Category Archives: Beauty & Health

You know it’s a big deal when you type “naked” into the google search bar, and the first thing that comes up in the options is “Naked 3 Palette.” But why is this eye shadow such a big deal? It all started about 4 years ago…

I was junior year of high school when I found the beauty product love of my life: the original Naked Palette. It was given to me as a birthday gift from my best friend because as much as I wanted it, I was hesitant to spend $50 of my own money on eye shadow. However, I soon learned that once you go Naked… you can never go back.

With merely twelve bronze-hued shades, I can produce a casual daytime look or a killer smokey eye. The high quality pigments are long-lasting. This makes the expensive price worth it. Last night, my eye shadow looked great. And it was done by the same Naked Palette that I got four years ago.

After its release, the craze started. Other people fell in love too, making The Naked Palette an all-time eye shadow bestseller. Urban Decay was pressured to expand upon their Naked line. Soon, the second edition palette was released. The price even went up to $52. This second edition has a range of twelve taupe-hued shadows. Naked 2 flew off the shelves, making it another all-time makeup bestseller.

The quality of the eye shadow was still top notch. However, many complained that the Naked 2 was a bit too similar to the original palette, and they couldn’t justify paying another $52 for the same set of eye shadows. So, Urban Decay kept producing. They released a “basics” palette, with only 6 signature neutral shades. Also, they expanded into the face makeup arena with their Naked foundation and concealer.

Urban Decay has created a makeup dynasty. That is why the release of the third edition palette, The Naked 3, was so buzzed about. I received emails from Sephora, Ulta and even Urban Outfitters, counting down to the palette’s release date as if it was going to be the biggest thing to happen this year. And maybe it is—in the makeup world, at least. The new edition has 12 rose-hued shades. The shadows are a bit pink and will be able to create a neutral doe-eyed look and also a new twist on nighttime makeup.

The Naked 3 is a definite on my Christmas list. It may be difficult to explain the price to my mom Santa, but I can justify it by saying that my original Naked Palette has lasted for over four years. That makes the fifty-two dollar price worth it.

Photo credit: refinery29.com

Tis’ the season for love, gifts and sweet smells.  Try these perfume picks for the holidays:

Princess by Vera Wang

If you’re the type who loves a sweet smell with a little touch of luxury, Princess is the perfect holiday choice.  Princess’ subtle scent does enough for others to acknowledge your presence without being overbearing.

Oh La La by Victoria’s Secret

“Love Spell” and “Berry Bliss” may have stolen our hearts at one point, but Victoria’s Secret latest scent offers a soft scent of cherry blossom, vanilla and mandarin orange.  Oh La La’s sexy and feminine fragrance gives you the confidence to be the diva you are.

Flowerbomb by Victor and Rolf

Drift away with Flowerbomb.  This sweet grenade is just right for the holiday season.  With notes of orchid, jasmine and centiflora rose, you just might fall in love with yourself.

Betsey Johnson by Betsey Johnson

If you’re looking to make a statement, Betsey is right where you want to be.  Betsey Johnson provides a fragrance with attitude noting black current, amber and apple as a few of its scents.  Whether you’re celebrating the end of finals or enjoying a Christmas dinner, this bold perfume is far from shy.

Euphoria by Calvin Klein

You can never go wrong with a classic.  Euphoria is the go-to perfume for any occasion.  Its clean yet appealing scent is sure to turn heads and even flare a couple of noses.  This is one trend that will never go out of style.

Lately, I just can’t get my skin to not be dry, flakey and itchy. I’ve tried so many different lotions, and I apply them twice a day, but my skin just won’t quit. After experimenting with different lotions and scrubs, I’ve finally found the ultimate winter body regiment.

Lotion

Amlactin. It’s the best lotion for dry, itchy skin, and it’s the most recommended lotion by dermatologists. Amlactin contains natural lactic acid that helps exfoliate skin on the cell level, which helps remove dead skin and prevent dry, flakey patches. Applying it twice a day will leave your skin soft (but not greasy) and it absorbs almost immediately so it doesn’t get all over your clothes. The only issue: it smells kind of funky when you’re applying it. But once it’s absorbed, the smell fades. However, if you like a lotion that makes your skin smell nice, you may just want to apply it once the Amlactin is absorbed. Continue reading →

It’s kind of hard to stay in shape during Thanksgiving time when the entire point of Thanksgiving is to stuff your face. But, even though you’re pretty much guaranteed to gain a pound or two, there’s no reason you can’t still work out, just in a different way!

The goal for a break like this should be to aim for a relaxed lifestyle. Thanksgiving won’t be fun if you’re constantly thinking about the calorie content of the food or trying to limit yourself to ridiculously small portions. You’re home, you’re stressed from school and you need to just chill. So let your home mode kick in and eat as you please.

Your workouts should have the same attitude. Instead of desperately trying to burn off the calories by going on a 10 mile run when you’ve only ever been able to run 2 is a bad idea. First of all, if you have all of that food in your stomach, it’s guaranteed to come up, and second of all, you’ll probably hurt yourself.  Continue reading →

With more weights, machines and frat boys than you ever knew existed, it’s easy to feel lost at the gym and settle into a safe routine. But, before you throw in the towel, consider taking advantage of the free personal training services offered by Penn State Fitness.

“It’s extremely easy to get started with the Get Fit Program,” says student trainer, Colin Crawford. “All you have to do is walk up to the front desk at the White Building or Rec Hall and ask for an appointment”.

If you normally have difficulty finding the time to schedule a workout, consider taking advantage of the program’s flexible hours. Get Fit offers it’s services five days a week from 9am-9pm.

Each session, led by a student trainers like Crawford, begins with an educational consultation to establish your fitness goals and needs. Whether you’re trying to lose those extra five pounds or build muscle mass, personal training can help you redesign your fitness plan to optimize your health. Continue reading →

Ever wonder what you’d look like with edgy, fringe bangs like Alexa Chung or Kerry Washington? Sometimes our hairstyles are begging for an update and we look for a dramatic change. However, before you make the decision to chop your tendrils into intense bangs, fake the look first to see if you face shape will jive with the do.

Step 1: Collect and brush out all your hair from the crown of your head.

Step 2: Pull your gathered hair back and then bend it forward until your ends are at the desired length for your bangs. Continue reading →