Lawmakers are working to repeal a statute that has made students convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal financial aid for the past decade. That means if you've gotten in trouble with the police over your occasional weed habit, you could be forced to pay sky-high college tuition rates out of pocket.

A 1998 amendment on the Higher Education Act of 1965 states that a student who has been convicted of any federal or state drug possession or sale offense will be unable to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance for a given time (with a minimum ineligibility period of one year), depending on the type and number of offenses.

Question #23 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (known as FAFSA), asks whether or not the applicant has been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid in the past. If the student answers “yes” or chooses not to answer the question, they may not be eligible to receive any federal aid assistance for that year.

"A youthful mistake shouldn’t keep a person out of college and the middle class,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) told The Huffington Post. “There’s now an emerging bipartisan consensus on the need to reform our criminal justice system and ensure students who have already paid their debt to society are not punished twice."

Senators Casey, Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have sponsored the Stopping Unfair Collateral Consequences from Ending Student Success Act or SUCCESS Act, to do just that.

If enacted, the SUCCESS Act would repeal the suspension of eligibility for drug-related offenses and eliminate the drug conviction question from the FAFSA.

"It is not the Education Department’s job to punish students for drug infractions," Sen. Hatch told The Huffington Post. "Statistics and common sense tell us it is bad policy to deny students education if we want to reduce drug abuse and encourage young people to become successful."

Body positivity is in, and photoshopping is out for this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. 

Ashley Graham is making headlines for her unretouched cover of the famous Swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated. The gorgeous size 16 model and body positivity activist is hoping that the natural beauty in her pictures will encourage a new crop of women to buy the magazine. Especially since, as People reports, her cover is "100 percent authentic."

“I think what’s happening is more women who probably didn’t even think to pick up the issue are actually going to say, ‘Wow, I’m being represented here today. I’m going to take this, look through it and hopefully be empowered,'” Graham said. 

The magazine will feature three different body types on three different covers. Joining Graham on these covers are Ronda Rousey, showing us that strong is beautiful, and Hailey Clauson, proving that there's absolutely nothing wrong with being lean. 

Growing up in the South, my mother and grandmother ingrained in me from birth that you should always act ladylike. I was taught to properly set a dinner table, to never wear white after Labor Day and that you wear hose in the winter and seersucker in the summer. Like so many other girls, I was also raised by strong, educated, and open-minded women that to this day both inspire me and push me to constantly be better than I was each day before. As I grew up, I became more feminine of my own accord. I played dress up, made dresses out of blankets, tried to curl my hair by braiding it overnight and got into my mother’s make-up.

When the current wave of feminism swept through the South, I was caught between two extremes. I love fashion, dresses, makeup and pearls. Yet, at the same time, I love nothing more than to spend my day fishing or cheering on the Braves. Because of the strong women that raised me, I always knew that I could do whatever I wanted, whether I wanted to be the president or a ballerina. 

Yet, to me, when I thought of the word feminism, I saw women with unshaved underarms, walking around burning their bras and hating men.  For me that was not something I was interested in at all. I’m strongly attracted to guys, frankly I like wearing bras, and let’s be real, underarm hair is just not my thing. So if I wasn’t a feminist, was I an anti-feminist?

To me, that also held a stereotype. By not labeling myself as a feminist, was I supporting the idea of women being the perpetual damsel in distress, always depending on a guy to come save her? Did that mean that I believed that a man deserved more than me just because God gave him a penis? I knew I didn’t agree with that, either. So, in a world that’s obsessed with labels, what was I?

After taking a long look in the mirror, trying to figure out what I identified as, I threw up my hands and walked off. Why did it have to be one or the other, why couldn’t a women be feminine and a feminist? So, like so many of my fellow millennials, I decided to be both. I loved the values and manners I was taught as a child, but instead of focusing on the superficial rules, I decided to take a deeper look into them.

While women and men are different, we as women have been given a great gift.  Growing up in the South, we are raised to be graceful, elegant, classy and polite. To not trip, to not drop things, to cross our legs, to send thank you notes and to always say “yes ma’am” and “no sir.”  While these things are extremely important, and are part of what makes people from the South who we are, I think those characteristics run a little deeper.

Grace is more than how you walk. It's how you take problems in stride. How you remain calm, take charge, and find a solution to the problem at hand. Class does not mean how you dress; dress however you want, but act in a way to shows respect not just to others but yourself.

Elegance is more than a Lilly Pulitzer dress, but being able to keep a calm head when calm is the last thing you want to be. Being polite doesn’t just mean saying, “Yes ma’am,” but also treating each person you meet with equal respect despite different opinions and backgrounds. These are the things that can set women apart. Instead of picking each other apart, we could go so much further in the fight for equal rights if we all acted a little more ladylike.

It's 2016, and you were hoping for a reprieve on the sales tax when it came to tampons. Sadly, that time has yet to come.

Last Wednesday, the house revenue and taxation committee in Utah voted against a bill to make female hygeine products exempt from taxes, according to the Associated Press. Even better, the committee that voted on this was made up of only men!

Items that are given these sale taxes are considered to be non-essential, or "luxury" items. The term "luxury items" can entail things like a big-screen television, or a new Macbook Pro...and tampons. See something that doesn't fit? Any woman can tell you that pads and tampons aren't luxuries—They're necessary products that allow women to live life to the fullest when we're on our periods, without bleeding all over everything and ruining all our clothes.

Most women would probably much rather buy real luxury products (like a few televisions) with the extra money they've had to spend on these feminine "hygeine products."

Don't lose hope yet. Some states are jumping on the "don't tax me for having my period" train. North Dakota and Connecticut don't currently tax pads, but still tax tampons. In addition to those states, California is working on potentially ending the tax of feminine hygiene products once and for all.

That's one small step for women in California, and one giant leap for the wallets (and uteruses) of all womankind.

Yesterday, Kanye West revealed something we never imagined in a million years: He needs financial help. Uh, what?

Just prior to asking Mark Zuckerberg for a cool $1 million, Kanye claimed to be $53 million in debt. To nobody’s surprise, he addressed the confusion the way he deals with all of his problems: by way of an incredibly confusing twitter rant.

Visual proof of those furs.

While the rest of us are over here struggling to get through college or pay off our student loan debt, it turns out Kanye's cry for help may have paid off... for him. (Guess this means the rest of the world will be graced with his art and "beautiful ideas"?)

May your furs be forever soft, and may you get millions more dollars deposited into your already overflowing checking account.

Even if you want children in, like, 20 years, or you’re unsure about having them at all, not having the option can worry you right now. We talked to fertility experts to help alleviate any concerns you may have; here’s what they had to say. Spoiler: It’s mostly good news.

1. Can the pill cause infertility?

Simply put, probably not. Although there can always be exceptions and extreme cases with any sort of prescription, doctors all seem to agree on this subject. “No studies have ever confirmed or shown any effects of birth control on long-term fertility,” says Dr. Shahin Ghadir, an assistant clinical professor at UCLA and USC.

This comes as pretty welcome news for many collegiettes who have been concerned about pill-induced infertility. “People often ask me if I'm worried about infertility since I've been on the pill for a few years, and I definitely used to be,” says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University. “However, I've done some research and talked to my gynecologist about it, and she said not to worry. Many risks of infertility are no longer problems with new birth control pills, and I feel better knowing that I'm safe now!” That’s one less thing to stress out about.

Related: Her Story: I Have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

2. What are some signs of infertility?

Approximately 11% of reproductive-age women in the U.S. are infertile. Dr. John Jain, a reproductive endocrinologist at Santa Monica Fertility lists the following symptoms as possible indicators of infertility:

• Irregular periods
• Fatigue
• Abnormal weight gain
• Thyroid enlargement
• Hyperactivity
• Excessive hair growth
• Milk discharge from the breast
• Visual disturbances and/or headaches

If you consistently notice any of these symptoms, consult your physician to stay on the safe side. You might be at risk for hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes, all of which are associated with fertility problems. On the bright side, “most of the conditions listed can be treated effectively,” Dr. Jain says.

Whether you plan to have children in the near future or you just want to be a mother someday, infertility can concern any collegiette. “Becoming a mother one day has always been something that means the world to me,” says Lydia*, a senior at the College of William & Mary. “Unfortunately though, when I was experiencing extremely irregular periods, two different doctors expressed to me that I might be suffering from PCOS.” For Lydia, this would have meant that conceiving would be difficult, but not impossible. Luckily, her tests came back negative.

It goes without saying that if you already carry a disease that can cause infertility, having children may be a greater source of anxiety. “I have endometriosis, which is a health problem in the uterus area that leads to extreme pain, nausea, painful periods, diarrhea, and very often, infertility as a side effect,” says Alaina Leary, a first year graduate student at Emerson College. “I'm dating a woman, so the fear of pregnancy is out of the question, but I am very concerned about infertility.”

3. What can you do to preserve your fertility?

Don’t have unprotected sex—c’mon, you shouldn’t be doing that anyway. “Avoid activities that increase sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea as these two STDs can damage fallopian tubes,” Dr. Jain says. “Try to avoid unintended pregnancies as surgical termination of pregnancy can lead to infection and damage to the uterus which may impact future attempts at fertility.”

There are a few more things you can do to prevent any fertility issues. “Routine gynecological exams and maintaining good general health, such as eating healthy, and refraining from smoking and alcohol use, will help maintain and improve fertility,” says Dr. Mark Surrey, a reproductive surgeon and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA.

Although you should definitely exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, “excessive exercise, or eating irregularities, can lead to significant weight loss and lack of ovulation, although such loss is not usually permanent,” warns Dr. Jain. This is just something to keep in mind.

4. What steps should you take if you’re worried about being infertile?

No test can truly predict your future fertility, but you can definitely find out if you are fertile right now. “We do recommend getting a fertility screening in your early twenties,” Dr. Surrey says. “It is helpful to get an anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) test which is measured through the blood and is a marker for the ovarian egg reserve.” Other helpful tests include sex steroid hormone (SSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and Estradiol blood tests, according to Dr. Ghadir.

Doctors disagree about the necessity of these tests at a young age. Dr. Surrey recommends them for women in their early twenties, while Dr. Jain only encourages women with serious health concerns to undergo testing. “The question about infertility is more relevant for women who are experiencing menstrual disturbances or other changes in their health,” Dr. Jain says. “In other words, healthy women are probably fertile. Women who have mental disturbances or new onset health problems, in addition to addressing their main health concerns, should also discuss the impact of such health issues on future fertility.”

If you are generally healthy, there is a very strong chance that you are fertile, but it can never hurt to see a doctor if you’re at all worried. And even if you have a condition associated with infertility, treatments do exist. So don’t stress, collegiettes, you’re doing enough of that already.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few days, you have seen either one news item, meme, Instagram photo and/or GIF relating to Beyoncé’s new video, “Formation.” The song and video which has already become a cultural phenomenon faster than all her haters could have anticipated, even made its performance debut at the Super Bowl. So, once again, Mrs. Carter has everyone talking and unfortunately, but to be expected, it’s not all good things. The song, which has been recognized as a black power anthem has received considerable calls for boycotts from *ahem* white people, due to what some believed to be an anti-police rhetoric coming from the singer (despite her simply raising awareness about police brutality). However, that is the whole point, Beyoncé is singing for her black audience, in an effort to stand unified with us and show us that her art stans not only for the BeyHive, but for pride in the black community, specifically among black women.

1. The video features Louisiana, where Hurricane Katrina took place...

2. and the drowning police car symbolizes the hundreds of black Americans who didn't receive help during the hurricane

3. Bey shows love to Texas by telling us about the hot sauce in her purse.

4. The song/video premiered on what would have been Trayvon Martin's birthday.

5. Just as she repped for Single Ladies, Beyoncé is calling for black women to get in formation.

6. She showed her pride of black noses, like Jay Z's and the King of Pop himself.

7. She is telling black youth that they could be the next black billionaire.

8. She revels in her Creole heritage.

9. The “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” has become a symbol in the Black Lives Matter movement since the death of unarmed teen Michael Brown.

10. She praises baby hair and afros (which are a black hairdos!)…

11. on her own baby heir, Blue Ivy.

12. And all the dancers in the video are black women wearing their natural hair styles.

13. Her performance at the Super Bowl honored the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party.

14. …and King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who was always proud of his blackness.

15. The black child in front of the police shows black youth deserve the chance to be seen as youths

16. By featuring Messy Mya and Big Freedia, she not only references the South, but includes the black genderqueer community too

17. The “Stop Shooting Us” addresses the very real issue of police brutality, but that doesn't mean it is anti-police

The body positivity movement has been on the rise for a while now, promoting the importance of health over thinness; as well as the idea that you should love and accept your body no matter what size you are. Society is slowly becoming more accepting to different body types. However, body shaming is still yet to be eradicated. Nobody is immune to body shaming, including skinny women. Skinny shaming is a real, existing problem. In particular, naturally thin girls are used to coming under fire for their small frames. Ignorant, hurtful comments are associated with having this smaller body type, which can get even more irritating when natural thinness isn't always something they can control. So, here are 13 things you should avoid saying to naturally thin girls. 

1. "Real women have curves. Only dogs have bones."

I've lost track the amount of times I've seen this image circulating the web. Does that mean skinny girls don't exist? A lack of curves does not indicate a lack of womanhood. It's great to uplift curvy girls, but there's no need to do it at the expense of thin girls. 

2. "Do you eat?"

No, I filter feed. 

3. "Where does it all go?"

My stomach?

4. "You won't look like that forever. It will all catch up to you one day."

Thanks for that unsolicited reminder. 

5. "Why are you so skinny?"

Double standards are not cool. I have a fast metabolism, but that shouldn't matter considering you wouldn't ask a girl why she's so fat. So why is it appropriate to do so in reverse? 

6. "You have no reason to have body insecurities."

Nobody gets to decide who is and who isn't allowed to have body problems. Everyone feels pressure from society to look a certain way regardless of their size. After all, we're only human.

7. "You're shaped like a twig."

Nobody wants to be compared to a tree branch.   

8. "Your wrists are SO small."

I'm well-aware of this considering I see my wrists every day, as they are indeed a part of my body.

9. "You don't need to work out, you're already thin."

Just as being a bigger size doesn't automatically make you unhealthy, being a smaller size does not equate to being healthy. Fitness is for people of all shapes and sizes. Skinny girls have to exercise to be healthy as well. 

10. "You look like a child."

This is a fantastic way to hurt a naturally thin girl's self-esteem. Bravo.

11. "Eat a cheeseburger."

Don't underestimate the amount of food a skinny girl can handle. It's not our fault the food is processed faster. 

12. "I wish I had your problem."

By saying this, you're trivializing the issue that thin girl has with her body. Besides, shouldn't we all want less problems?

Next time you go to comment on a smaller girl's body, just be aware of what you're saying. Whether you're big, small, or somewhere in between, pitting ourselves against one another is not going to promote body positivity for all. It'll simply destroy any progress that can be made. 

"It's a look you would get if you were a bit chilly," says makeup artist Dick Page backstage at Zero + Maria Cornejo's Fall/Winter 2016 collection. "You want it to look as if the color came out of the skin." He says this as he blends a deep pink cream blush into a model's cheeks in a sideways V-shape so she does in fact look like she stepped out of the snow that's pouring out from the sky outside of Pier 59 Studios in New York's Chelsea neighborhood. In addition to the flushed cheek, Page created a softly glossy eyelid, leaving the eyelashes and eyebrows natural. Lips were made to look slightly windblown with a soft red tone.

It was interesting to see, too, how well this beauty look blended with Maria Cornejo's nature-inspired collection, that "freedom of being immersed in the outdoors [that] allows the eye to refocus." That naturalness of being outside, then, was not just present in models' faces. Her ever-present geometric shapes found a new home in weatherproof textures like polar tech and natural fibers like alpaca and merino shearling. The color palette included what the designer called "earthy texture of terrain," which include deep pine green, beige, black, blush, olive green and more. It was as if Cornejo had taken her citified geometry to the wilderness for a winter vacation, boldly using striped patterns and textured faux-furs to invoke a change of scenery. A black leather kimono wrap waistcoat, a black angled, off-the-shoulder long sleeve top, and a long beige coat patterned with thick black vertical stripes and cinched at the waist with a black belt, for starters, took us to a place where winter was not slushy city streets but rather leafy forest paths covered in a silent snowfall. One's cheeks flush just thinking about it.

Check out more of our Fall/Winter 2016 fashion week coverage here!

Extracurriculars, SATs and college visits are stressful enough—and now you’re expected to choose a major? Deciding what you want to do in college is a big step. Although it isn’t everything, you’ll be taking the majority of your classes in the subject, so you’ll want to make sure you choose something you’ll enjoy. Have you been wondering how much your major really matters or hearing things you aren’t sure are true? We’ve talked to Michelle Podbelsek, a college counselor, and collegiettes firsthand to bust all the myths about majoring in college. Read on and relax.

1. You have to go into the field you major in

Many people don’t end up working in the field they major in. If you aren’t sure you want to make a career out of your major, that’s okay! And if you know you want to go into a certain field you aren’t majoring in, that’s perfectly okay too!

“If you want to go to medical school, you can have any major—you just need to complete certain courses in undergrad so you are ready to apply,” Podbelsek says. “For law school, you can have any major—it will depend on your GPA and LSAT scores, etc. to be admitted to law school after your bachelor’s degree. Many students may study something more broad—like psychology, economics, English—they will learn analytical thinking and writing skills that can later apply to many different fields.”

If you know you want to work in a specific field like computer science or nursing, you’ll have to be in certain programs to do so. But for a field like journalism, that isn’t the case!

“You don't have to major in journalism to be a journalist!” says Chelsea Schroeder, a freshman at Bowling Green State University. Journalism is most valuable when people from various academic backgrounds are contributing to it, so a variety of majors is actually beneficial!

2. There are “easy” majors

A lot of the time, people think that certain majors are “easier” than others. Every major has a different approach to learning, but that doesn’t make any major invalid or less important.

Helmi Henkin, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, has experienced this stereotype as student pursuing a dual degree in psychology and French. “Most, if not all, of my STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) major friends think that my majors are ‘easy’ and ‘not real majors,’” she says. “Despite the negative stigma surrounding the study of humanities, I don't feel like I have to defend my majors to anyone. I truly believe college is about finding yourself and studying what you love is an essential part of that.”

Helmi is so right! If you’re happy with what you’re majoring in, no one should be able to put that down. Majoring in psychology or journalism isn’t any less difficult than majoring in engineering—it’s just different.

Related: 4 Myths About Liberal Arts Colleges You Shouldn’t Believe

3. It’s not a good idea to switch majors multiple times

Many people go into college without knowing what they want to do in the future, and that’s totally okay! If you try something out and it doesn’t end up being for you, it isn’t the end of the world. There’s nothing wrong with switching majors (even a few times!).

“Many students will switch majors several times,” Podbelsek says. 50-70 percent of students change their major at least once, and the majority of people switch at least three times before they graduate!

"I came into college as a finance and economics double major, but I didn't end up liking it at all," says Allison Zeppuhar, a junior at James Madison University. "Now I'm majoring in computer information systems, and I'm truly enjoying what I'm learning! Changing majors didn't hold me back at all, it only opened doors for more opportunities." As long as you know what courses are required for the major you choose and plan your schedule accordingly, you’re in the clear!

4. Your major will be important to future employers

Oftentimes, employers don’t even look at what you majored in! People will talk down about certain majors like English, saying that it’s impossible to get a job with an English degree. We suggest telling these people to mind their own business!

“People may have a major in one field, and a minor or job or internship experience in another area,” Podbelsek says. “That would also be considered by employers.” Experience is often more valuable than what you major in!

Sydney Brodie, a recent English graduate from the University of Florida, shares her experience with us. “I managed to get a job at a PR firm after graduation, so I think I’m proof that majors don’t always matter and you can in fact get a good job with an English degree,” she says. “For example, in the PR world, going out to do internships and working in the real world is much more valuable than having a PR major. Of course, this probably isn’t true for every industry (like maybe accounting or finance), but in more creative fields (PR, marketing, journalism) employers don’t often discriminate with majors.”

Don’t let people put you down if you aren’t a business or science major! Your major should be a reflection of what you like to do­­­­—you’ll get your foot in the door with hard work and relevant experience.

Alana Claro, a junior at Cásper Líbero University, had a similar experience. “In my classroom, with both my colleagues and teachers, it seems as if you are majoring in journalism, the newsroom is the only place you can and must work,” she says. “But, while talking to my co-workers at a PR agency, they usually say that while your major may help you with some abilities, insights and even academic background, it is mostly your choice and how you use every little thing you learn. The office manager even told me that when they are hiring someone, what the person majored in is the least of their concerns.”

Many majors have overlapping classes or relevant experience that can help you in various fields. Don’t choose your major based on what you think future employers will be looking for!

Now that we’ve busted the most common myths about majoring in college, you should feel less stressed and ready to take on your collegiette career. If you end up not liking your major, you can always switch it! If you have no idea what you want to do, go in undecided and see what catches your attention. As we said, majors aren’t everything, and your hard work is what will help you succeed in the end!

There are certain items that every girl should have in her makeup bag, from no-fail liquid eyeliner to the perfect shade of red lipstick. There are so many products on the market that sometimes it’s hard to know which are the best. So to help you out, we’ve talked to collegiette beauty junkies and put together a list of the products every girl should own. Don’t waste your time wondering what items should become a part of your daily makeup routine; these are all the essentials you’ll ever need.

1. Flawless BB Cream

BB cream is a definite beauty essential because it’s a fast and easy way to ensure your skin looks blemish-free. It’s awesome if you’re in a rush since the cream serves as serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and SPF (although you should definitely still use sunscreen if you plan on tanning) all in one! If you have super-dry skin, it’s best to use a moisturizer first even though your BB cream has moisturizing ingredients as well.

There are tons of BB creams available at drug and makeup stores, but Olivia Egger, a junior at Fordham University, has found her favorite. “BB Cream is an absolute essential for me, especially during the summer,” Olivia says. “I've used many different ones, but I love the Rimmel 9-in-1 Matte BB Cream ($6.69 at Ulta) I've been using. It provides good coverage, sunscreen, and isn't super heavy, which is nice when it's really hot outside.”

2. Long-Lasting Bronzer

Bronzer is a great tool to finish off your look with a flush of summer-ready color (without damaging your skin with UV rays)! You want a bronzer that’s going to look natural and last all day, so we’ve given you a few different options. Maggie Scenna, Her Campus’s Account Executive, uses Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer ($30 at Sephora) and loves it. It even smells like chocolate—yum!

Iris Goldsztajn, Her Campus’ Style & Beauty Editor, adds another suggestion. “I've only recently started using bronzer, but I love it!” she says. “It really finishes off your makeup look. I use Benefit's Hoola ($28 at Sephora) and it does the job well, while being pretty subtle and natural-looking!”

If you have your mind set on a super-affordable bronzer, Ciara Kilian, a junior at Clark University, has your back. “My favorite is NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in the shade Sunny ($3.59 at Target). Not only is it amazing quality and super affordable, but it also doubles as a great matte eye shadow!”

3. Versatile Eye Shadow

Functional eye shadow is a beauty must-have for any occasion, whether it’s a job interview, a night out or a family gathering. If you have a palette with multiple colors, you can create various looks depending on what you’re going for. There’s no argument when it comes to eye shadow: Collegiettes agree that the Urban Decay Naked Palette ($54 at Urban Decay) is the best eye shadow to have.

“I personally own the Naked 3 palette, but I highly recommend any of the Naked palettes,” says Jen Morgan, a senior at Messiah College. “At this point, the palette is the main one I use for all of my eye shadow looks, and it is so versatile. Every color that a girl would need for a natural smoky eye, internship-appropriate look and girls' night out are all part of this palette, and the colors stay so long too!”

Caitlin adds, “I also can't live without my Naked 3 palette, my MAC crease brush ($24 at MAC), and my MAC Paint Pot ($21 at MAC), an eye primer you can even wear by itself.” It seems pretty safe to say that a Naked Palette should be on your list!

4. No-Fail Liquid Eyeliner

A no-fail liquid liner is a definite essential for creating a cat eye or any precise look. Many types of liquid eyeliner run or smudge, so you’ll want one that’s strong and easy to work with. Either of these options will help you create the perfect look!

Courtney Klauber, a Rowan University graduate, suggests Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner ($20 at Sephora). “It's a must,” Courtney says. “It's waterproof, goes on smooth and lasts all day!”

If you’re looking for eyeliner that’s great for precision, Sammy Martin, a junior at Emmanuel College, shares her favorite. “Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner in Black Out ($7.99 at Ulta) is my favorite liner to use when I have a few extra minutes,” Sammy says. “Its ultra-skinny brush makes creating the perfect wing so much easier!”

5. Volumizing Mascara

Mascara instantly makes your eyes seem bigger and makes you appear more awake. It completes a simple look and can even be used on its own if you’re in a rush! Our beauty guru Sammy recommends using Maybelline Volum’ Express The Mega Plush Mascara in Blackest Black ($7.49 at Ulta) on both your top and bottom lashes.

Madison Eckle, a junior at the University of Wisconsin, suggests L’Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in Blackest Black ($8.99 at Ulta). “I have been using this stuff for over five years now and I am obsessed with it,” she says. “I refuse to change products because it's the only kind that stays on all day, is actually waterproof and makes my lashes not only extremely long, but thick too!” One of these mascaras is sure to be an essential part of creating your finished look.

6. Bold Lipstick

Bold lipstick is the ultimate finishing touch to any makeup look. If you’re looking for the perfect red lipstick, Caitlin says, “NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave ($27 at NARS) is the staple red lipstick I'd been looking for for years,” she says.

If you’re on the hunt for a liquid lip color that’s the perfect blend of a stain and a gloss, Jen recommends using Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge ($24 at Sephora). “This is my ‘if I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one product’ item,” she shares. “I am obsessed with it! It adheres to your lips perfectly and stays longer than any other lip product I've used.”

For an electric purple that’s sure to wow anyone, Summer Ford, a senior at Boston University, suggests Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in L.U.V. ($20 at Sephora). “It's my go-to when I want make a splash by standing out during summer!” she says. “I always get so many compliments on the color. It requires little to no touchups at all!”

7. Practical Brushes

In order to create your signature look, you’re going to need some awesome brushes to do the job. Luckily, these beauty junkies have you covered! Kristi Slocum, a Merrimack College graduate, can’t live without Tarte’s Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush ($34 at Sephora). This brush will give you a flawless, blended look.

For eye shadow, Jen recommends using SOHO brand. “I love the two eye shadow brushes I have from SOHO (the quality is wonderful), since the bristles stay secure and the handles have a nice grip,” she shares. You can buy a 3-Piece Smoky Eye Brush Set for $9.99 at Amazon.

Carly Griffin, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, has even more suggestions. “For makeup brushes, my tried and true ones are from Real Techniques,” she says. “They're really cheap but have great quality. The Expert Face Brush ($8.99 at Ulta) is great for blending out foundation, and their eye shadow brushes ($17.99 for the starter kit at Ulta) blend colors seamlessly.”

For something a little out of the ordinary, Jen suggests trying a beautyblender ($19.95 at Sephora), which is a 360-degree makeup sponge applicator. “It's so versatile and I think every girl should own one,” she says.

If you like the idea of the beautyblender, but are looking for a more affordable option, Carly suggests the one from Real Techniques. “My current favorite is their beauty blender ($5.99 at Ulta),” she says. “I picked it up for around $5 and I honestly don't see a difference in quality between this and the original beautyblender, which is much more pricey.”

With these seven essentials, your makeup bag will be stocked with the best products you’ll need for any look, day or night. Even out your skin tone, create the perfect look for your eyes, swipe on some lipstick and you’re good to go! If every girl owned these seven items, makeup bags everywhere would be smiling. Don’t go another day without these essentials; you won’t regret it!
 

New York Fashion Week is in full swing, and we’ve got all the juicy deets—straight from StyleWatch Magazine’s Fashion Assistant! In the midst of attending multiple runway shows, StyleWatch’s Ashley Kiely met up with us for an exclusive interview, sharing backstage NYFW secrets, her advice for aspiring fashionistas, and her experiences with just how fast-paced the fashion world can be. 

At 26 years old, Ashley has built up an impressive resume within the fashion world. In fact, her current position at StyleWatch is the result of years spent interning, freelancing, and networking.  While studying Strategic Communications at Elon University in North Carolina, Ashley interned at several well-known companies from Allure to Vogue. Um, can we be her already?

Growing up, Ashley was always certain that she wanted to pursue a career that involved something creative. She vividly recalls an archive in her childhood home, comprised of various fashion magazines from Teen Vogue to Seventeen. As she got older, she started reading magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar. With a growing interest in fashion, Ashley took a journalism course, where she discovered a love for the journalism/communications sphere.   

Ashley’s first internship was with Allure, working within the publishing department and interacting with the marketing and advertising teams. Shortly afterwards, she landed an internship at Michael Kors in PR. Although this was her second internship, Ashley admits that both companies helped her to acquire a more well-rounded perspective of the fashion world and how it operates. “Seeing editors come in, understanding how their stories work, and then having the opportunity to work at Michael’s show in September was amazing,” she explains. Interning at Michael Kors also gave Ashley her first fashion week experience, a dream come true for any fashion-lover. “That was my first fashion show and being able to work the front of house was really exciting. Seeing everyone coming in, people that I’ve admired in the industry for a long time—that was a wonderful experience,” she recalls.

After interning at Michael Kors, Ashley had a brief summer internship with Vogue before landing a full-time, paid internship at StyleWatch. Ashley describes her ten-month internship as an “amazing learning experienc,” enhanced by encouraging staff members and hands-on activities—from going to appointments to attending fashion shows.

Following her internship at StyleWatch, Ashley was hired at Self Magazine as a freelancer in the fashion department. At that point, she accumulated experience as a market and style assistant. She also had valuable experience backstage at fashion week, assisting models, and writing for various websites. Later, she began working full-time at Self Magazine, assisting the Senior Fashion Market Editor. When she left Self, StyleWatch was hiring, and Ashley took the opportunity. “A lot of the old team was there from when I interned, so I interviewed, was hired, and I’ve been there ever since,” she explains.

For over a year and a half, Ashley has been working as a Fashion Assistant at StyleWatch. Her day-to-day responsibilities include administrative work and covering the lingerie, loungewear and shapewear sections of the magazine. She also plays a role in putting together street style pages, along with merchandise that readers can purchase in order to achieve a similar, affordable look.

In the weeks leading up to New York Fashion Week, Ashley finds her schedule filled to capacity with different tasks. “For us, Fashion Week starts a couple of weeks early. We’re requesting tickets, creating schedules, and making sure everything is in order so things run smoothly,” she says. Her other responsibilities include setting up market appointments at showrooms, planning out stories for each StyleWatch issue and making note of the trends for the season, based on what’s going down the runway.       

“I would definitely say that Fashion Week is one of my favorite parts of the jobs, but also going on those market appointments—getting to touch and feel the collections and meet the designers is an amazing part of what I do,” Ashley says. For the past few days, Ashley has been busy attending countless NYFW runway shows and putting together pieces for StyleWatch. “I love the rush of running in between shows,” she adds. Of the shows she’s attended so far, Ashley shares that Banana Republic’s presentation was one that stood out. “It’s great for StyleWatch because we are definitely a magazine that mixes the high and low price points. The collection was beautiful, the styling was so well done, and it was hard to pick a favorite look because I loved them all,” she says of the collection. And for college women on a tight budget, Ashley suggests mixing and matching clothing from stores such as Banana Republic and Zara (while indulging in more expensive clothing once in a while) to keep outfits fresh.

Aside from Banana Republic, Ashley’s favorite outfits came from the runway shows of Monse, Marissa Webb, Milly, Zimmermann, Rebecca Minkoff and Herve Leger—just to name a few. Ashley’s personal style is one that is especially influenced by New York City street style and classic Hollywood looks. Her style icons include Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O, while the ’60s remains a favorite decade.

While going to fashion shows is glamorous and exciting, Ashley admits that there’s more to the fashion industry than what the public sees. “There are definitely more glamorous moments, and I’m very proud to be a part of it and to work in this industry, but it’s a lot of hard work and there are a lot of days of running around, unpacking boxes for shoots and getting ready for run-throughs. But overall, I love it and I think you have to work hard in order to be in this industry,” Ashley says.  

Are you hoping to land a job in the industry? Ashley warns that it’s an extremely fast-paced world. “It’s something I knew going in and was prepared for. You’re constantly learning how to improve on a daily basis,” she says. But don’t let the fast pace discourage you! According to Ashley, being successful in the fashion industry is all about balance and prioritizing. “I’m a list-maker. I prioritize and it keeps me focused. It’s a much more efficient and effective way of working,” she adds.

Trying to break into the fashion industry may seem like a daunting task, but it’s possible to succeed, and Ashley is proof of this. “Definitely start with an internship. It’ll give you great experience and a network of people who will be there for you.” Sometimes, getting that big break might involve stepping out of your comfort zone, but Ashley strongly suggests taking advantage of any chances. “Don’t be shy about letting people know what your goals are, and what you want to do. No matter who you’re talking to, let them know that you’re interested—you never know who will have the key to an opportunity.”   

To catch a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the fashion industry, be sure to follow Ashley on Twitter and Instagram!

In this day and age, it seems that politicians reaching across the aisle in friendship is impossible. However, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her moving tribute to her “best buddy," Justice Antonin Scalia, proves that friendship is always possible, no matter the difference of opinions.

The sudden death of Justice Scalia on Saturday spurred much talk and debate about whether or not Obama should nominate a new justice this election year. With her tribute, Ginsburg managed to draw the focus instead to remembering a man she calls “a treasured friend.”

"He was a jurist of captivating brilliance and wit, with a rare talent to make even the most sober judge laugh. The press referred to his 'energetic fervor,''astringent intellect,''peppery prose,''acumen,' and 'affability,' all apt descriptions. He was eminently quotable, his pungent opinions so clearly stated that his words never slipped from the reader’s grasp," she said in a statement Sunday.

In an interview last year Ginsburg summed up quite nicely how she can still maintain the highest respect for the conservative Scalia despite her liberal lean. “I disagreed with most of what he said, but I loved the way he said it.”

While the two disagreed on most things politically, they had plenty of other mutual interests. They bonded over their love of opera, ate together often and celebrated New Year's Eve together.

They even had some wild adventures. The two rode an elephant together in India.

According to Scalia, “Her feminist friends gave me a hard time because she rode behind me on the elephant.”

Although Ginsburg clarified that it was actually, “a matter of weight distribution,” further drawing focus to the fact that the odd couple friends couldn’t have been more physically different.

It’s these differences that made their friendship so enchanting for us to watch. The fact that two people who disagreed so thoroughly could be such close friends is something that all of us should try to emulate in our lives. Regardless of your political opinion, Scalia’s is a legacy worth celebrating and his friendship with Ginsburg is something we can all agree was a beautiful thing.

Whether you're in the midst of studying for a big exam or just trying to get through your daily grind, you probably need a little pick-me-up every now and then. Enter Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie with this brain-boosting superfood smoothie recipe. With fruits, nuts, coconut oil, cinnamon and a chocolatey twist, this is one concoction you won't want to put down.

We know you're dying to try this out, so we snagged you an exclusive 20% off Philosophie discount. Enter the code HerCampus at checkout, and you'll be on your way to making this covetable treat.

We college students aren’t always the best at keeping track of money. From that daily cappuccino to even printing all those essays at the library, it’s not hard to lose track of your cash. Spending and saving smartly isn’t always easy—and mastering finances is an important life skill many college students don’t have—yet. Luckily, there are several apps that can help us budget and save! The best part? All of these apps are free!

1. Mint

Compatible with iPhone and Android

If you only download one app after reading this article, make it this one. With Mint, you can connect your credit cards, checking accounts and other financial information in one place, allowing you to get a quick visual of your spending habits at once—all in cute, colorful graphs. You can make your own budget, and Mint will warn you when you’re getting close to exceeding your limits in certain categories that you set. The app will also send you bill reminders. You can also set goals (like budgeting for that post-grad trip to Europe) and Mint will calculate how much you need to set aside each month.

2. One Receipt

Compatible with iPhone

Remember that time you needed to return that dress but you couldn’t for the life of you find the receipt? Enter One Receipt, the app that consolidates all of your receipts, both e-receipts and print, into one handy app! The app will automatically pull in electronic receipts, but you can also snap a pic of a print receipt, and the app will do the busy work of storing and indexing the numbers. The app will also compile stats on how much you’re spending each month and on what—so you’ll get a breakdown of how much you’re really dropping at Starbucks each month.

3. Level Money

Compatible with iPhone and Android

A self-professed “mobile money meter,” Level Money tallies up what “spendable cash” you have (for fun stuff!) and breaks down how much you’re spending. The app connects to your bank account and determines what you have left to spend (after bills are accounted for). It calculates how much you have left to spend by day, week and month—so you’re always on budget.

4. RetailMeNot

Compatible with iPhone and Android

We know cutting up coupons sometimes conjures images of your grandma parsing through the newspaper, but hear us out: They can save you a lot of money. Ditch the scissors and download this handy app that gives you access to thousands of discounts, all in one place! You can even set up the app to send you alerts about deals nearby! RetailMeNot has coupons from tons of your favorite stores, such as H&M, Ulta, Walgreens, DSW and Best Buy.

5. Ibotta

Compatible with iPhone and Android

Ibotta gives you cash-back rewards after completing simple tasks, like taking a poll or watching a video. You can browse through hundreds of rebates at stores like Sephora, Target and Whole Foods. Ibotta has a selection of in-store and online rebates, so no matter where you are, you can probably get a little cash back! If you buy something in-store, just take a picture of the receipt, and Ibotta will deposit money into your account. While the rebates are often small (often a few dollars or less), cashing them in consistently on stuff you would be buying anyway can have an impact.

6. ShopSavvy

Compatible with iPhone and Android

Don’t just splurge on the overpriced textbook at the campus bookstore—you can probably find one cheaper elsewhere. ShopSavvy allows you to compare prices at both physical stores and online. You can scan a barcode with your phone and the app will tell you if you can get it cheaper somewhere else. Beyond the app, you can also install an extension to your Google Chrome browser, which will notify you while you’re online shopping if you can get the item you’re looking at for a different price. Talk about easy!

7. shopkick

Compatible with iPhone and Android

shopkick allows you to earn “kicks” (read: points) just by walking into a store, scanning an item or buying something. Once you accumulate enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards and products! The app will also notify you of deals and coupons you can use nearby. There are tons of go-to stores on the app, including Best Buy, Macy’s and Target. Once you want to cash in your kicks, choose a gift card (hello, Starbucks!) and the gift card will appear in that app, ready to be scanned by a cashier. You’re probably walking into stores anyway, so why not take advantage of this awesome app?

While making a budget isn’t the most fun thing in the world, these free apps make it easy (and dare we say it, fun?) So download a few and start saving!
 

Did you really watch an episode of Full House if you didn't get a takeaway message at the end? Oh, nostalgia!

On Tuesday, Jimmy Fallon reminded us all how much we miss getting pep talks from Danny Tanner and the gang during a Tonight Show skit featuring the Fuller House cast. 

The skit opens with Fallon, dressed as Donald Trump, waking up from a bad dream in Michelle Tanner's childhood bedroom. He expresses his anxiety about the upcoming election, despite winnng the primary in New Hampshire, and Danny Tanner (Bob Saget) shows up to placate his fears.

One by one, Uncle Joey (Dave Coulier), Uncle Jesse (John Stamos), DJ Tanner (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie Tanner (Jodie Sweetin), Aunt Becky (Lori Loughlin) and even Kimmy Gibbler (Andrea Barber) show up to greet Trump and offer him sweet advice, flooded with sarcasm and some those famous Full House catchphrases. 

"Look, the point is you made it farther than anyone thought," says Stamos. "No matter what happens, you should be very proud of that."

The hilarious skit ends with the cast belting out a rendition of the Full House theme song, "Everywhere You Look." This definitely only makes us even more excited for Fuller House to premiere on Netflix February 26.

Talk about girl power! Amara Majeed, a freshman at Brown University, is challenging stereotypes of what it means to be a Muslim woman in America with her “Hijab Project”. She was recently interviewed by Good Morning America about her project: 

Majeed launched the project at age 16 with the goal of fighting Islamaphobia and challenging stereotypes about headscarves and the women who wear them. Participants are encouraged to wear Hijab for a day and share their experiences on her website.

"A bridge of understanding needs to be built between Muslims and non-Muslims, and experiencing the lifestyle of a growing and often misunderstood culture in America is vital to shedding the lack of knowledge that many people have regarding Islam as a religion," she wrote on her website. "I’m looking forward to hearing your hijab stories!"

You might also recognize Majeed for her recent viral letter that she penned to Donald Trump in Seventeen magazine, criticizing his comments about Muslims.

“With all due respect, Mr. Trump, you are a demagogue who is capitalizing on Americans' fear and paranoia; you are scapegoating an entire population of 1.6 billion people in an attempt to further your campaign, in an attempt to 'make America great again,” she wrote. "You are dragging the American people back into the past, keeping us from moving forward."

And when she's not busy standing up to Trump, Majeed definitely isn’t immune to the pop culture phenomena of our time. She told Good Morning America that she loves Leonardo DiCaprio and Taylor Swift.

It’s not just her bravery that exceeds her age though. Her words of wisdom on girl power are ones to live by.

“I think that girl power is essentially showing the world that we females can be powerful not despite but because of our gender.”

A special someone was missing from the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. That's right—Taylor Swift arrived sans BF Calvin Harris. Ironically, they were still the hottest couple of the night, though.

Tay may have brought bestie Selena Gomez as her date to the award show, but that didn't stop Taylor and Calvin from meeting up at the after party. Anyone feeling slightly worried about Taylor's relationship status should take a look at this sweep snap.

As if that wasn't enough to get us all giggly, Calvin also posted an adorable pic on his own Instagram, congratulating his lady love on her many wins. Looks like these two are as solid as ever, and we couldn't be more thrilled.