Tag: Essentials

6 Items Even Minimalists Should Keep in Their Bathroom

The term “beauty product” probably means something different to all of us. Everyone has their own definition of what counts as a beauty product, and everyone has their own preference for how many they own. For example, I own about 10, but my sister owns at least 100. Whether you’re more like me, or more like my sister, there are a few staple items I think everyone should own, or at least keep in their bathroom “just in case.”

1—Candle

The first is something simple and relaxing—a candle. I’m a candle enthusiast; I always have one in my bathroom, one in my bedroom, one in my kitchen, one on the balcony, etc. Even if you aren’t so into the idea of candles, the bathroom is the perfect place to start! Choose from aromatherapy, citrus, fresh linen, vanilla sugar, and so much more. There is a scent for everyone, and I promise it will make showers, baths, or even just getting ready in the morning better!

PHOTO: Amber Sudra

2—Face Mask

These are a staple item for me. Even though they’re not something I use daily, I always have one lying around. The best part is that there’s a mask for whatever you need—healing, moisturizing, rejuvenating, sleeping, you name it! Not only are they relaxing but they are so good for your skin as well. Your face will thank you.

3—Eyeshadow

If I’m being completely transparent, I am not an eyeshadow artist. I know so many people who are really good at it, but unfortunately, I am not one of those people. However, I do think that eyeshadow is fun to experiment with, and can dress up any look in a matter of seconds.

 

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

4—Facial Spray

This stuff is a game changer. It’s starting to become more and more popular, and I can see why! Whether you choose makeup setting spray, hydrating protection spray, or the ever so popular Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray, you’re bound to feel like a new person after just one use.

5—Perfume

I’m sure this one seems like a given, but I still wanted to mention it, as it is a staple item. I also wanted to share a little beauty hack I recently learned! If you rub a tiny amount of Vaseline on your neck before spraying your fragrance, the smell will last longer!

PHOTO: Emily Truong

6—Bath Bomb

Last but not least, the bath bomb. Similar to candles, I am a sucker for these. I didn’t really get into bubble baths until last year when I finally had my own bathroom and decided to try one of these bombs that were all the rave. However, now I’m really into them. They’re perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day, or even just to relax in the afternoon.

Do you have a favorite beauty product? Share it with us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @cfashionista!

Add This Podcast to Your Fall Semester Playlist

During my junior year of college, I took a listening class where I had to listen to seven hours worth of a material from a podcast. I thought it would be the most dreadful assignment I would ever have. Strangely enough, I became hooked on the podcast series Pop Fashion. Podcasts are like magazines for your ear. All the content you need is available without having to stay focused on one item. You can listen to them straight from a website or application, or you can download and have the ability to listen to them offline. Listening to a podcast can be mesmerizing. Hearing someone’s voice and having them put expression into it makes the story really come to life.

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

If you’re not listening to this podcast already, you should be! Pop Fashion is described as a podcast for fashion, news, trends, business, and fashion crime. They air on a weekly basis, and each episode tends to be in anywhere between 54 minutes to an hour. More importantly, I enjoy the fact that they don’t stick to the basics of fashion. They are smart and insightful. For instance, they touch upon retail, politics, food, and e-commerce (since everything ties back to fashion).

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

The hosts of the show, Lisa and Kaarin, are hilarious! They keep you entertained and tell you honest facts without sugarcoating the news. Kaarin and Lisa don’t have voices that put you to sleep or are super obnoxious that after five minutes of listening you wish you never hit play. You will get all the facts and they keep the information simple and easy to follow along. You don’t have to be an expert Fashionista to keep up with these ladies.

Add this to your weekly agenda and sync this to your Bluetooth speaker while you’re lounging at home. What other podcasts are you listening to? Comment your favorites below!

Additional photos by Daisa Harris.

How Goal Setting Can Lead to a Successful Semester

Heading back to school after a relaxing summer can seem chaotic and overwhelming, and settling back into a daily routine sometimes takes a while. Whether you’re juggling a job with clubs and classes, or just focusing on academics, it’s important to consistently keep your 20/20 vision in check with goal setting and planning.

Planning

Using a planner is extremely helpful for organizing daily, weekly, and even monthly events and deadlines. Writing out your schedule of classes, work, and clubs helps to visualize how much free time you have. It’s suddenly much easier to make time for school work, friends, and most importantly, yourself, once everything is laid out.

Some great planners can quickly get on the expensive side, but that shouldn’t deter you from organizing and planning your little heart out. You can always create your own scheduling or to-do list templates on a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel or even Google Sheets. Creating your own planner will encourage you to keep up with it, and even allow your creative juices to flow every once in a while. All it takes to create your dream planner is a few clicks and colorful pens.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

Goal Setting

While using a planner is great for the smaller picture, goal setting is just as important. Planning for the future can be intimidating and overwhelming, but setting up a plan for achieving your dreams makes it much easier. The most important step in goal setting is writing them down. Whether you keep them on your computer, journal, or hang them up in your bedroom, it’s important to be able to look at them on a daily basis. Whenever you’re struggling, simply think back to your goals to remind yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing and give yourself a little pep talk.

Breaking down your goals into manageable bits makes them much less intimidating. Your goals should always be specific, measurable, challenging, and timely. For example, if you want to work towards an active lifestyle, challenge yourself to exercise at least three days a week. Once that becomes too easy, start working your way up to six days a week, or simply increase the amount of time you spend working out. Always keep a record of your progress to remind yourself how far you have come from wherever it is you started (and don’t be afraid to occasionally reward yourself.)

PHOTO: Madison Paloski

Above all, your goals should be achievable. Don’t try to make the big leap at once because it’s easier to lose motivation that way. Start with the smaller steps and create a schedule for yourself, no matter how long it takes. Once you set your goals, write them down, plan your timeline, and you’ll be able to take on this (and every) semester with a clear vision and a new dose of productivity.

What goals are you currently working toward? Tell us all about them on social media by tagging @Cfashionista.

Additional photos by Emily Truong

7 Backpack Essentials Every College Student Should Have

Don’t you just hate being unprepared for school? As much as we like to joke that all we need is a pencil and one notebook, there’s something about being unprepared that makes us uncomfortable—we try to avoid it as much as possible. I’ve got you covered with seven backpack essentials that will carry you through the school year.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Chapstick/lip gloss

This one’s a no-brainer. Don’t you just hate it when you don’t have chapstick so you have to lick your lips instead? I know, gross. Make sure you always have some chapstick or lip gloss in your backpack.

2—Lotion

This is also a necessity, and lotion gives you soft hands throughout the day. 

3—Hand sanitizer

There are germs everywhere, so hand sanitizer comes in handy all the time especially when eating food.

4—Earbuds

I didn’t realize the beauty in having earbuds when walking to class until a couple weeks ago. It’s great to listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook as a way to get your mind together.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

5—Snack and water

We all love food and get hungry, but with all the schoolwork and extracurricular activities, sometimes we forget to eat. Having a snack handy is always a must, and with this summer heat still in full play, you can’t forget to have water. Water bottles like this can keep your water nice and cold for hours!

6—Small journal

I don’t know about you, but things are always flowing through my head. It might be due dates, reminders, quick poems, or drafts, but I like to have a small journal in my backpack so I can jot down my thoughts. 

PHOTO: Anna Coke

7—Pen and pencil

Don’t be that kid who forgets to bring a pencil and pen to class. My rule of thumb is this: make sure you have enough pencils and pens for yourself and one other person. Not only will you be prepared for class, but you’ll also be helping someone else out.

What do you absolutely have to have in your backpack? Let us know what your backpack essentials are in the comments below! 

5 Apps Every Freshman Should Download Now

If you think about it, our smartphones are like clothing; we don’t leave the house without wearing clothes just like we don’t leave without our phones. Grabbing your phone is a natural instinct, like taking off your heels the moment you get home. Checking a notification on your phone is like that annoying zipper on your favorite pair of jeans that just won’t stay zipped, so you’re consistently checking it throughout the day.

Now, think of the App Store as shopping and trying clothes on at the mall. If you see an app that looks like it will be useful, you download it like you would impulse buy a floral, cold-shoulder top at Forever 21.

Then, you explore the app, use it for a couple days, but after that, you probably forget about it, as it stays there for months wasting memory on your phone. This unused app is the same as that top you bought that you wore twice and now it sits in your closet taking up space.

Just like clothing, there are some apps that you use all the time and some that you never even click on. From studying to cooking, here are five functional apps for a college student I guarantee you will use at least once a week!

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

1—Amazon Kindle 

Regardless of where you buy or rent your textbooks from, it is going to be expensive! In my experience, depending on the textbook, I have found that downloading the E-book with the Amazon Kindle app is often cheaper than purchasing the actual textbook. You can download a free sample or the entire book to your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

2—Egenda

If you’re like me, writing things down in my agenda is helpful, but I still need more reminders. Egenda is an electronic agenda in which you to enter in all of your assignments for the semester. It also sends you notifications on due dates and reminds you to study for upcoming exams.

PHOTO: Daisa Harris

3—CoinKeeper 

This budgeting app allows you to track your expenses and see where you spend your money the most. It separates your expenses into categories such as eating out, gas, groceries, etc. Then, it helps you create a budget for yourself. If you forget to enter your purchases, CoinKeeper sends you a daily notification reminding you to keep track of your money and stick to your budget!

4—Thrive Market 

As a college student, eating healthy or organic can be challenging, especially if you’re on your school’s meal plan. Plus, grocery shopping can be an all day affair if you lack your own transportation. With Thrive Market, you can get a vast variety of organic and gluten-free food for half the price that the grocery store sells them—all delivered to your door! A membership is $65 a year; however, there is a free 30-day trial!

PHOTO: Cassidy Clark

5—Tasty

Buzzfeed’s Tasty app has video tutorial recipes from breakfast to dessert. The tutorials are simple and easy to follow, especially for someone who is at the beginner stage when it comes to cooking.

Find any of these apps interesting? Have any other apps you love to use while at school? Let me know in the comments below!

Four Backpack Essentials to Keep You Going This Fall

As I pencil in the last available spot in my planner, it is evident that the school year is in full swing. Packing my schedule with classes, assignments, club meetings, work, and yoga classes leaves me perpetually on the go. Having a perfectly packed bag with all the right essentials is necessary to survive a day that starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Here are my top backpack essentials to make it through the semester.

PHOTO: Kenia Viezcas

The Perfect Pair of Headphones

Headphones are essential for tuning out the multitude of different sounds and maintaining focus while studying in your dorm, at your favorite local coffee shop, or at the student union. While living in a college town is great for going out, the distractions make it nearly impossible to stay on track when work needs to be done. Always keeping a pair of headphones makes it easier to get work done no matter where you are, even if it is just 15 extra minutes toward that chapter assigned for your American government class.

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

Colored Pens

This may seem like a silly tactic, but I always carry a variety of different colored pens. Why? Researchers think that color-coded notes can increase efficiency in learning. Furthermore, color-coding notes during class requires greater attention to detail. Forcing yourself to focus on what color pen to use for different materials requires further analysis instantly, as well as a greater level of focus. Get more out of your class time by utilizing colored pens.

PHOTO: Jordan Wissert

 

A Planner 

Always, always, always keep your planner with you. Professors often make last minute announcements as class is getting out with a change to the original date for assignments, study session times, and department events. Ensuring that you always have your planner increases your ability to remember those announcements. After all, you are proven to remember something better if you just write it down.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

 

Healthy Snacks

Y’all, the freshman 15 is real. Staying healthy on a college campus is not always easy when your meal plan options include Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and Steak ‘n Shake. Not only does keeping snacks provide you with well-rounded, healthy options, but it also allows you to skip those long lines in the cafeteria. Keeping snacks handy will keep you ahead of your busy schedule and fueled for class all day long.

 

What are your backpack essentials? Share with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

A Simple Morning Makeup in 6 Products or Less

Whether you’re looking to cut down on time spent in front of your mirror in the morning or just keep makeup to a minimum, having a tried and true makeup routine makes life much easier before class. Here’s how you can cut your everyday makeup down to only a few steps with six products:

PHOTO: Valerie Cammack

If you are going to wear any makeup, then reach for brow pomade and mascara first. Defined brows bring shape to the face and mascara brightens the eyes, plus it saves you from dealing with the dreaded “are you sick?” when you walk out the door totally barefaced. My personal go-tos are Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade and Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara.

A quality primer is a staple to any makeup collection. The Becca Backlight Priming Filter is my current fave to achieve that dewy, your-skin-but-better look. An added bonus for this particular product is that you do not necessarily need to add foundation over it, as it blurs pores and adds luminosity to the skin.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

If you want a very natural makeup look, using a primer without foundation is the way to go. But if you do have the extra minute in the morning, BB cream applied with a damp beauty sponge or stick foundation with a stipple brush give the best well-rested skin finish. These methods hide discolorations without being heavy or cakey.

If you have dry skin like me, cream products work wonders on your skin. I use Stila Convertible Color in shade Petunia to brighten and bring shape to my round cheeks. It also doubles as a lip color, which is great for a monochromatic chic look.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

The product you pick to finish the look off really speaks to what level of extra you’re going for: translucent powder, bronzer, or highlight. Do you want to make sure your makeup does not move on a day running across campus in the heat? Or sculpt the face and add warmth during winter months? Or would you rather look like a glowing goddess with blinding highlight? Genuinely, you can’t go wrong!

Let us know what your go-to morning makeup routine is, and be sure to tag @CFashionista on social media!

Featured photo by Lex Kelly.

Top 5 Beauty Products for Back to School

With summer coming to a close, it is time to begin back to school shopping. Now is the time to stock up on new makeup products that you have been wanting to try! I have put together a list of my top five beauty essentials that would be great additions to any Fashionista’s makeup collection.

Top Five Beauty Products

1—Primer. Primer is an important product. Makeup will look smoother, giving you flawless-looking skin, but most importantly it will help your makeup last all day. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, or normal skin, there is a primer out there for you. One of my all-time favorite primers is the Mario Badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs, and rosewater. I like this product for many reasons. One, it is a skincare product, so it is going to be treating dryness by adding hydration and glow. Two, it serves many purposes. You can use this product not only on your face but on your body and hair. Tip: Spray this into wet hair to add extra shine.

2—Foundation. Foundation allows you to create different makeup looks depending on the type of foundation that you use. For example, if you are going to the beach and want a natural look, I would choose a CC cream or medium-coverage foundation. This will cover most imperfections but let your natural skin peek through. When doing a night look, I tend to amp up my makeup. I will use a full-coverage foundation that will provide more coverage. One of my favorite full-coverage foundations is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer 2 in 1. This is great because even though it is full-coverage, it still feels very light on the skin.

3—Foundation applicator. Whether you prefer a beauty blender or foundation brush, I think a foundation applicator is crucial for a makeup look. A foundation applicator helps smooth the foundation over the skin. One of my all-time favorite brushes is the Foundation Buff Brush from Clinique. This brush melts the foundation into the skin, giving a natural look.

4—Bronzer. This is a great way to add a sun-kissed glow to the face without having to lay out in the sun. You want to apply bronzer to the points on the face where the sun would naturally hit: your forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jawline. I love applying bronzer with a fan brush. This application allows you to have a light hand to enhance more of the natural look. I have used many different bronzers but one that remains in my collection is my Laura Geller Bronze-N-Brighten in the shade medium. This bronzer gives the appearance that you have been relaxing in the sun.

5—Highlighter. If you love the “glowing from within” look, then a highlighter is just the thing you need. Highlighters can add so much luminosity to the face. I am a fan of the Becca highlighters, specifically Champagne Pop or Opal, but if you want more a natural glow, try the Too Faced highlighter in the shade Blinded by the Light. This adds the perfect amount of radiance to the skin but is also very buildable if you prefer something more intense.

I would love to know what your favorite beauty essentials are so tag @Cfashionista the next time you post on social media!

10 Things Every Career-Driven College Student Needs in Her Workspace

Best-selling mystery writer Agatha Christie never had a single workspace. To work she only needed two things: a typewriter and a steady table. American poet Maya Angelou only worked from hotel rooms where she wouldn’t be found without a dictionary, a Bible, a deck of cards, and a bottle of sherry. For novelist Jane Austen, the family sitting room was her workspace. Austen would go on to pen a number of books in that room including Pride and Prejudice. The term “girlboss” was coined in the 21st century by Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, but it’s safe to say the women in history were girlbosses in their own right. They understood what they needed to be the most productive. Productivity is known to be linked to one’s workspace, so here are 10 things that will help you be a boss that gets things done.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

1—A bright space

Studies have proven that people are more productive when working in light-filled spaces. Natural light is always best, but a good old desk lamp will do the job.

2—An agenda

This is where you can plan your daily tasks, events, and appointments as well as track your goals. Deleting a task note from an iPhone will never feel as satisfying as checking it off a marble-patterned agenda.

3—Desk organizers

Never forget where your lucky red pen, sticky notes, or loose papers are. Investing in a multi-purpose pencil holder, paper trays, and file holders will save you time so you can focus on what’s important.

4—A concentration app

If you find your focus wandering, apps like Focus Booster can keep you in check. The app breaks down tasks into blocks that are often followed by short breaks.

5—A mood board or inspiration wall

It’s easy to get distracted, stray from your goal or vision, and then give up. These visuals will keep you in check, remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing, and motivate you to push through.

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert

6—Thank you cards

Handwritten thank you cards are an easy way to set yourself apart from the crowd. Whether you’re waiting to hear how an interview went or connecting with someone at a networking event, mailing out cards afterward is a great way to show you genuinely care.

7—Decor

Nothing says girlboss like a stylized desk. Experiment with colors, shapes, and textures to set the mood for your space.

8—Plants

Believe it or not, a little bit of green can go a long way. Studies have suggested that household plants in workspaces increase happiness and productivity. Terrariums can also be a fun DIY addition to your space.

PHOTO: Anna Coke

9—A water bottle

When you’re working this hard, nothing’s more important than keeping yourself in good health.

10—A relaxing candle

After a long day of hustling, you deserve it.

How do you stay productive in your workspace? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

School Year Already Stressing You Out? This Will Help.

The new school year is right around the corner, and it’s only natural for a lot of us to feel stressed or anxious. It is so important to go back to school and start the semester feeling refreshed and ready for classes. With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to unwind in time for the new semester.

1—Light some candles and take a bath. This is my go-to whenever I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Light your favorite scented candles, make the bath warm, and throw in some Epsom salts or a bath bomb. Epsom salts are great to relieve any muscle tension due to working out or stress.

2—Write it out. I highly recommend keeping a journal to write out any thoughts, goals, or ideas you have. This is a good thing to do not just before school starts but year-round. It’s also good to keep a separate planner for all things school-related. I find that by keeping one for my personal thoughts and one strictly for school, it keeps my mind and life organized and on track. This will really help your mind stay at ease and make it so that you are less likely to stress out.

3—Read a self-empowering book. I recently picked up Style Your Mind by Cara Alwill and it’s given me so much inspiration. School can get overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on yourself and keep your goals in check.

4—Make a back to school playlist. I love Spotify for making different types of playlists. I recently made one for back to school and I included all of my current favorites and old favorites that really get me pumped. Music to me is a form of therapy, so having playlists for different moods is essential to me. A back to school playlist should definitely be a must before the semester starts.

What do you do to prepare for back to school? Let me know in the comments below!