Here Comes the Sun: A College Girl's Guide to Sunless Tanning

"It's been a long, cold lonely winter." I couldn't have said it better myself. But fear not, brighter days are on the horizon! Now that we're exchanging our sweaters for sundresses, college women everywhere are looking searching for that "healthy glow." If you're anything like me, you don't have much time to catch some sun the natural way. There are many risks associated with tanning beds, so I decided to compile a complete guide to sunless tanning. Let's glow:

Choosing the Right Shade

Finding the right self-tanner for your skin tone is half the battle. Follow these tips:

Olive skin tones: Choose a shade in the medium color range

Fair and Porcelain skin tones: Choose the lightest shade in the color range. For the best results, choose a gradual tanner.

Peach skin tones: Choose a shade in the light to medium color range. 

Tan and Dark skin tones: Choose a shade in the medium to golden color range.

Fan Favorites: College Girl's Favorite Self Tanners

I surveyed 25 college students about their favorite self- tanners. Drumroll please...

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Jergens seems to be popular with self-tanning beginners or anyone who is looking for a gradual tan.  They also carry a daily facial moisturizer  which is convenient for those looking for a head -to toe- glow. Hillary, a sophomore at UMASS Amherst is a frequent Jergens user says she "likes Jergens color payoff, but wishes it didn't rub off on her clothes" when she's sweating at the gym. 

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self- Tanning Towellettes
These individually wrapped tanning towellettes were popular among the women I surveyed. This Vitamin E- enriched formula promises  a "medium- natural looking tan" that's streak-free. Audrey, a junior at Boston University raves about this product: "I just love the little towellettes because it makes it so much easier to use." This product is convenient because not only does it cut application time in half, it's perfect for touch-ups on the go. 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup
This product popular because it's mess free and does wonders not only at tanning your body but hiding any imperfections you may be insecure about come sundress season. Kelly, a sophomore at BU also uses this product as an air brushed foundation during the warmer months. "It's so much lighter than real foundation, so I spray it into my palm and blend it into my face."  If you're interested in trying this product be warned that it's temporary and will wash off in the shower immediately after you use it. 


Bare Essentials Faux Tan
This is my personal favorite. I'm extremely fair so finding the right shade of self-tanner is difficult. I cant get enough of this product since I discovered it last spring. While it may appear dark in the bottle, this tinted formula makes it impossible to miss a spot during application. This is the first self-tanner that I've tried that turns brown not orange. Even though each bottle is a little over $20, each application lasts for 4-5 days. This products strawberry scent has made it a cult favorite self-tanner on Youtube.

Application
A self-tanner will only look natural if it's applied correctly. Here are some expert tips that will keep you looking like Snooki. 

1.    Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!: Use a body wash with exfoliating beads or make your own body scrub. 
2.    Moisturize: This will prevent streaking by eliminating dry patches on knuckles, elbows and feet. it also gives the tanner something to stick to. Maintain your tan by moisturizing daily after applying the self- tanner
3. Use gloves: If you don't feel comfortable using rubber gloves you have other options, like a mitt or brush. If you feel like applying the tanner with your hands, be sure scrub your nails with a scrub brush immediately after application. Don't skip out on this step-- orange palms aren't cute. 
4. Start at the ankles and work your way up the body with long upward strokes. Starting at your feet keep streaking to a minimum because you won't smudge your torso when you bend down to apply tanner to your lower half.
5. Once you’ve applied buff any streaky looking spots with your palm. Hyper-extend the fingers and rub the palm on the area in circular motions
6. Fear Not. If you make a mistake, there are plenty of ways to fix self tanning mistakes

Do you have any affordable self-tanning tips?  Share them in comment below! Let's ban together and vow to never let this happen:

"Got $20 in my Pocket": The $20 Makeup Challenge

  If you're anything like me, you're no stranger to the Youtube Beauty Guru scene. If this sounds foreign, let me catch you up. There's an entire community of beauty "vlogers" on Youtube that make video tutorials and reviews on the latest trends in the beauty industry. Over the past few months, a $20 makeup challenge , which consists of creating a full-faced makeup look for under $20, has been a staple on most beauty channels. While I was skeptical about this challenge at first, I was curious to see if I could replace some of my holy grail makeup items with cheaper alternatives.

 I made my way to my local CVS with a specific game plan: find multi-tasking products. After close to an hour of finagling and countless combinations of products I managed to find the most affordable options. I've lost my receipt, but  after doing some research I've calculated an approximate grand total of $22.94 for 6 beauty products.  Not exactly $20, but not to shabby, right? Let's put them to the test.

1. Wet N' Wild CoverAll Cream Foundation $3.99

Finding a discounted foundation was my biggest challenge. There were plenty of options, but cutting corners on foundation goes against the cornerstone of my beauty philosophy: when it comes to your skin, higher-end products completely justified. I chose a medium coverage foundation to serve as both a foundation, concealer and an eyeshadow base. I loved this foundation's matte coverage but I am reluctant to use it again because it dried out my skin and had a strong chemical smell.

2. Wet N' Wild Eyeshadow Trio $2.99

Choosing an affordable eyeshadow was a no-brainer. Due to some slim pickings at CVS, I settled on a shade that was a little dark for my taste called "Silent Treatment." I'd heard great reviews on Wet N' Wild eyeshadows and was expecting highly pigmented shades that were easy to blend.  While this eye shadow was not a complete disappointment, these shadows did produce a considerable amount of fall-out. Despite their chalkiness, their compact size makes them great for travel. These eyeshadows are a great option if you're looking to experiment with some vibrant or less wearable shades like blues and greens. 

3. Wet N' Wild MegaVolume Mascara

I did't pay much attention to my mascara choice. My typical criteria for mascara is twofold. It must be volumizing and MUST be the darkest shade of black available. This mascara passed that test. While it wasn't extremely clumpy and the wand fit nicely along the lower lash line, I was turned off by it's strong chemical smell.

4. Wet N' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder $3.99

I was initially drawn to this product because it looked like a triple threat: bronzer, blush, and hi-lighter  all in one. My local CVS offered the compact in the shade "Catwalk Pink" and I was excited to score the last one on the shelf. That's where the excitement stops. I found the bronzer to have little to no color payoff, the blush shade was too harsh for my pale skin and the hi-lighting shades were too frosty. I accidentally dropped the compact on a carpeted floor and it shattered to pieces. Bottom line: don't bother with this product.

5. Essence of Beauty Angle Blusher and Touch-up Powder Brush $5.99

There isn't much to say about this brush. It's bristles are soft and it's compact and ideal for traveling. It did a decent job applying subpar blush. It is impossible to judge this brush's precision and blending  quality of the bronzer and hi-lighting powder were too poor.  Overall, for $6.00 this brush might be a useful tool to have floating around the bottom of your purse incase of emergency. 

6. Wet N' Wild MegaLast Liquid Lip Color $2.99

This is the Taylor Swift of lipgloss. It's glittery and looks harmless enough to have mass appeal. Beware. Seconds after I applied the gloss for the first time the glitter became dry and chunky, making it hard to move my lips. Just avoid this lipgloss at all costs. 

What $20 makeup challenge would be complete without a tutorial? 

In my opinion the real challenge isn't buying the makeup, it's applying it. In an effort to stay under budget, I skipped out on essential eyeshadow brushes. As a result, my finished look ending up looking less natural than I had hoped. 

Overall I would say this attempt at a $20 makeup challenge was a fail but I still have faith that there are some great and affordable products out there just waiting to be discovered. 

What's the cheapest part of your makeup routine? I'd love to know! 

-Monica

Ready, Set, Grow: Growing Your Hair on a College Budget

It's time I let you in on a little secret. I'm obsessed with my hair. I love shampooing, styling and sometimes snipping my hair. Try as I might, I just can't stop.

After making the impulse decision get a bob in March of 2011, I've been experiencing some major growing pains. While I loved my short and sleek haircut, I couldn't help but miss having long hair. 

Hey don't look tan? Find out how I got my glow!

 At the height of my hair envy, I scoured the internet for a recipe for long locks but there  mixed messages about what makes hair grow fastest. Most techniques are complicated, outlandish and impossible on a college budget. 

I'm here to put some major hair myths to rest. Here's what I've learned about growing long, strong and healthy hair: 

Myth #1: Growing Out your Hair is Expensive
The most discouraging thing about tending to your transitional tresses is that most products that promote hair growth are so expensive. Listen ladies: It is possible to grow out your hair on a budget, you just need the right tools. First let's talk shampoo and conditioner:

Not Your Mother's Way to Grow Long and Strong Shampoo
This shampoo prevent's all sorts of breakage. It's nourishing formula fortifies your hair to prevent split ends and at less than $6.00  your hair and your bank account will thank you. For best results, message the shampoo into your scalp for a minute or two to promote circulation that will lead to hair growth. Follow this step with the Way to Grow Long and Strong Conditioner and you're good to go! Added bonus: It smells like  gummy peach rings!

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deeeeep Conditioner
Every few days it's important to show your hair some extra love with a deep conditioner. I've spent an ungodly amount of money on deep conditioners but my hair has never felt healthier than when I used this product. The real miracle: it's only $3.00 Be warned that this product has a heavy coconut smell.

Myth #2: Clean Hair = Healthy Hair
I know I just raved about my favorite shampoos and conditioners, but hear me out for a second. Over-washing your hair strips it of it's natural oils that are essential in speeding up hair growth. With the help of dry shampoo and argon oil I wash my fine hair three times a week.

• Knowing how to use dry shampoo is key. Most dry shampoos leave a powdery residue so be sure to spray the product 6-8 inches away from your hair. Brushing your hair after applying the product can help reduce this powdery finish. 
• For added volume, blow-dry the roots of your hair after applying dry shampoo. No one will know you didn't wash your hair... I promise!
• I believe all dry shampoos are created equal. You can even make dry shampoo using baby powder
• After applying dry shampoo to your roots, apply half a pump argon oil to the ends of your to keep them from looking dry. I recommend L'Oreal EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment. It's less greasy than Moroccanoil and much cheaper too!

Myth #3: Don't Cut Your Hair 

This sounds counterintuitive right? Wrong. On average the ends of your hair are about three years old. If your ends are not taken care of properly, they can sabotage your quest for long silky hair. 

• Trim your hair less than a half and inch every two months. If you wait longer than two months, your ends will split and you'll have to cut into the length of your hair
• Fake it till you make it. Adding long, face framing layers will make your hair look longer
• Ask your stylist to create subtle v-shaped layers in the back of your hair. This will help draw the eye to the longest layer of hair. This helps eliminate that awkward transition between short and long hair.

Myth #4 Don't Color Your Hair

While you might think coloring your hair may be damaging, adding subtle hi-lights or ombre can make your hair look longer. Don't believe me? Meet my hair idol, Grace. She has thick, healthy hair that looks great in any shade.

The contrast of her highlights draws the eye to the entire length of her hair. Ombre creates a similar allusion by drawing the eye to the ends of the hair. DIY Ombre is a great alternative to pricey salon hi-lights. 

Do you have tips for growing out your hair? I'd love to hear them!

-Monica