Second Day Curls on the First Day!

There's something about the second day curls that just looks and sits better than the first day.  Typically on the first day, the curls are too tight and too fresh- well, there's a trick to have the "second day curls" on the first day!  Follow the instructions below and try it out!

Step 1
Make sure to have freshly washed hair so your curls hold longer.

Step 2
Divide your hair in layers.

Step 3
Clamp a small strand into your curler.  We typically like to use about a 1"-1.5"curler.

Step 4
Roll it up to as high as you want your curls to go.  Remember to curl your hair OUT, not IN!  Hold it there for about 10-12 seconds

Step 5
Keep your hair clamped in the curler, but start unwinding your hair all the way until the end of your piece.

Step 6
Twist, twist, twist!  Twist the entire curler so your strand is twisted and then let go.

Step 7
Repeat the same step all throughout your hair, but remember not to brush it out or run your fingers through!  Keep it still for as long as possible and let it cool down.

Step 8
After curling all of your hair, run your fingers through so it has that natural curl/wave look.  Brushing it out with a brush can give you a different look and all of your curls will end up in one big chunk so we recommend brushing your fingers through!

...and that's it!

What are some of your hair tricks?  Share your secret with us at secret@thesororitysecrets.com

Kissable Lips

 Lipstick: MAC.

Lipstick is a girl’s best friend! It’s the perfect accessory, easily changeable and can complete any outfit.  Whether you’re a lipstick guru or prefer a subtle gloss, it’s always helpful to know which colors match your skin tone best. Luckily, MAC Cosmetics carry a large variety of colors that fit all skin tones and only $15!

Fair Skin:

If you have fair skin, don’t overwhelm or wash out your complexion with ashy colors- stick with orange-based shades, fruity reds, light pinks or nude. These colors will compliment your fair skin, accentuate your mouth and brighten your face!

Medium Skin:

When you have a golden/beige skin tone, you have more versatility when choosing lipstick colors- stick with colors with warmth and blue undertones. Try a deeper nude color for a day lip and switch it up to a berry or true red for a night look. Other great colors to try with your skin tone are peaches, pinks, or darker purple colors.

Deep Skin:

Go bold! Hot pink, crimson, and dark berry are excellent shades for your skin tone! The bold colors won’t be harsh against your skin, but light pinks and nude also look great for a clean look.

My personal favorite colors right now are a pastel pink {Rose Lilly}, bright red {Relentlessly Red}, and deep berry {Instigator}. In addition to the great selection at MAC, Revlon also has a large variety of similar colors and are only $5! Happy lipstick hunting!

All Things Pink & Red!

[Beanie] [Sunglasses] [Clutch] [Heels] [Plate] [Book] [Cookie Jar] [Sweater] [Candles] [Necklace]

Love is in the air! Check out some of our favorite red & pink items that are currently trending right now! Some of them are even less than $10!   We're currently obsessing over the adorable chalkboard cookie jars that are from Target.  It's adorable, handy, and you can use it all year long.  Check them out!

Happy Shopping!

Valentine's Day Manicures We Love!

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The day of love is this Friday and you can't have the plain red, white, and pink manicures!  Liven them up with adorable and unique manicures this year for Valentine's Day!  Pinterest is full of adorable manicure ideas, especially Valentine's Day!  We've done the dirty work for you and gone through most of all of the Valentine's Day manicures on Pinterest and picked out our 6 favorite manicures you can try out this year! 

Happy Monday!

Rock Radiant Orchid In Your Beauty Routine

[Smashbox Photo Op  Eye Shadow Trio in Autochrome ][Marc Jacobs Blush in Outspoken ][YSL Mascara in Fascinatingly Violet][NARS Larger Than Life Lip gloss in Annes Folles ][Marc Jacobs Nail Polish in Oui ].

We’re well into the New Year and thus well into make or break time for all the resolutions we’ve set. I’ve never been one for resolutions but I always vividly remember one year I did. My senior year of high school I resolved to use color in my makeup routine. I told myself that I would pick a color every month and it would be my task to learn to use that color in wearable and approachable ways. That first month I chose purple and a MAC eye shadow called Parfait Amour and my love for color in cosmetics only grew from there. Looking back I find it fitting that Pantone’s color of the year is Radiant Orchid, a sort of hybrid of Fuchsia and Purple. So In honor of my resolution all those years ago,  here are my favorite  products to rock radiant orchid in your beauty routine, try them individually or all together to freshen up your look in 2014! 

TSS Co-Founder's Inverview: Ali

On Ali: J. Brand Jeans, Equipment Blouse, Givenchy handbag, Mac Ruby Woo lipstick.

1. Where do you currently reside and what do you love most about it?  I live in hot but beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona.  I was born in Toronto, Canada (dual citizen over here) but have lived in AZ for most of my life!  Definitely the best part of living here is being close to my family & friends.  Everyone lives right around the corner from me!

2. Describe your closet.  Color, patterns, stripes!  And solid black or grey.  I love a pretty printed top (especially of the silk or flowy variety) and a pair of J Brand jeans.  That's my uniform.  Add in a sparkly statement necklace, or an eclectic scarf.  A well-tailored blazer and a few maxi dresses top it all off!

3. What was your favorite part about being in a sorority?  Meeting new people.  Not only did I meet lifelong girlfriends (and soon to be bridesmaids!) in my own sorority, but I met a lot of great people involved in Greek life as a whole.  Even after graduating, it's so cool to see how the Greek connection introduces you to new friends as well.  It's instant common ground.

4. What did sorority life teach you that you applied in the real world?  So many things!  The biggest lesson I learned was while I was Recruitment Chair.  I stressed so much about making every little last detail perfect, I lived/breathed/slept recruitment.  But you know what?  It all came together beautifully, and I didn't need to worry as much as I did.  My sisters helped me every step of the way.  With hard work & support from my sisters, we did it!

5. What are 5 beauty products that you can't live without?
St. Tropez bronzing mousse:  Listen, ladies.  In college, I swore by the fake bake (sorry, Mom!) and now I won't touch a tanning bed with a 10-foot pole.  I do like having a sun-kissed glow; this stuff is my tan in a bottle!  Check out my post on St. Tropez for application tips.

CND Vinylux Nail Polish:  I also did a post on this product, it's my manicure life saver!  For the girl who likes to change her polish more frequently than gel nails, but doesn't have time for constant chipping, this is my happy medium.  Try Romantique & Wildfire, my staple colors!

The Balm Bahama Mama bronzer:  I discovered this thanks to my favorite beauty blogger, Maskcara.  It's the perfect color for contouring!  (p.s. her video on HAC changed my life!)

Milani Eyebrow Pencil:  Brows are EVERYTHING.  I have naturally sparse eyebrows, so this gives me the fuller look that I love!

Mac Dollymix Blush:  I've worn this blush color for years.  Maybe it's the hot pink color, maybe it's the rosy cheeks it gives you (or maybe it's both).  It's pretty, and pink.

6. What do you love most about working on TSS?  Getting creative!  I get so inspired thinking about new perspectives, new content, and new products.  Brainstorming for the projects we work on (like the You Can Sit With Us video) excites me.  I love feeling like we can make a difference, big or small.

7. What is the best advice you were ever given?  At ASU, my professor in a design class told us a quote that stuck with me.  "Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up" (said by Pablo Picasso).  This can be taken literally, and in a broader sense.  Never lose that sense of childlike wonder.  Never be too "grown up" to lose sight of pursuing your wildest dreams.  Embrace your mistakes; they could create a masterpiece.  I could go on for days about this quote; I truly love every interpretation behind it!

8. Who is your celebrity style crush?  Can I pick three?!  Miranda Kerr, Kate Middleton, and Blake Lively can do no wrong in my book.  When it comes to Kate, nobody can rock a Jenny Packham gown with such elegance.  With Miranda, I would do anything to play dress up in her closet.  Her street style is impeccable!  And Blake will forever be Serena Van Der Woodsen to me... one of my favorite fictional characters.

9. What are your top 3 stores to shop?  Nordstrom, especially the Savvy department, is my spot.  I love "treasure hunting" (as I like to call it) at TJ Maxx & Marshall's.  I'm also hooked on the accessories & bright colors found at J. Crew!

10.  What do you like to do on your day off?   Relax!  We love going to movies and trying out new restaurants.  And since I'm getting married this May, wedding planning is also on my agenda!

11. What else do you do for work?  A little over 3 years ago, my fiancé and I started 224 Apparel, a Greek Licensed clothing company.  I've always been entrepreneurial, and I fell in love with designing Greek apparel when I was in college.  I knew that I had to do something creative to be happy, and I dreamed of being my own boss.  I work hard everyday to follow my dream!

12.  What are your interests/passions?  I'm a total art nerd.  I have artists on both sides of my family, so art was a huge part of my growing up!  I'm beyond excited to go to Paris for the first time this summer on my honeymoon with my fiancé.  He better get ready for hours upon hours with me at the Louvre nerding out (...hint hint when you're reading this, babe!)

Rock Your “Fanicure” for Super Bowl Sunday

It’s that time of the year again where football fans across the U.S. lose their minds – Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you know the name of every player or just watch for the commercials, show your spirit by decking out your nails in your team’s colors! Broncos fans, you get to rock bright oranges and deep blues. Seahawks fanatics, show your pride with neon kelly green and shades of blue. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some of It Girl, Madeleine's picks for the best Super Bowl nail polishes:

Broncos' Polishes (left to right)

• Butter London “Inky Six Nail” 
• Sinful Color “Cloud” 
• Sally Hansen Triple Shine “Wavy Blue” 
• Essie “Blanc” 
• Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat “Peach Fuzz” 
• Essie “After-School Boy Blazer” 
• Sally Hansen Satin Glam “Sun Sheen” 
• Essie “Midnight Cami” 
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear “Sun Kissed” 

Seahawks' Polishes

• Butter London “Giddy Kipper” 
• Essie “Shake Your $$ Maker” 
• Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat “Fuzz-Sea” 
• Essie “Silver Bullions” 
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear “Pacific Blue” 
• Covergirl Glosstini “Appletini” 
• Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear “Green With Envy” 
• Butter London “Swinger” 
• Covergirl Glosstini “Sapphire Flare” 

Maintaining Healthy Skin in the Cold Weather

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Along with changes in the weather, come some changes in our skin. From head to toe, the winter months can do some serious damage to our daily beauty routine. Here are some of my favorite products for getting through this season:

Lotion-Eucerin
Eucerin is intended to treat heavy duty skin issues, such as eczema, it is perfect for curing the dryness that comes with cold weather.

Shaving-Skintimate Moisturizing Cream
This shaving cream packs the moisture to stop post-shaving itch, while providing the same great scent as regular Skintimate creams. 

Moisturizer- Hope in a Jar
I absolutely love this stuff! I get the original formula from Sephora for $40. It doesn’t leave my skin greasy, but moisturizes and heals throughout the year.

Lips- Blistex Medicated Lip Balm
This variation of Blistex helps to heal super dry lips and keep them moist through the winter.

Hair
CHI Silk Fusion hair oil- A good hair oil can stop breakage and help calm the frizz that comes with winter weather.

Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care: Winter weather brings on dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. Fight these problems with this classic shampoo. 

TSS Favorite Things {January}

[Sunglasses] [Headphones] [Desk Calendar] [Beanie] 

[Eyeliner] [Anchor Bracelet] [Perfume] [Ballet Flats] [Candle]

My oh my- Holiday seasons are finally over and it is officially 2014! We hope Santa was good to everyone this Christmas!  Like every month, TSS Founders share their current favorite items of the month and here's the items of January!  It's a new year so why not try a new fragrance or a cute new desk calendar from Rifle Paper Co to get organized this year!

We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Years and here's to another wonderful year!

Why We Love Chemical Peels

Your face is one of the most important parts of your body so it's important to treat it right. Washing your face and exfoliating it with moisturizer is a great first step in preserving the youth in your face, but we recently learned of another way to keep your face looking fresh: chemical peels.

As sorority girls we are always being introduced to so many wonderful products that when Annie, a distributor of PCA Skin, was nice enough to give us a demo on how to do an at home chemical peel, we couldn't wait to share our results! But, before we share with you our experience, let's hear a little from the expert, Annie:

"To peel, or not to peel- is that your question? Chemical peels, like other skin treatments, come in many different strengths and formulations. Whether you are facing a challenging skin condition, or want to maintain overall skin health, a peel should be a part of your skin’s regimen. When introducing my clients to peels, I choose the same treatment for virtually anyone that walks through my door. The lovely ladies of The Sorority Secrets were no exception. My introductory chemical peel of choice is PCA Skin’s Sensi Peel. The Sensi peel is a low-dose, minimally invasive treatment that provides great benefits to the skin. This unique blend of active acids includes TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), Lactic acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Arbutin- all which work synergistically to exfoliate, hydrate, and even out the skin tone. One particularly wonderful thing about this peel is that it is safe for all different skin types, and conditions. Its formulation includes many skin brighteners, and treats conditions such as aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, and rosacea. Depending on your skin’s needs, your treatment can be advanced to something more aggressive, but only if necessary. As we age, our skin cell’s natural exfoliation process slows, and needs some assistance. Receiving regular peels (every 2-6 weeks depending on skin condition), will help your skin show its best self".

"I'll be honest, I was totally scared to get my peel! I think the word "peel" sounds a whole lot scarier than it actually is. When Annie started applying the peel products on my face & neck, I was pleasantly surprised. "That's it?!" I remember asking her. Quick & easy, it was over in a snap. Annie reminded me to stay away from heat or exercise for the next few days, and to not wash my face for the rest of the first day. I asked her if I could use my Clarisonic, and she told me to hold off for about a week. I listened, and the peel worked beautifully! Almost instantly, my skin was glowing! I didn't wear any makeup after the peel on day 1, and kept my face virtually makeup free for the following 2 days as well. By day 4, I had some light peeling; the moisturizing PCA products helped to calm my skin. By day 6, my skin looked radiant! I barely needed any face makeup. Skincare is all about maintenance and taking care of yourself; I'm happy to add PCA peels into my routine!"--Ali

    {before peel}                                                                {after peel}

"When I heard we were getting chemical peels, I really didn't know what to expect! I envisioned a super long process where a deep, long face treatment was going to occur. However, when Annie pulled out all the stuff she was going to use, I thought "Wow, this is not a lot of stuff!". Not only were the materials so easy to apply, but they smelled really good {they smelled like yummy oatmeal}. To say my face was glowing would be an understatement; my face looked so refreshed and renewed! I couldn't wear makeup for 24 hours, but I didn't mind because I just loved the way my skin felt and looked. It didn't take too long for the dead skin to peel off and Annie gave me the moisturizing PCA products to treat my face throughout the week--if I saw my skin peeling I wouldn't pick at it; rather, I just applied the aloe soothing balm {it also smelled good!}. Annie recommended doing these types of chemical peels every 4-6 weeks. I loved the results so much that I did the facial TWICE!"--Karen

    {before peel}                                                                {after peel}

"I've seen chemical peels done before on friends and family and they seemed really extreme- peeling after for days with very sensitive skin and no makeup for at least 3 days... yikes! When Annie approached us to try out the PCA Chemical Peels, I was intrigued, but I obviously was kind of skeptical and needed a couple questions answered.  I have always had fairly normal skin- not oily, never had acne, but I do get freckles!  Some people love freckles but to those that actually have freckles, I don't think a spotted face is their favorite feature.  Once Annie explained to me that PCA Chemical Peels actually reduces pigments and sun stains, I was all up for it!  It was a very quick process and the aftercare products that they give you really helps out a lot.  My skin was dry and tight the first two days after my peel, then I started peeling for a couple more days, but I could see my face starting to clear up and feeling very hydrated and smooth!  Annie reminded me that the more frequently I do the peel (about every 4-6 weeks), my freckles will start really disappearing!  You should wear sunscreen everyday, but sometimes sunscreen isn't enough for those that get freckles! PCA peels is definitely my answer to a clearer, smoother skin!" --Sakura

For more information on the treatments that Annie provides, please contact her directly at TheSkinny1122@gmail.com . Please also feel free to follow her on Facebook, Instagram (@theskinnyblog), and blogger (http://theskinnyblog1.blogspot.com/) for information on everything beauty and skin care related. The chemical peel is a treatment that Annie can provide, however, she cannot directly sell it to you. You can only buy the daily care products from Annie and she can go to your home to do the chemical peel. Annie is currently located in Scottsdale, AZ, and can schedule you for a treatment of your own. She is also a certified distributor for PCA Skin daily care products, and can provide you with a customizable regimen to fit your needs. If you are not local, but are interested in receiving a PCA Skin treatment, or safely purchasing their products you can contact the company directly at 1.877.722.7546 or visit them online at pcaskin.com to locate a provider near you.

Top 13 Favorite Posts of 2013!

2013 was an amazing year for us! We got to share our best kept sorority secrets with you all as we launched our site January 22nd. The attention and support we have received from you all has been nothing short of amazing. We wanted to take this time to sincerely thank you for being loyal readers of The Sorority Secrets. In lieu of that, we compiled your favorite thirteen posts of 2013. From beauty, to fashion, to tips and advice, you loved and read these posts. Thanks for making us your go-to site; we appreciate you!

1. My Favorite Online Boutiques-Serena Kamlani
2. Flawless {Makeup} Finish
3. Contrast
4. 5 Things You Need to Know When Purchasing Plane Tickets
5. TSS Master List of Bid Day Themes
6. DIY: Glitter Starbucks Cup
7. Pumpkin Carving 101
8. Our Favorite Recruitment Videos
9. Meet Lauryn Evarts
10. Birthday Cake Protein Shake {Recipe from Dashing Dish}
11. Coo Coo for Coconut Oil
12. 20 Powerful Words to Use In a Resume
13. Recruitment Wardrobe Do's!

Have a favorite blog post that didn't make the Top 13? Well, we would love to hear which post of 2013 was your favorite so leave a comment below!

Holiday Nails {by Cristina}

 Nail Polish: OPI All Sparkly and Gold, OPI Big Apple Red.

Its that time of year again... CHRISTMAS! I don’t know about you girl, but Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. I enjoy everything from decorating the house and tree, to finding the perfect holiday accessories. I want to focus on something that I have noticed a lot of this year, holiday nails! We all love the classic red nails, but today it’s all about making your nails unique for this holiday season!

If you're looking for something classic but glam, look no further. I used Big Apple Red by OPI for a gorgeous red base coat. It's one of my favorites for a classic red hue! Then to add a little holiday feel, I used All Sparkly and Gold by OPI at the base of my nail in a half moon shape.

Hope you love this quick & easy way to add a little "holiday sparkle" to your favorite red nails!

Get To Know Our New It Girls!

Our Mary Kay Holiday Look: Silver Screen Siren

Earlier this week we told you that we received some awesome complimentary makeup from Mary Kay through Condé Nast!! It has been fun so far using all of the Mary Kay products and our recreation of the three “Vintage Holiday” makeup looks that Mary Kay has going on this season have turned out fabulous {we've been getting lots of compliments}! Ali showed you how she pulled off Flapper Chic. So let's check out how Co Founder, Karen, pulled off Silver Screen Siren in preparation  for her upcoming holiday parties.

Okay, so when you think Silver-Screen Siren you're probably thinking lots of silver, right? WRONG. Silver-Screen Siren is all about old Hollywood glam; 1940s silver-screen starlet style. It's all about shimmery eyes, violet tones like plum lips, and subtle flush for your cheeks. Karen has an obsession with lip stuff so she quickly gravitated toward the Plum Lip Liner and True Dimensions Mystic Plum Lipstick to replicate the look (p.s. the lipstick is silky smooth and has instant shine; you really don't need to couple it with lip gloss!). Using Dolled Up Contributor, Becca's, Lip liner advice, Karen first applied the lip liner around her lips and then applied the beautiful lipstick to get that Hollywood glam violet lip look. Less is more, so this look is not about vibrant blush colors, but rather more subtle flesh-toned blush. Therefore, Karen went for the subtle shimmery blush using the Sparkling Cider Mineral Cheek Color to her cheekbones. If you want to really add more violet to your makeup look, apply some eyeshadow! Our favorite from Mary Kay is the At Play Baked Eye Trio.

Tip: Use Mary Kay's Cheek Brush as pictured above to nicely apply your blush!

As always, no look is complete without some mascara and eyeliner so be sure to apply that before you step out to your next holiday party.