Hairspray For the Holidays

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Yesterday, we shared with you our favorite celebrity hairstyles to consider rocking for the holidays. But, we realized that we would be doing you a major disservice if we didn't also share our favorite hairsprays. I mean, what's a cute hair style if you can't manage to show it off for more than 1 hour? Who wants their hair flopping just before all of the holiday photos (not us!)?! Check out our list above of our all-time favorite hairsprays. Do you use a hair spray not listed above that you want us to know about? Share with us in the comments below!

Happy Hair spraying!

8 Celebrity Inspired Hair Styles For the Holidays

Need some hair inspiration for this holiday season? Well, we do too so we took to the internet to stalk some of our favorite celebs and peep some of their cutest hair styles. We have come up with a few of our favorites to consider for all of the holiday parties and festivities coming up. We are really torn between having our hair down like Blake Lively's perfect side Hollywood Glam side wave or having it in a classic, messy side bun like Jennifer Lawrence's. We all wish we could pull off the infamous Solange natural afro look, but we will keep dreaming! The secret to holiday hair maintenance is going to be lots of hair spray so stock up here! Which look is your favorite?

1. Solange Knowles - The Afro
2. Blake Lively - Deep Side Part Hollywood Glam
3. Julianne Hough - Messy Up-do with Hair Band
4. Naya Rivera - Side Part 3 Barrel Crimp
5. Kim Kardashian - Middle Part Ponytail
6. Jennifer Lawrence - Messy Low Bun
7. Selena Gomez - Middle Part Messy Fishtail Braid
8. Dianna Agron - Fishtail Milkmaid Braid

How You Can Use Your Primer To the Fullest

Ok, so we have always had a hunch that we might not be using our primer correctly. Either that, or we are just not using it to the best of its abilities. Therefore, we decided to connect with Makeup Artist and former TSS Senior Assistant, Mackenzie Brown, and former Dolled Up Contributor, Becca Ashmon to help us understand how to best use primer. Check out their explanations below and be sure to shop the products they recommend.

Mackenzie Brown (Kappa Alpha Theta, IG: @kenziemacbrown)
Site: www.youtube.com/kenziemacbrown

[Using your primer to the fullest] depends on the type of primer because they have different formulations. There is one from Hourglass that will help prevent oil buildup and I recommend that one to people who get oily in their T-zone because it will prevent their makeup from breaking up. If you mix that specific one with liquid foundation it makes your foundation waterproof. Some primers, like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer when mixed with eyeshadow can help you use the eyeshadow as an eyeliner and it helps it stay longer. Some primers like the Porefessional are good if you have uneven skin texture because it evens it out. And Smashbox makes like 10 different primers for every sort of skin type and purpose. Also, if you put primer in your brows it makes it easier to use brow products because they won't budge and they'll be more pigmented.

Becca Ashmon (Tri Delta, IG: @beccaashmon)
Site: www.aprettyhotmess.com

Honestly, every face needs a good foundation and what makes a solid foundation you ask? Primer! Just like you prime a wall before you paint it, your face should be no different. Aside from giving your makeup a foundation to hold onto, primer can do a number of other things, from making pores appear smaller and reducing redness to helping reduce dark spots over time. So here is a list of some of my favorite primers and what it is they do!

1. Hourglass- Veil Mineral Primer 

Hands down my favorite primer of ALL time ! It is Jesus in a bottle (it saves) and goes on the face of EVERY bride I touch ! Hourglass is suitable for ALL skin types but if you are an oily girl like me then meet your new best friend. Veil is a mineral primer with an SPF of 15. Veil not only helps smooth and keep oils at bay, but it's also water resistant in case you happen to be a cry baby and tear easily at weddings and such (seriously I have cried through this stuff like ugly Kim Kardashian cried and managed to stay Beyoncé status...FLAWLESS). Bonus: It keeps makeup on my face for 12+ hours which is practically a miracle on this face !

2. Benefit- The POREfessional 

Aside from perhaps being one of the smoothest things to ever grace your face, Benefits POREfessional helps to minimize pores while also providing a surface as smooth as a baby's bottom.

3. Laura Mercier- Hydrating Primer 

If you're a girl with dry skin this primer is the one for you. All the benefits of primer plus hydration to keep you looking fresh.

4. Smashbox- Photo Finish Dark Spot Correcting Primer 

This primer does double duty as a makeup and skincare product and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while also helping your makeup stay on and flawless .

How do you use your primer to the fullest? Share you primer tips with us in the comments below!

5 Things To Do To Not Be Bored During Winter Break

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So, finals are over for a lot of you and that means lots of free time. Like, A LOT of free time. We have been there before and while not having to study anymore is probably a relief, being bored at home during winter/holiday break can take a toll on you. Don't you worry your pretty little head though because we have come up with five things to do to not be bored during winter break.

1. Remember how you missed the finale of that one show because you've fallen behind on all the episodes? Well, use this time to catch up on all of your shows. Netflix will be your very best friend to help you accomplish that.

     2.   Get your booty in shape! Pure Barre, yoga, spin class...they're all there waiting for you to

           take advantage of.

     3. With all those gift cards you accrued over the holidays it's probably best to use them before they    

         go missing! Head to the mall with a friend or family member(s) and shop till you drop!

    4.  Speaking of friends and family, catch up with them! Sleepovers, coffee and lunch dates, movie nights...they're yours to take advantage of as you get in the know of everything you've missed since your nose has been in the books.

    5. Read up on all of The Sorority Secrets' posts you've missed! Simply click on all of our categories (Campus Catwalk, Dolled Up, Big Sis Tips, Kitchen, Chapter Room and Secret Steals).

Have an amazing Winter Break!

How To Save Money While Shopping Over the Holidays

Okay, so you missed Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, but you still want to save money on your holiday shopping. Or you participate in all three but you're still looking to save. We have the answer for you: choose thoughtful gifts rather than popular gifts. Some of the most meaningful gifts we have received have been the ones that came from the heart. Here are some cost-saving gifts sure to make the receiver smile:

Personalized Phone Case

For most people, their phones are attached to their hip (or palm of your hand)! A thoughtful reminder of something special on your phone is a priceless gift. Zazzle is great at making custom phone cases and they offer tons of coupons to ease the pain at checkout. You can find many of their discounts via RetailMeNot.

A Framed Picture

A framed quote or picture to hang up in someone's wall or better is truly an amazing gift. IKEA sells beautiful and cheap white and black picture frames, perfect for an art gallery wall. Create a quote on Microsoft Word or Photoshop, print it, and place it in a frame. Wrap it up (check out our 5 Easy & Cute Ways To Gift Wrap This Holiday for wrapping tips)! Either that, or go to Walgreens and print out a nice picture.

P.s. Consider even making a poster size picture! IKEA has frames big enough for that.

A Scrapbook

Nothing is better than reliving a moment in pictures. With places like Facebook and Instagram storing our pictures, it shouldn't be hard to pull them. Even consider using companies like Groovebook who can turn all of your photos online into a photo album!

A Video Montage

A video scrapbook is even cooler! If you have a MacBook use iMovie and create your own video that you can fill with thoughtful music and pictures!

A Candle

You can't go wrong with gifting someone with a candle. Everyone has a place in their home that could use some good aromas. Candles are a great investment. Check out our Favorite Holiday Candle Scents from Bath and Body Works for some ideas!

Assorted Gift Basket of Favorites

A bunch of tiny gifts can look like a nice big gift! Throw in a movie, socks, nail polish, candy and/or cookies, lipstick/lip balm...you know, essentials and place them in a nice basket (which you can find at Dollar Tree, Michaels, JoAnns, or 99cents Store). Tie it with cellophane and you've got an awesome gift.

Happy saving and gifting!

How To Have a Stress-Free Finals Week

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Oh the dreaded finals week. We have definitely been there and done that, and trust us, we DON'T miss it. But, for those of you going through it, we wanted to offer some advice on how to have a stress-free finals week.

Step 1: Gather your study guides. 

If your sorority was anything like ours, we had study guides galore so if you're a sorority girl, take advantage of the resources from your sisters. Even if you're not a sorority girl, simply connecting with friends or acquaintances in class who have study guides will be a lifesaver.

Step 2: Pack snacks.

Let's face it, you will be calling the library your home, so grab some Ziplock bags and start loading up on study food. Of course, consider healthy options like carrots, apples with peanut butter, raisins, granola bars, bananas....you know, the basics. Save the meals for outside of the library or coffee shop to give yourself a little break.

Step 3: Avoid the "party" study table.

You know what we are talking about. You know, the friends who don't really come to the library to study, but to gossip and well, distract YOU. Remove yourself from that scene by either A) Reserving a quiet study room for yourself or B) Reserving a table for a dedicated group of students willing to only study. Truth be told you're going to get side tracked every now and again, but it's better to study with a group willing to get you back on track.

If you feel like you're easily distracted, make a playlist you can study to and plug your headphones in.

Step 4: Take a break.

Do jumping jacks. Play Candy Crush. Lay outside on the lawn. Visit your cafeteria. Do anything BUT study. Give your brain a breather and don't try to cram too many things into it. After all, you're honestly not going to remember it all (though you so desperately want to).


Step 5: Get some shut eye.

While we know those energy drinks and coffee are bound to keep you up, don't fight sleep. Your brain cannot function properly when you're tired so it's pretty much useless trying to stay up studying when chances are you're not going to register everything. At that point you're just a zombie. Go home, give your brain a break as you rest your pretty little head on your pillow and just be sure to set an alarm before so you're ready to attack the studying again first thing in the morning.

Step 6: Accept your best.

The day before your exam, just accept your knowledge base. If you did your study guides and practice quizzes and participated in all the assignments throughout the semester or quarter, then you already know your abilities. Keep in mind that test anxiety is very real and can have an impact on your performance. It does not accurately portray how smart you are. Just try not to sweat about not knowing all of the answers. Just try your hardest and accept your best.

Good luck with finals!

Which Victoria's Secret Model Are You?

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So, tonight is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. We know, "it came sooooo fast!". Remember when we collaborated with Victoria's Secret? We absolutely love Victoria's Secret if you haven't already guessed (hint, hint Christmas present). Time to dust off your angel wings, clear off your couch, gather the girls and be super jelly at all the VS Fashion Models on the runway. Rumor has it Ariana Grande got hit by one of the Angels on the runway (ouch!). Speaking of the Angels, wouldn't it be nice to know which VS Model you are? We found this fun, cheesy quiz on QuoteV that tells you just what VS Model you are. Can you guess which one of us got Cara Delevingne?! Take the quiz here and share with us below or on Facebook!

You can catch the Victoria's Secret Fashion show tonight at 10/9c on CBS!

P.s. Go to Victoria's Secret website after the show for an online after party. They've got another surprise after the show ends. Check the site at 11PM EST.