American classic, this work combines aspects of the psyche and feminism, and is a book that will be hard to put down. 

10. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft

Published in 1792, this book was arguably the first great essay on feminism. Wollstonecraft beautifully explores how women acquire strength through both mind and body, posessing undeniable power. 

11. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

This essay was inspired by a series of lectures Woolf delivered at Newnham College and Girton College. Catie Deiley, a student at University at New Hampshire, says this is a personal favorite: “This basically states that if a woman wants to write or create something artistically, she needs a space she can call her own.”

12. How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran

Moran uses cheeky British sarcasm to call out the imbalance between men and women. She urges women of all ages to reclaim the word 'feminism,' addresses the real problems that can arise without it, and discusses why the movement is so important to us all.

13. The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou

This book is perfect for anyone striving to be a better feminist. Her pieces will touch your heart and prove there’s hope for all of us in this world. 

14. How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran

Moran draws from her personal experiences to create both an honest and hilarious story. Her uncensored sense of humor and confessions of her youth make this a refreshingly authentic classic concerning feminism. 

15. Into the Go-Slow by Bridgett M. Davis

A finalist for the 2005 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, Davis made positive noise when this title hit the stands. After an intriguing plot twist involving her sister's death, main character Angie must retrace her sibling's final steps, ultimately uncovering what type of woman she wants to be. 

Looking for that perfect gift to give your sister, bestie or mom for Hanukkah this year? If you want to give something meaningful, fun and unique, you have come to the right place! Check out these eight wonderful DIY Hanukkah gifts for each night of celebration. 

1. "Oy Vey" Burlap Pillow

The Sits Girls shows you how to make this easily customizable burlap pillow. From monogramming to bedecking your pillow with a popular expression, the possibilities are limitless! 

2. Coffee Mug Candles

Need a cozy gift for Hanukkah? These DIY mug candles by Sweet Cayenne are simple and sweet. 

3. Tube Bead Necklace

These necklaces from The Lovely Drawer are a must give this year. Both simple and stylish, they're the perfect accessory for all. Bonus: they are homemade so you can reserve all bragging rights. Hey, you made something that looks like it could run for $30 in a store! 

4. Bottle of Wine with a Custom Label

Celebrate one night of Hanukkah by gifting a nice bottle of wine to a family member or friend. Put your own sentimental twist on this classic by adding a personalized label. Free printables and instructions on how to attach can be found at Evermine. 

5. Gold-dipped Jewelry Tray

This is just the right gift for the girl who's always misplacing one of her earrings…and her watch…and that favorite bracelet of hers! A Fabulous Fete even adds some personality to this tray by partially dipping it in paint. We have to make one for ourselves too, right?

6. Star of David Wreath

This Avenue Lifestyle wreath is great for hanging around the house during the holiday season. Make your pal's dorm or apartment just a bit more festive; plus, she can take it home with her when winter break rolls around for the whole family to enjoy! 

7. Blanket Scarf

Fall may almost be over, but scarf season certainly isn't. A blanket scarf, in addition to being super trendy, will keep you warm in the winter months that are coming soon. Make your own—and one for a friend—with tips from Mom Advice. 

8. Painted Platter

Looking for something to give the hostess in your life? Every Day with MK has got you covered.

Happy Hanukkah and may your eight nights of celebration be wonderful, sweet and now a bit more sentimental!

So you found this amazing internship online with a deadline that's fast approaching, and you're so excited that you could apply right this minute. Except there are a few tiny, minor details—you don't have your resume updated, and you don't know that much about the company. Okay, so maybe not such tiny details.

To avoid the horrible feeling of wanting to apply to an internship but not being able to, you can prepare for your internship search ahead of time with these five tips! You'll be completely ready to start applying to internships in no time.

1. Determine the goal of your internship search

Put on your thinking cap and crack those knuckles, because it's time to make a game plan. The first thing to think about before applying to internships is the overall goal of your internship search.

"Just like with any job search, college students need to create a strategy for their internship search," says Heather R. Huhman, career expert and founder of tech PR consultancy Come Recommended. "Students should figure out why they want to do an internship, the type of experience they hope to gain and how they want it to benefit their career."

This can be a hard task to take on, especially if you're not quite sure what you want to do yet career-wise, and that's okay!

"If you don’t know what type of internship opportunity you would like to find, it’s important to do some exploration of careers in your area of interest," says Tamara Peters, career development specialist at Rutgers University. "You should also think about how you can translate these careers into internship opportunities."

Peters suggests taking advantage of career counseling at your school to help brainstorm ideas and better understand potential career possibilities.

By forming a solid plan at the beginning of your internship search, you'll be a lot less overwhelmed later on down the road.

"The secret to every successful internship search is to have a plan," Huhman says. "It’s important to have a goal for your internship search because it’ll help you feel less overwhelmed when sifting through opportunities. For example, if you’re looking for a PR internship with a nonprofit organization, you’ll greatly narrow down employers and create a more targeted internship search."

Make a list of goals that you hope to reach. If you're more of a visual person, it might be helpful to create a collage board or a flow chart to map out your strategy, always keeping the goal of your internship search front and center.

2. Create a strategy

Once you’ve determined your goal, you can start to take action toward reaching it. What's next? Research, research and more research! It's high time to start looking into your target industries and possible organizations and then compiling a list of places at which you might want to intern, all the while sticking to the goal that you made for yourself.

"After you’ve created your goals, make a list of companies and organizations within your college town, hometown, larger cities within your state and even a few places outside of your state," Huhman says. "This initial list will serve as leads during your internship search."

The list can stem from a variety of places: companies that are working on projects that spark your interest, people you've read about in class, engaging speakers your professor has invited to lecture. 

"The first thing that people should start doing is looking for companies…that resonate with them and that are doing things that they would be excited to work on…not necessarily starting by searching for openings," says Emily Miethner, founder and CEO of FindSpark, the largest meetup for interns and recent grads in the country. "Keep up with those people and what openings they might have and…start doing research in that way."

Peters suggests using online resources like Riley Guide, a gateway to job, career and education information resources available online, and LinkedIn to create a targeted list of organizations you plan to pursue so that you can follow these organizations on social media sites, follow their latest news and look out for internship postings. Check out sites with job listings and job search engines to explore industries and companies that you're interested in, as well as see who your favorite companies are working with and what projects they're working on right now. As a rule of thumb, 10 is a solid number of companies to look at initially.

"Also, conduct some research to determine if your target company will be on campus for on-campus recruiting or career fairs," Peters says. "The more you know about your target [companies] prior to speaking to someone from the organization and getting an interview, the better."

During this entire process, make sure to stay focused in your internship search — don't lose sight of your goals! Narrow your list of places down to around five so that only the ones you are most interested in are left.

"Less is more when it comes to applying…keep a more focused effort into fewer companies that you're truly, truly interested in and you know a lot about, and you're going to have a much better success rate," Miethner says. "Then, when it does come time for you to look and to choose, you'll be able to have a better idea of what the companies do, you'll be able to write a better cover letter, a better application. They want to know that you're interested in their internship at their specific company, not just any internship ever."

With your game plan drawn out, you'll be on your way to getting that dream internship!

3. Update your resume

So you've been pretty busy over the past year basically just being more awesome than you already were before, and employers want to hear all about it! Make sure to update your resume before you start your internship search so you don’t end up rushing to put something together and accidentally forgetting to add something important at the last minute.

"It’s important to prepare your application materials ahead of time so you can be prepared to apply for an internship at any time," Huhman says. "Instead of scrambling at the last minute to create a resume, college students will already have the materials needed to apply for an internship."

It's also a good idea to get a second opinion on your resume, so going to your college’s career center for a review or asking professors or friends to critique your resume will help you figure out how to represent all of your new activities and accomplishments in the most effective way.

"Make sure there are no grammatical errors and that it reflects the skills and experience you have to offer for the type of experience you’re looking for," Peters says. "Bring copies of your resume to any networking meeting or session you attend. Also consider creating your own personalized business cards."

Bring it on, intern search! You'll be unstoppable once you're armed with your newly updated resume.

4. Establish a professional online presence

Having a professional online presence can open a variety of doors for you. Not only will you be able to connect with potential employers or coworkers, but you'll also be able to show them what you're capable of achieving as an intern.

"As you begin to apply for internships, it’s absolutely necessary to think about your online presence and to start building your network," Huhman says. "By creating your online presence before applying for internships, you’ll have a leg up in your search and stand out to employers during the application process. Also, if you end up connecting with a recruiter or hiring manager through LinkedIn, you’ll already have a professional profile created to impress the employer."

According to Huhman, there are a number of things you can do to build your online presence. First things first: If you haven't done so already, create a LinkedIn account and write a professional summary. Include relevant work experience, involvement and volunteer work on your profile. Next, scrub your social media accounts, getting rid of anything from Facebook or Twitter that might send red flags to employers.

After you've established your social media presence, you can now use this to show employers what you're capable of achieving as an intern as well as get involved with the happenings of your target organizations.

"Start sharing content relevant to your industry and participating in online conversations," Huhman says. "You might also want to consider creating a blog or online portfolio. By following these tips, you’ll show employers you’re knowledgeable in your field and that you’ll be a savvy intern once hired."

5. Contact your connections

Everyone stresses the importance of making connections so much, but have you actually taken the time yet to contact people you've worked so hard to establish connections with? If there was ever a time to do it, the time would be now. Before you start your internship search, consider the resources that you already have close by.

"If there are individuals in your network (family, neighbors, etc.) that work at any of your target organizations, ask if you can meet with them to discuss what it’s like to work at their place of employment, how they got to where they are and if they have any tips for you in the search for an internship," Peters says. "Let them know you’re looking for an opportunity and that where they work is a place of interest to you."

Make sure that you make a good impression on your contacts so that if an internship does come up, they're more likely to let you know.

"When you speak to your contact, focus the conversations on learning more about the person, the organization and opportunities they may have available," Peters says. "It’s not recommended to ask the individual if they can get you an internship, but networking with someone by being polite, well-spoken about your current career objective and showing genuine interest in the person you’re speaking with can go a long way."

And, of course, it's never too late to start making new connections. You never know where one might lead you.

"One of the best ways to land an internship is to make connections with people who work for organizations you’d like to intern for," Huhman says. "For example, if you want to intern as a writer for a magazine, you’ll want to start creating a network of writers, editors and journalists. These connections will help you find more internship opportunities [and] increase your chances of landing an internship."

If you don't really know anyone in the field or at companies you'd like to work at, start small. Reach out to friends, coworkers or alumni from your college who work in closely related fields or companies. Get in touch with people you've worked with in past internships or jobs, even if they aren't really in the field you're interested in pursuing. By branching out and diving into the networking process, you might be surprised by the opportunities that come up.

Whether you're trying to land that research intern or editorial intern title, it's never too early to start preparing for your internship search. Armed with these tools, you'll be on your way to reaching your internship goals in no time!

Over the past few days, the internet has been buzzing with possible names for the new Kardashian-West baby. South West? Easton West? Wild West? It turns out we were all wrong—the moment has come, and we've learned that Kim and Kanye have named their new little boy Saint West.

Real photo of the moment the conversation went down.

The more you think about it, the more it makes sense—Kim did say that they wouldn't consider another cardinal direction (meaning South West and Easton West are up for grabs), and there were rumors that the couple was considering something along the lines of Saint or Legend (we're glad they didn't opt for the latter). Regardless, because the internet always knows best, just about everybody decided to weigh in with their thoughts.

There were those who thought it was totally reasonable:

Many made an attempt at telling the future:

The rest just told us how they REALLY feel:

There is no day sweeter than days like today. Because today we were introduced to the fresh crop of ladies who will attempt to sweep charmingly handsome Ben H. (Ben Higgins? Bachelor Ben? Just Ben? Hmm…we’ll decide on his official title later!) off his feet when The Bachelor premieres January 4.

And while we were surprised to find that our names were somehow left off the list, we couldn’t help but cackle over the absurd professions these gals are repping. So first, stare at this drool-worthy Ben pic for whatever amount of time you deem appropriate. Then, feel free to sort through our rankings of the best professions. Who knows—you could find a major totally worth switching to!

5. Gerontologist

This one is funny mostly because of the way it sounds when we say it out loud. It’s also funny because it’s classified as the study of aging, something none of these women ever plan to do.

4. Cowgirl

We’re all about Southern charm, but what exactly does a cowgirl do? It’s not something similar to what Scott Eastwood’s character repeatedly risked his life to do in The Longest Ride, right? We’re guessing it’s more like “this young woman works on a farm, but we didn’t have the guts to call her a farmer.”

3. Twin

Unsurprisingly, there are two of these “twins” among the ladies vying for Ben’s heart. Not only is the creep factor off the charts, but we assume these women have or had in the past some type of actual professions that could have been listed instead.

2. Unemployed

Never in the history of ever has a Bachelor contestant been brave enough to simply call herself “unemployed.” Rachel from Little Rock—we cannot wait to make your acquaintance.

1. Chicken enthusiast

We see you, Tiara. You’re pretty much Kelsey, Ashley I. and Ashley S. all rolled up into one person, aren’t you? This profession could totally go one of two ways: she loves living chickens or she refuses to eat anything other than chicken nuggets.

For now, we’re left to hold out for those stylin’ blue backdrop portraits that ABC has yet to release. See you in January, ladies!  

If you say you're allergic to something, people don’t hesitate to go out of their way to avoid cross-contamination. Mentioning being a vegan, however, often leads to an immediate flood of questions.

Friends who didn't think twice about your food a minute before suddenly care about your protein intake, and your salad goes from looking good to looking pretentious. It can be hard to know what to say, especially when you’re a freshman eating with new friends in a new environment.

Do you sit back and let them criticize your macronutrient levels, or lecture them on the benefits of a plant-based diet? Is there an in-between?

As my first semester of college comes to an end, I've learned a few tips and tricks. Here's a quick list of essential do’s and don'ts for dining hall diet talk:

DON'T:

1. Make your diet the first topic of conversation when you get to college.

Figure out what options you have in the dining hall and eat them like everyone else. Don't complain about the lack of vegan options on the first day of school. Everyone is dealing with their own dietary changes and challenges, and you may unintentionally make them feel more stressed or pressured about eating. Remember that everyone's journey and upbringing with food is different.

2. Let your diet get in the way of spending time with your friends.

Just because you can't eat ice cream doesn't mean you shouldn't go out to ice cream with your friends. In fact, most ice cream places have a sorbet option. If your friends are going out for a milkshake or dessert run without any diet-friendly options for you, or you avoid eating processed desserts, tag along for the ride. There is no point in sitting alone in your room all night––you won't just be missing the ice cream, you'll also be missing the opportunity to bond and have fun with new friends.

3. Make every meal a lecture session for your friends.

While the horrible documentary you just watched on Netflix may have been life changing, it isn't the sort of thing people want to hear about over their food. Sure, it will make an impact, but they'll probably leave with the confirmed stereotype of the preachy vegan, not a desire to change the way that they eat.

DO:

1. Be mindful of where you talk about your food.

Let your new friends know about your diet outside of a cafeteria setting. When you first get to school, there will plenty of opportunities to share fun facts about yourself. These instances are the perfect time to bring up your dietary preferences. By talking about your diet outside of the cafeteria, you'll avoid making other people feel uncomfortable or guilty for the food on their plate. They also won't be as likely to judge your eating habits.

2. Research your surroundings.

Take some time to figure out where the best places are for you to have a treat. Does the local coffee shop have a vegan cookie? Does the ice cream place have coconut ice cream or a smoothie option? Once you figure out the best places for you to go, suggest them to your friends when they’re deciding what they want to eat. It's more than likely that they'll be happy to go somewhere that accommodates everyone.

3. Answer the questions your friends have about your diet with a positive attitude.

Chances are, your friends will wonder where you get your protein from, or what vegan foods are "actually" good. This is the time to talk about your reasons for going vegan* in a positive way and share information about the amazing food you get to enjoy. Remember to talk about your diet in the "me" form, or in the context of your own experience––talk about how you felt when you learned about the meat/dairy industries, or how much better you feel physically on plant-based foods. Don't tell your friends what they should do. If they hear about your good experiences and the benefits that you are enjoying, they will see your diet in a more positive light. Who knows, maybe they'll even try it.

Always remember that your diet is your choice and your friend's diet is their choice. If you want to be more vocal about your beliefs, start a vegetarian group on campus, or take a health/nutrition class. PETA also has some great ideas to increase vegan awareness on campus. When your friends do ask questions, answer positively. No matter what, keep in mind that there will be people who won’t understand why you chose to give up ingredients so essential to the Standard American Diet. Don't let them ruin the way you feel about eating plant-based food. You'll always function best if you do what's best for you.

*These tips work for any by-choice dietary change (Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, etc.)

Finals are no fun for anyone. Papers, projects and tests galore—all on top of the extreme urge to rush home for holiday festivities—tends to give collegiettes the finals blues. Replace those pesky blues with cat-scratch fever! There's nothing like a bundle of fur and whiskers to calm your nerves. Destress and take a look at these mischievous creatures. Luckily, the internet is crawling with funny fluffballs like...

1. This sweet kitten who just wants to play.

J'adore Paris more than ever!

2. These catnappers.

They can't escape the paparazzi, no matter how much they just want to sleep. So relatable. 

3. This extremely dramatic cat.

Basically you when you found out you were missing a page of the syllabus. 

4. This cat summing up your life.

Do you want to study?

5. These kittens trying things for the first time.

They're just like us!

6. This well-spoken cat mentoring the new kitten of the house.

"Hide from Vah-Coomb." This one's got some golden tidbits of advice.

7. This cat giving you the low-down on how to be a great girlfriend.

Highlight your feminine wiles like this wild feline.

8. These strangely talkative cats.

Quite a mouth on those kitties.

9. This surprised kitten.

My heart!

10. This utterly chic film-noir cat.

Check out the rest of Henri's channel to feel strangely cultured for watching cat videos on the Internet.

11. This gift from the gods: Lil Bub.

Bub is a star in the kitty community, and it's easy to see why.

12. This musical genius.

There's a reason why this jazzy cat has over 42 million views. That reason is probably procrastination...but let's not distract from the evident quality of talent here.

13. This ninja cat.

Sneaking up on you like your final projects.

14. This sassy cat of positivity.

Can you get through these finals? Yasssss!

On December 4, One Direction performed at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour in L.A. along with Selena Gomez, Zedd, The Weeknd, 5 Seconds of Summer, Ellie Goulding and various newcomers. The difference between One Direction and all of these other musicians? This marks the last time One Direction will perform on a U.S. stage before embarking on the group's hiatus. You can imagine the rupture and tears that ensued for both fans and the band.

Image courtesy of www.ew.com

A few months earlier the group announced that while they were not breaking up, they had plans to enter a two-year hiatus to work on individual projects. Perhaps this group decision was influenced by Zayn Malik’s departure last March, or the four twenty-something boys just need a break to be—wait for it—normal twenty-something boys and not an international pop sensation.  

Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan performed for 30 minutes at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball and sang top hits including "Drag Me Down,""Perfect,""Story of My Life" and "What Makes You Beautiful," over the roar of their ballistic fans.  

“To be honest with you, this show is kind of an important one for us,” Liam announced. “This is going to be the last time for a little while. I feel myself getting a little emotional.”

Liam left the stage with his bandmates saying, “We will see you very soon.”

Liam and Harry both plan on using the hiatus time to buckle down on their songwriting and Niall and Ellie Goulding have revealed plans to write songs and work together.  

Even though we are sad to see the group go in a different direction, we wish the bandmates the best of luck in their personal endeavors!

Most of us have done things we regret. Sometimes those decisions, and their consequences, are things that not only affect us, but also our closest friends. And occasionally, these transgressions leave us with one less girlfriend temporarily, or even permanently.

We asked 9 college women to tell us the worst thing they’ve ever done to a friend to take a closer look at female friendships.

“I slept with my best friend's boyfriend. Why did I do it? I don't know. I was drunk? I always secretly wanted him? I just don't know. But I did it, and that's all that really matters. It was the senior year homecoming after-party. We slipped away from the crowd and lost ourselves in desires we never should have expressed... desires we never should have even had. We haven't talked since it happened. The awkwardness between us is palpable; everyone in the room can feel it. Our friendship is dead all due to some drunken decisions. Sometimes I think it's for the better, but other times I realize I'm just telling myself that to feel better about what I did.”

-Lily, Barnard College Class of 2019

RELATED: One-Sided Friendships: How to Deal

“I knew that one of my friends cheated on her boyfriend with our other friend's boyfriend and I didn't tell my friend who got cheated on. I had found out after both couples had broken up, so I didn't want to tell my friend who was cheated on, because I didn't want to cause her anymore pain; the wound was still kind of fresh, if you know what I mean. Eventually, I told the cheating friend that she had to tell our other friend or I would, because I was so guilty I never told her. When she found out, she was hurt beyond belief that I didn't tell her the second I found out. I made the wrong call by not telling her right away; I wanted to protect her, but ended up making everything worse. It hurt her trust in me, but I knew I did the right thing by making sure she found out in the end. Our friendship was damaged for a while, but I made it clear how sorry I was, and that I only wanted what was best for her; I just made a mistake. Eventually she gained her trust back in me, and we are still incredibly close.”

-Sophia, Tufts University Class of 2019

“I hooked up with a good friend's ex-boyfriend. I was probably 15, and she and I stayed friends after it happened, but I still think that it was a factor in our growing apart as we got older. She was a really cool person, and I still feel bad about it to this day.”

-Ariel, Western University Class of 2017

“I went through this phase in high school where I absolutely needed a guy to validate my existence (Ugh, that makes me want to puke). Anyway I was a 15-year-old sophomore and when my very best friend went on a family vacation to Hawaii, her ex and I randomly kissed. I felt so awful about it so I told her right when she got home. She was devastated, but she pretended like it didn't bother her. I apologized so many times and she forgave me after a few days. That changed everything for me. I never wanted to do that to a friend again. Danielle and I are still best friends, sisters even, and I feel so lucky that she stuck with me through that shitty thing I did.”

-Marla, St. John’s University Class of 2018

RELATED: 5 Ways Your Friendships Might Be Unhealthy

“When I was sixteen, my friend asked a guy to a dance that I liked and that I told her I liked. Rather than being an adult and telling her that it upset me, I hooked up with him the weekend before the dance. I continued to hook up with him even while he was staying with her family. We are no longer friends.”

-Sophie, Boston University Class of 2018

“When I was in my senior year of high school, my best friend of eight years and I were beginning to drift apart pretty rapidly. It was really hard, and my former best friend began posting on her blog about me and another friend. I printed out all the posts and confronted her about it, but she wasn't having it at all and began yelling at me. It was one of the rare occasions that I've lost my temper completely, and when we got out into the hall I screamed some choice expletives at her and walked away — the sad part was, people in the hall cheered for me. Unfortunately, we did stop being friends after that point, and we haven't spoken in more than three years. Sometimes I regret it, but sometimes I think that our lives were going to become too different anyway, so this would have inevitably happened.”

-Katherine, Molloy College Class of 2016

“My best friend for the first two years of high school was extremely promiscuous and manipulative. When we were in ninth grade she cheated on her boyfriend and actually lost her virginity to another guy. After that, she tried to manipulate me into hating him for everything he had ‘done to her’. When the next boyfriend came around she struck again. This time it was with my other friend's older brother when we were sleeping at her house. They didn't have sex, but she tried to kiss him. I felt so bad for her new boyfriend that I told him what had happened. She ended up convincing him of her innocence somehow and he sided with her. We stayed friends for only a few months after that and it was really awkward.”

-Maddie, Temple University Class of 2018

“When I was in middle school I was friends with these two girls. We were a bit of a squad. One of the girls is still one of my best friends to this day but the other one and I just stopped clicking in seventh grade. Instead of doing the respectable thing and speaking to her politely alone about it, seventh grade me decided to defriend her while accompanied by my other friend. We went into her homeroom and said to her ‘Look we don't want to be friends anymore. So we'll say hi in the hallways but we won't have sleepovers or anything. Sorry.’ Is that not the bitchiest thing?! I still feel horrible about it to this day and it's been about six years. We did not really recover from that, though we were polite in the halls (like we said we would be).”

-Lulu, University of Massachusetts Amherst Class of 2019

RELATED: Frenemies: When Friendships Become Toxic, and How to Deal

“The worst thing that I have ever done to a female friend occurred when I was 17 years old and in high school. In my friend group at the time, I was always the friend that was jokingly made fun of for everything. It didn't really bother me too much. However, my one friend always took things too far and made fun of me a little too much. So one day, on our way to a field trip, she was making fun of me and I snapped. She was sitting behind me on the school bus. I turned around and said the most awful thing to her, which was an awesome comeback but uncalled for. It basically involved me yelling at her and telling her to stop acting like a controlling parent figure and to start acting like my friend again. She had no idea where this outburst came from so this really upset her. Eventually we decided to talk things out and she was really sorry that she had been unknowingly bullying me. We spent an hour or two in school talking and then said that things were good between us. However as time went by, I realized she wasn't even someone I wanted to be friends with in the first place. We aren't friends anymore because I didn't try to keep in contact with her once we went to our separate colleges.”

-Kathryn, SUNY Oneonta Class of 2018