Are you looking for an edgy, hip and fashion-forward new hairstyle? Try dip dyeing your tips! Dip dyeing is extremely popular right now, and celebrities from Alexa Chung to Nicki Minaj are all stepping out with rainbow clad locks. Spicing up your tips with a touch of color is surprisingly simpler than it sounds (I promise). Read on to learn how to dip dye your hair yourself in just 10 easy steps!
What You Need:
1 bottle of dye (any color)
1 bottle of white toner
1 pair of gloves
1 tint brush
Instructions:
1. Divide your hair into two to four sections. You might want a friend to help you with this.
2. Take a guess at how much of the bottom of your hair you want to dye. Depending on the length of your hair this could vary. Generally one to two inches looks the best.
3. Pop on your plastic gloves and mix a small amount of your chosen dye with white toner in a small, plastic bowl.
4. Use the tint brush and apply mixture thickly to the area you want to dye (your tips).
5. In the same way, apply your chosen dye to the ends of your hair until it’s just next to the white toner and dye mixture.
6. Use your tint brush to make sure that the toner and dye have united and have been spread evenly throughout the tips of your hair.
7. Rinse the tint brush in lukewarm water.
8. Brush the white toner mixture up (for about an inch) into your natural color.
9. Let sit for five minutes.
10. Rinse the toner and dye out of your hair with warm water, and guess what? You’re done!
So New Years Resolutions are in full swing, and for a lot of people that means getting healthier! But as a college student, it can be hard to get to the gym on a regular basis. We've got things like classes, rehearsals, meetings, parties and projects that eat up a lot of our time. For those days when getting to the gym seems impossible, here are some things you may want to keep in your dorm room to exercise with in your spare time!
Stop Watch
You can use this guy for doing cardio intervals (ex. marching in place or jump roping, etc.) in between strength moves, or to keep track of intense intervals.
Exercise Ball
Once you do ab work on one of these, you can never go back to the floor! It's much more effective to do ab work or balance exercises on one of these because you have to stabilize your body while you're doing strength moves, so you get double the workout for the same amount of time. Another trick is to replace your desk chair with this guy so that you can work on balance and posture while you're studying for Biology.
Free Weights These guys take up little space but they can pack a huge punch when it comes to shaping your body. Grab a pair of 3 or 5 lb dumbbells and perform arm/shoulder exercises or incorporate them in moves like lunges and ab work to add the extra resistance.
Jump Rope
Boxers use these for a reason! Jumping rope is a great cardio workout that doesn't require a bulky machine. Try starting out by going for 10 minutes straight and work your way up from there.
My number one winter beauty product (outside of moisturizer) is definitely lip balm. Without it, my lips are dry, peeling and honestly, just gross. I'll be the first to admit that I am a lip balm addict when winter rolls around. Here are some of my favorites for lush lips this winter:
2. Nivea Lip Care: Milk & Honey
Nivea's milk and honey lip balm is one of my all time favorites. The milk and honey one especially feels great on your lips and will leave your lips feeling refreshed.
3. Watermelon Flavor Lip Balm Tin
For a touch of summer during winter, try this watermelon flavor lip balm! It's super smooth and moisturizing, and will lend a fruity touch to your day.
4. Hershey's Lip Balm Trio Tin
If you're a chocolate lover, you definitely need to get this trio of tins! Each balm tastes and smells so delicious you'll have to stop yourself from slipping a taste.
5. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Rose
For days where you want to add some color to your lips, this lip balm will do the trick! Although this balm isn't as moisturizing as the others, it has the added tint that we all sometimes want.
What are your favorite lip care products for the winter?
Have you ever heard someone say, “I feel the same way it looks outside” as it pours down rain and gloomy clouds cover the sky? If you are like me and hate the cold weather and rain then maybe this time of year isn’t your happiest. Some of us only feel a little gloomy, while others are severely depressed due to a depression disorder and it’s important to know the difference. Even though the weather may be gloomy and influence our moods, it doesn’t have to control them.
According to MSN.com, researchers have found that 10 to 20% of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This disorder has been linked to the cold winter months when the sun is out for shorter periods of time and warm weather is nowhere to be seen. Although SAD can be genetic, there are things you can do to prevent becoming depressed and stay in a general happy mood during the winter season.
It may be cliché, but smile; it’s contagious! Smiling is good for you and it’s good for those around you. Try it now, as you read this sentence, begin to smile. Not a fake smile, a true and genuine smile. Smile as you read the rest of this article and I guarantee you will be in a better mood.
Exercising is one of the best cures for a gloomy mood. Although it may take a little motivation to begin working out, once you start moving, your body will instantly begin to feel better. I’m not talking about an excruciating workout, but raising your heart rate with a simple jog or a little yoga will give your body the endorphins it needs to put you in a happy state of mind.
Music has the power to heal all. Think about it... when you’re at a party being the superstar you are, the music seems to take over your body and you want to dance. Music is emotional and listening to high energy, pumped up, sexy, happy music can help put you in a happy place. Have caution: it’s probably a good idea to stay away from the Adele section of your iTunes if you are going to go through music therapy.
Last but not least, do something positive. Whether it is for you or for another person, making positive decisions and actions can put you in a good mood. Volunteer with kids, help out at a local animal shelter, or help feed the homeless; anything that will make you and whomever you are helping feel good. Thinking positively instead of focusing on the negative will give you a better outlook on your entire day, leaving you less likely to stay in a slump of depression.
Fruits, vegetables, milk. There are a lot of things our parents have pushed us to eat over the years, and thanks to their constant reminders, we know it is important to get vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C and calcium in order to stay healthy. But there is a new vitamin on the health scene and it turns out that many teenage girls are not getting enough.
Vitamin D, most commonly received through sunshine, has been found to build strong bones and teeth, reduce cancer risks and help build a strong immune system to keep you from getting sick. It also modifies symptoms of PMS. That’s right ladies, having the right levels of vitamin D in your system can stave off those uncontrolled feelings of sadness and frustration.
Experts believe that our bodies need fifteen minutes of direct sunlight each day in order to make enough vitamin D. But with classes, meetings and friends, it is often hard to think about taking in some sun while running to our next destination. As winter begins, wind, rain and snow give us even more of an incentive to curl up in our rooms with a blanket and stay indoors. Add in the fact that the days are getting shorter, and reaching those fifteen minutes suddenly gets a lot more difficult.
Many people today have vitamin D deficiencies due to not receiving enough sunlight in their daily lives. This can lead to bone and muscle weakness, muscle pain and a tendency to get sick more often due to a fragile immune system.Deficiency is especially dangerous for girls, for vitamin D also helps us to absorb calcium to build stronger bones.
As women age, they lose the ability to make additional vitamin D. Therefore, it is important that women store as much as they can at an early age in order to maintain strong bones and prevent the development of osteoporosis, otherwise known as the brittle bone disease.
Vitamin D is a strong factor in maintaining good health. But before you go running to the tanning bed, there are a few things you can do to get enough at school.
1. Monitor your diet.
Vitamin D is found in foods such as fish, eggs and sources of meat. Try to look for these options in your dining halls, and make sure to include them in each of your meals.
2. Drink your milk.
Two cups of milk contain the total amount of vitamin D you need for one day.
3. Go to your local pharmacy.
Taking a vitamin D supplement is an easy way to get the vitamin in your system. Doctors recommend looking for ones containing vitamin D3, for this is the same type that our bodies make from sunlight.
Over the last decade yoga has been hailed a stress reducer, hangover cure and pain management resource. America has begun to embrace this ancient healing tradition as a staple in daily health and wellness. Long defined as an alternative method of healing, yoga is making head way in modern medicine and looking to garner credibility, awareness and more enthusiastic yogis.
A recent study involving the use of yoga to treat chronic back pain, an ailment that affects millions of Americans every year, was recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealing that healthy doses of exercise and routines that develop core muscles can help reduce pain and improve body functioning.
“Our bodies are a design for movement, and yoga done right can really support a balanced body,” Mary Ann Morrissey, certified yoga and Pilates instructor, said. “Every muscle has its job and if a muscle is weak it probably means somewhere else in the body another muscle has to work harder.”
At the end of the 12-week trial period, participants in the Internal Medicine study reported feeling significantly lesser low back pain symptoms, better functionality and less difficulty in performing daily activities.
“Yoga, taught properly, provides strength and flexibility,” Morrissey said. “Good diaphragmatic breathing can release and relax connective tissue, which can help reduce pain.”
In conjunction with traditional therapy forms, yoga can offer patients an increased quality of life, especially in areas of chronic pain.
“Yoga in general addresses balance of the muscle groupings important for the relief and prevention of back pain,” Dr. Dale Buegel, Milwaukee-based psychiatrist and longtime Hatha yoga teacher and practitioner, said. “Balancing abdominal strength with back extensors, hip flexors with hip extensors, and strengthening the pelvic floor are keys to pelvic and back symmetry.”
The body’s reaction to pain has long been studied by physicians and kinesiologists pinpointing its reaction to injury. Now with the introduction of yoga, healing the body is more accessible.
“When one experiences pain, the first reaction of the muscle is to tighten up and splint the area,” Buegel said. “If the pain is not relieved and chronic tightness remains, the body will add support with more fascia (connective tissue), decreasing flexibility and function of the area. Inactivity or weakness of muscles leads to loss of tissue and is often associated with sedentary activity, loss of postural support and all the associated medical problems and loss of function that tend to plague our culture as we get older.”
Yoga is quickly becoming a $6 billion industry. With studios popping up all over the country, critics are forced to take a second look at its potential, especially with contemporary studies attesting to its powerful healing abilities.
Intensive stretching is an integral way to bring form and functionality back into the human framework.
“For the body, this means improving symmetry through addressing length or strength imbalances of the musculature and restrictions of connective tissue,” Buelgel said.
Aging America is an area Buegel says is in the greatest need of strengthening treatments like yoga and stretching.
“Business wise, the largest potential market for yoga is our aging population,” Buegel said. “Developing yoga routines for an aging population can serve humanity well. Our culture views decrepitude with aging as the norm. I think the practice of yoga changes that belief for many who experience yoga’s benefits.”
Whew! We made it through finals week. If you haven't already, give yourself a pat on the back! Now that most of us are home and finals-free, it is time to reward ourselves! There's no better way to de-stress and unwind than to pamper yourself! Here are a few ideas of some ways you can pamper yourself and get Calculus out of your head!
Hair Mask
With the colder weather, we need to treat our hair nicely! Think about how much stress it goes through: hats, sweaters, scarves, cold air, scrunchies...need I keep going?
Give your hair a break with one of these homemade hair masks.
Face Mask
I don't know about you guys, but when I'm stressed, I get acne! To clear up any post-finals break outs, try a face mask.
Personally, I love Lush's Cupcake Face Mask, but if you can't find a mask you like in stores, try to whip up one of these!
Mani/Pedi
You could go out and get one (that would really be luxurious!) but I usually just DIY a manicure or pedicure. Rub some cream in your feet or hands and let it really soak in your skin for a while. Then pick a fun, festive color and start painting! Add a top coat on for extra shine and staying power!
Bubble Bath
This is probably the most luxurious thing I do. A nice bubble bath, complete with a candle, a good book and a cup of tea! Any kind of bubble bath will do, from Lush bubble bars to Spongebob Bubble Bath from Target (I used dish soap in a pinch, once. Whoops!). Just make sure there's enough to make funny shapes on your bath tub wall - don't even try to pretend you don't still do that!
Let's face it, we all want a sexy body with toned legs, buns of steel, and above all, the flat stomach. The cold winter months allow us to cover our body with layers of clothing, but spring break isn't too far in the future. If you want that smoking hot body for your spring break trip to Miami, you need to work on it now.
I have heard too many girls complain about how they constantly do stomach exercises and see no results. Here’s a hint: simple stomach exercises will not make your stomach flatter. If anything, you will only build muscle underneath the layers of fat. In order to lose fat you must do cardiovascular workouts. Cardio workouts raise your heart rate level, making your heart healthy and allowing you to lose calories. Running, swimming, or even cycling are all easy ways to increase your heart rate. Remember that while you do these activities you have to increase the speed and intensity as you continue to exercise for your heart rate to rise.
There are three parts of the abs: upper, oblique and lower. Girls who sit in their rooms doing 100 crunches a night are only working their upper abs, and therefore still have the pudge around the middle of the belly. To only work the upper abs, crunches will work. Sit ups, regular crunches, or even straight leg crunches are good exercises for your upper abs. The “hover” is also a good way to train your ab muscles. While lying on your stomach, push off of the ground, balancing your weight on your forearms and toes. Remember: toes not feet! Hold your stomach tight, and you will be able to feel the muscles strengthening as you exercise.
The oblique ab muscles, or the muscles on the sides of your stomach, take a little more work than the average crunch. A bicycle crunch is a popular favorite, (it actually works all three parts of your abs) while doing a side-plank or windshield wipers are also nifty oblique exercises. To do a bicycle crunch, lie on your back and position your hands behind your head, as if you were doing a normal crunch. Alternate as you touch your elbow to the opposite knee in a crunch style and repeat. A side-plank is very simple. On your side, lift your body up using your forearm for balance, and hold the position. Be careful not to cheat and put all your weight on your balancing arm. Windshield wipers look exactly how they sound. Lie on your back, feet in the air, and swing them from side to side.
Finally, the lower abs. The lower abs are the key component to gaining the glorious flat stomach that every girl dreams of. The best way to work your lower abs is to do the dreaded 6-inches. Lie on your back with your feet together, and raise them 6 inches off of the ground, holding the pose for a few seconds. Do not cheat yourself on this exercise! Raising your feet a foot or even two feet in the air will not help you.
Using these basic exercises can help you get the perfect beach bod for spring break. Keep in mind that pain is beauty.
Did you know that about 80% of women either do not know their bra size or have never been measured professionally by a bra specialist? A lot of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Wearing the wrong bra can hurt your self-esteem and cause serious health issues, even increasing the risk of breast cancer. So how can you find the perfect bra?
Here are three simple tips.
1. Go see a bra specialist. Go into a store with questions you have about the right bra for you. Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know your exact size or have never been measured.
2. Find out what support you need. There are all different types of bras and with that there are all different types of support for bras: full coverage, unlined and even wire free. Pick up a few different styles and try them all on, seeing which one fits and supports you best.
3. Have fun. Although trying on a whole bunch of bras may be tedious, have fun with it! You can try on different styles, colors and prints with an arrangement of garments if the boutique has any. Stores like Soma Intimates even have parties for you and three friends to try on bras and when you bring friends you receive one free and they receive discounts on purchases.
Fun Bra Facts (Thanks Redbook) 1. The average woman owns 9 bras (and wears 6 of them on a regular basis) 2. $16 billion is spent worldwide on bras every year 3. The average bra size is a 36C
Remember, finding your perfect bra can be stressful, but know that not only is it good for your self-esteem, but it’s necessary for your health.
Okay ladies, we're coming to the end of the semester, and that means little sleep, lots of caffeine and most importantly lots of finals! This is a really stressful time in the school year, and it can be really easy to let the beauty routine slip by the wayside until we're back home from school. Here are some quick tricks to keep you looking and feeling fabulous during finals week!
Skincare
Okay, if you don't do anything else from these tips, PLEASE do this one! It can be really easy to just roll out of bed and go to class (trust me, I've been there), but taking a minute to wash your face and pat on a moisturizer is amazing for your skin. It will help keep your skin looking fresh and awake, not to mention that it will help keep stress acne under control and bacteria off of your face. When your skin looks good, you can get away with less makeup and you'll have that healthy glow that is so hard to come by in these winter months!
Haircare
Hopefully during finals week you have time to shower, so I'm not going to lecture you on washing and conditioning your hair. Seriously, this is one thing you should not scrimp on during finals week. I highly suggest wearing your hair up and out of your face during these upcoming weeks. Personally, I find nothing more annoying than when I have to take a test and I have to pull my bangs out of my eyes every two minutes. Don't even bother with them, and pin them back! Collegefashion.net and YouTube offer some really cute ideas for different hairstyles if you want something more than just a ponytail!
Makeup
For finals week, keep it super simple. You don't want anything that will smear and smudge if you rub your eyes! I recommend using a brightening pencil, such as the NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil or a Benefit Eye Bright on the inner corner of your eyes and underneath the brow bone to really add lift to your eye area. Then I would use a waterproof mascara, such as the L'Oreal Teloscopic Waterproof to add subtle definition to your lash line that won't smear away! Add a fun pink powder blush, such as the MAC blush in Dame and a light tinted lip balm like the Revlon Lip Butters or the Korres Lip Butters. Two-minute makeup routine and you're out the door!
Is your hair unpredictable when you wake up in the morning? Sometimes it looks pretty damn good, but other days, it's flying all over the place. My hair is thick and usually frizzy, and I normally don't have the time to seriously tame it before rushing off to class in the morning.
The HANA 1" Professional Flat Iron from Missiko is great for taming my baby hairs and straightening out any frizz in general. I usually like to keep the waviness in my hair and don't like it to look too flat, so I don't straighten all my hair. However, on the few days I do need to straighten my hair more than usual, the HANA flat iron really makes a difference compared to my old Conair flat iron that I bought at a drugstore. The flat iron features ceramic, floating plates that adjust to hair texture and thickness. The heat settings go from 140 degrees all the way up to 450, so it really straightens out even stubborn, thick hair like mine.
The only downside to this flat iron was that it is only 1" thick; straightening all my hair takes awhile. For thick hair, you should definitely get a wider flat iron for faster results. For thin to medium hair, however, this flat iron straightens hair really well.
The verdict? The HANA flat iron does its job well, and really tames frizzy hair. It's great as a gift for a friend or as a splurge for yourself. As always, don't forget to use a thermal protection spray or serum before you straighten to protect your hair from the heat!
You’ve seen it a million times. These thin, picturesque models in fashion advertisements in magazines such as “GQ,” “Vogue,” “Bazaar” and “Cosmopolitan” have you envious and perhaps a bit depressed. You want to be thin. You want to be that woman in the ad that has long legs, a perfect skin tone, a gorgeous photogenic face…the perfect everything.
You’ve also been told it’s an illusion. It’s called Photoshop to the max and stylists galore. But sometimes we can’t help but wish we were slimmer and more toned, to have a different body shape than what we’ve been given, to be a size 0.
Lisa Kimelman discovers fashion as she deals with her husband’s trial in “Elle’s” October issue:
“José, so patient with my fashion prejudices for so long, finally seemed to have reached the end of his rope: ‘Do you think people you see on the street who look meticulous, do you think the just walk into a store and buy something that fits them? Everybody alters. That’s why they look so great.’
She continued:
“It was a revelation to me: Everybody alters? You mean they don’t all fit naturally into beautiful clothes? They don’t all know instinctively which heels to wear with leggings? They aren’t all size 00 and earning $250,000 a year…?”
We’re not all supposed to be size 0, nor is it necessary to be a size 0. How is a sexy, curvaceous woman supposed to fit herself into a size 00 skinny jean? Not possible. Does that mean she has to lose weight? NO. It means she has to fit the perfect-fitting jean that suits her body the way that it is. We alter the clothes to fit us, not the other way around.
If you’re a naturally thin girl, embrace that. Find clothing that flatters your slenderness and that gives you curves and shape where you may not have any. This may include ruffles, pencil skirts, bows, artistic designs/patterns, etc.
Those of you who have a bigger build, don’t ever be ashamed. Wear clothes that accentuate your waistline and flattering features. Wide leg pants, V-necks, tunics, etc.
Don’t forget about the luxury of comfort. But don’t be so absent-minded that you forget that you should look nice everyday, no matter what. Sweats are good now and then, but not all the time.
Dress to impress, but most importantly, dress to show off your self-esteem and confidence, because you know everyone alters, and being a size 0 isn’t everything in life.
By: Laura Good | Quotes: “Elle” October issue, “The Verdict,” by Lisa Kimelman; pg. 152; Images: Tumblr, Source
Forget allergies, this time you're actually sick. Runny nose, sweaty palms, fever, and a nasty cough like a croaking toad. It’s that time of the year when germs decide to work overtime on your immune system. Although there's always the annual flu shot (which has recently been available at every grocery and drug store,) there's a few other ways to stay healthy in the cold fall and winter months.
It's important to keep your body warm. In the fall, the weather's usually cold in the morning and at night, but pretty warm during the day. A scarf is the perfect accessory. Not only is a scarf a cute, simply wrapping your neck with one will instantly warm you up. A cute beanie or wool cap is always a cute accessory as well, especially if you're having a bad hair day. It's also a good idea to wear socks around the house instead of walking on the cold floors. As long as the extremities (head, feet and hands) of the body are covered, you should be warm.
As important as it is to keep the outside of your body warm, it’s also important to take care of the inside. Warm drinks like hot cocoa and tea are perfect for the cold winter months. Warm peppermint tea with a little honey is divine, as well as cheap! But if you're a true tea fan, I suggest you check out teavana.com. Teavana has the best teas that are sure to treat the body right; Blueberry Bliss is a personal favorite. Also, eating an orange or tangerine every morning to give the body an extra boost of Vitamin C, the Superman to your immune system.
Lastly, become the germa-phobe. Now is not the time to share drinks with friends, eat off each other’s plates, or hold hands. It’s like the cold weather gives germs the power, speed and strength of the Flash. Keep hand sanitizer handy. Bath & Body Works has over 50 pocket hand sanitizers for $1.50 or five for five dollars. If you are in an office at work or in the dorm, try to spray a little Lysol on the doorknobs and keyboards to computers to keep germs from passing from one person to another. Overall, it’s the little things that can make a big difference!
These products should take you everywhere from Thanksgiving dinner with the parents to shopping on Black Friday with your friends!
Berry-colored lipstick
Apply this straight from the tube for Thanksgiving dinner to give you a sophisticated (and completely fall-appropriate) look. For Black Friday or even for just hanging out with friends, tap it onto your lips so it goes on as more of a stain. This will give your lips a hint of color while keeping it low key.
Dark brown eye liner
Smudge this along your upper and/or lower lash line to give your eyes some definition. I would choose brown over black in this case because brown is a softer color and doesn't look as harsh as black can. I don't know about you, but I know my grandmother doesn't want to see me looking like a football player at the dinner table!
Flat iron or curling iron
I usually do my hair for Thanksgiving just because I see a lot of family that I normally wouldn't. Whatever your personal hairstyle is, I recommend bringing a heat tool. Heat tools are a great way to make your hair look great in a relatively short amount of time. Now, I know that I don't usually advocate using tons of heat on your hair, but hey, it's a holiday! A flat iron or a curling iron can also help you touch up your hair if you stay up really late (or just never go to bed) for the awesome Black Friday sales!
Pink blush
Blush is one of the easiest ways to perk up your whole face. Trust me, you do not want to have your entire family hounding you on how you don't get enough sleep at school! Dot the blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend into the hairline, and the nosy relatives never have to know.
Are you one of those females at the gym that just cant get up the courage to go into the weight room? Well you are not alone, most women find the weight room to be very intimidating and why shouldn’t they. Usually, these rooms are infested with bulky men that all seem to have a routine and if you got in their way, well good luck to you. But in all honesty, the weight room is a great place for men and women to share. Most of the guys will be happy to assist you and you wouldn’t be using any of the weights they would probably need.
Here are 3 reasons why you should start breaking a sweat with weights:
1. You will be stronger
What woman doesn’t want to be stronger. You will not have to rely on others for as many things as you used to and simple tasks like lifting groceries will become a piece of cake. As you lift weights your muscles create tiny tears in their fibers. When you are in resting mode this is when the fibers repair themselves and that is what makes you stronger and creates that bulky muscle. As women we don’t want the bulk like men so stick to lighter weights with increased reps. This will create smaller tears, which will give you long and lean muscles. Imagine the confidence boost of that.
2. You will lose body fat
This is always what women forget is that all that cardio can only do so much. It is proven that weight lifting burns more calories after your workout is done than cardio alone. What this means is that you burn more calories during the day, which can add up overtime to weight loss. Also, for every ounce of muscle mass you gain body fat is what the muscle mass displaces. Hello Abs!
3. Lifting weights can ward off diseases
You can reduce your risk of diabetes, clinical depression, heart disease, and your risk of osteoporosis by lifting weights all according to researchers. Imagine how you feel when you become stronger and leaner, that boost of confidence is what researchers claim can decrease clinical depression. These findings are only the beginning, imagine in 10 years what else weight training can do for you. All the more incentive to get started now.
While the holidays may be a great time to de-stress from school, work or other everyday stresses, you must remember to exercise. Even if that means finding a gym to use for a month, the results will be worth it.
Never skip meals.
Though during the holidays it may be tempting to save your appetite for a large meal you will have later in the day, it’s important to still eat three meals a day, especially breakfast.
Don’t forget to sleep!
As brilliant as it may sound to stay up all night and wrap presents, sleep-deprivation can ultimately lead to weight gain. Making sure you get enough sleep over the holiday season can help keep the extra weight off.
Try your best not to overindulge.
Even though your grandmother’s cookies may be to-die-for, eating the whole platter can’t possibly be healthy. However, savoring a few is perfectly acceptable.
Drink plenty of water.
Like always, it’s important to keep hydrated. Limiting your intake of sugary drinks and replacing them with water can be a simple, yet effective way to cut out the extra calories.
Metallic nail polish colors are back, bold, and here to stay for this fall/winter. As the seasons before us have always done; dark colors such as brown, blacks, grays, and envious greens, have made a vengeance. If you’re bold enough to own the rock star, Metallica look, then brace yourself, as this fall trend will be all over the streets, schools, and on some of your favorite fashion icons.
Go Bold With Gold:
Due to its versatility, this is one color that can easily go with anything. If you want a strong pop of color that is easy to notice and will accommodate any outfit, then add some gold. For an extra, spicy affect, go with a more pumpkin kind-of gold. Lately, the color orange has been seen in various ways through clothes, accessories, and even makeup; use that inspiration as a way to add some pizazz for a normal, semi-dull gold.
Add Some Crackle:
Crackle certainly did have its intense, fifteen minutes of fame. But that isn’t to say that it isn’t still a hot trend. Incorporate crackle with metallic colors. I recommend a strong silver color, as the strong contrast of the black crackle, will be an eye-catching supreme of effects.
Make Them Envious With Green:
Oh, greens, always a gorgeous color for nails. Mint green, lime green, deep walk through a forest kind-of green, whatever it is, or what it’s called—weird, or not—green is always in. If you can’t find a metallic green, opt for a simple one, and then add on some shimmer to give it that ultra-glam effect.
Whichever color you choose to wear, make sure that you rock the metallic look with your personality and style as well; add some sass to your outfit, either with black leather boots, or an edgy headband, and incorporate all that into a bad-ass, rock star-worthy personality.
The picture perfect American beauty is typically portrayed as blonde, thin, tall and most importantly: tan. While achieving this California dime look may seem harmless, new research from The Archives of Dermatology reveal that tanning is another form of addiction and as physically detrimental as cocaine abuse.
New York Times author Tara Parker-Pope writes about the shocking findings in her article, Is Indoor Tanning Addictive? “In the study, 78 percent of the most frequent tanners said they had tried to cut down on indoor tanning but had been unable to,” Pope said. “Frequent tanners reported missing scheduled plans because they had opted to use a tanning bed instead.”
Frequent exposure to UV light produces opioids in the brain, more commonly referred to as endorphins. Indoor tanners report feeling happy, calm, and relaxed and brain scans prove that the body is at a heightened state of contentment, writes Parker.
Dermatologist Dr. Robert McDonald says he sees tanning addiction all too often in his patients.
“The problem is only getting worse as affluence increases,” McDonald said of this 21st century affliction. “People have more money so their going on beach vacations to [places like] Cancun.”
As beauty is glamorized in the media, it’s often synonymous with bronzed skin, and the young, carefree attitudes of Americans youth are being translated over to their health.
“The threat is so far removed people aren’t paying attention to it right now,” McDonald said. “It’s like saving for retirement, it’s something you should do, but if you don’t you might be ok, it’s also like telling a 20 year old ‘you better stop smoking now or you might get cancer in 30 years’; it’s hard to see yourself down the road.”
The human brain responds to UV light and almost immediately a bio chemical reaction triggers an addictive response, McDonald said. With nearly 30 million Americans tanning indoors every year, the habit isn’t going anywhere soon.
“We have 20 times more melanoma than in the 1920s,” McDonald said about the increased frequency of skin cancer. “It’s the kind of thing that happens when you’re young, before 25. It a cycle between the beach and the tanning bed.”
UW-Madison student Kayla Gross’ bronzed-skin-bliss took taken a turn for the worse last May. After developing a strange growth on her leg, dermatologists confirmed that Gross had skin cancer.
“I loved the warmth. If I didn’t go I wouldn’t feel right,” Gross said when asked why she continued the unhealthy habit.
An avid tanner throughout high school, Gross tanned for 20 minutes every other day. No eye goggles, no sunscreen, and no worries.
“I used to say ‘skin cancer isn’t a big deal, they just cut it off and remove it.’” Gross said about her outlook on cancer in high school. “I’ve had basil cell three times now, and I have the scars to prove it.”
While Gross had a wake-up call early in life, many of America’s youth aren’t so lucky.
“There’s a long time before this goes away,” McDonald said. “It’s an addictive behavior that’s only going to get worse.”
Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor… what do these three women have in common? Well, other than undeniable beauty, it’s their dazzling charm that radiates inside and out. Each and every one of them left a lasting mark on generation after generation. So maybe you can’t be in the same realm, but who says you can’t attain some of their irresistible charm? Read on to learn exactly how to turn anyone you meet into a melting pot of butter.
When you speak to someone, make them feel like they’re the only person in the room:
There’s no better way to have someone hypnotized by you, then by making them feel like they have your complete attention. Think of Rihanna and her quest to find a guy who makes her feel like she’s the “Only Girl in the World.” To do this, make good eye contact (no creepy staring), and listen to every word they say. Even better, understand everything they’re saying. They’ll be in the palm of your hand in no time.
Add charm to your voice:
Nothing is more unattractive to a guy than a loud, shrill voice. That, and a laugh that resembles the sound of a Hyena. To charm people you meet, say a cute guy, keep your voice sultry and maintainable. To give it an added oomph, add life to words and speak clearly and smoothly. If you watch old-fashioned movies, such Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor, you’ll hear that she has a certain sing-song like voice that captures the hearts of the men she meets.
Be beautiful inside and out:
To be a charmer means that you have beauty on the inside and the outside. For the outside, take care of yourself—do what makes you feel beautiful. That might mean that you love to wear makeup, do your hair every morning, and always wear a certain type of perfume. Whatever it is that makes you, you, such as a trademark—do it up. For the inside, this is most important, as beauty can only be skin deep. You want to be the kind of person that people want to be around, such as: loveable, easy-going and relaxed. All of these qualities mixed in with the lovely ones that you already have, will surely enable you to be the belle of the ball.
Each of the Glamour Queens mentioned above; Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and many others—left their mark on the world. With dazzling personalities, and beauty on the inside and outside, they left a memory that will forever be there, even after they’ve passed on. Maybe you can’t leave such a mark to the entire world, but to your family and friends, and to those who meet you, you can always leave a lasting impression that’s filled with grace, beauty, and tons of dazzling, Glamour Queen-worthy, charm.
The middle of the semester is here and tests, quizzes and papers are becoming a normal part of the weekly routine, not to mention football games, work, and that little thing called sleep. Whew! With all this stuff going on, it can be really easy to let things like a makeup routine go by the wayside. Today I'm going to show you a really quick routine that will make you look wide awake and pulled together for that 9 a.m. math class. Did I mention it will take less than five minutes?
Tinted Moisturizer:
Tinted moisturizer is a college girl's best friend. It’s perfect because you can smooth it onto your face during the morning rush to class. Try to find one with SPF so that you get sun protection as well as a light coverage. I find that a tinted moisturizer is perfect for taking the redness out of my cheeks without looking completely made up for class. This one from Clinique gives skin a healthy glow, and the Aveeno tinted moisturizer is available at most drugstores as well!
Peachy, pink blush:
Blush is one of those products that really makes a huge difference in a little amount of time. All you have to do is sweep the shade on the apples of your cheeks and you instantly look radiant. Pink shades are the most universally flattering, but peach shades look give you a natural glow as well. Try blushes from brands like MAC, Benefit, Maybelline and NYX. Each brand offers a wide variety of formulas and colors. Our favorite? Beach blush from Cargo.
Eye shadow:
You don't have to get crazy and put six different shades on your eyes for class, but you can sweep a light shimmery brown shade across your lids for added dimension. You'll never have to hear the words, "you look tired" when you use this trick. If you're really in a rush, you don't even need to use a brush to apply this, just dab on the shimmery shade with your ring finger. MAC make some really great shimmery shades, but Physician's Formula and Covergirl offer some nude shades as well. A great affordable option is the Coastal Scents Original Palette.
Lengthening mascara:
If you only have time for one thing in the morning, mascara should be at the top of your list. It also helps to curl your lashes because it really opens up tired eyes. Mascara adds a subtle definition that's enough to give you the confidence to wink at the cutie in calculus without the added step of eye liner. I love drugstore mascaras because mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives cosmetics-wise (3 months, ladies!) It makes more sense to search for a less expensive option if you're going to be buying mascara four times a year. Maybelline Volum'express mascara and Covergirl LashBlast mascara are top choices.
Tinted Lip Balm:
Okay ladies, a show of hands: how many of you have gotten your hair caught in your lip gloss on your way to class? Been there, done that! Then on top of that, you have to make the super-flattering motion of getting your hair out of the said lipgloss. Has anyone else noticed that lip gloss acts like super-glue on hair? Just me? A tinted lip balm is the perfect solution to this common problem. The tint gives you color like a gloss, without the stickiness factor. Burt's Bee's makes great tinted balms in several colors.
