Best Mascara On a Budget

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There is nothing more convenient than buying something cheap yet the quality isn't! For us women, makeup costs can add up in a blink of an eye. Most of the time when you want the best type of makeup, it's typically sold at a pretty high price. Well, if there is one piece of makeup that can brighten up your face, it's mascara so we compiled a list of some awesome mascara that you can snag on a budget. Click the links above to see some of our favorites!

Do you have the secret to the cheapest, best mascara out there? Then, leave a comment or email us at secret@thesororitysecrets.com!

Skin So Soft: Beauty Secrets For Your Face

[image source]

We have learned that you can buy as much concealer, face powder, and blush, but nothing makes your face shine more than healthy skin. Your face is the palette for your makeup; it's important for your palette to be clean and smooth to be ready to apply the paint. Are you with us?! In the past, we have talked about getting chemical peels to aid in keeping your skin looking great. However, let's take it one step further and focus on every day skin care. First and foremost, washing your face at night is super important! Even if you don't wear makeup or you think "I didn't do anything to make my face dirty" you should still wash your face. By not washing your face you are clogging your pores which can create pimples and blemishes as well as speed up aging on your face. When considering a product to wash your face with we have had a lot of luck with the two in one bottle face soaps. Basically, these types of products both remove your makeup and serve as a cleanser. The best one we would recommend is Basis. You can buy it in most stores like Walmart or you can find it online. While Basis does a pretty awesome job removing eye makeup, consider specifically using Mary Kay's Eye Makeup Remover.

Extra Face Washing Tips: It's perfectly fine to wash your face with your hands; just make sure to wash your hands prior to touching your face to get rid of the germs currently on your hand. If you are absolutely too tired to wash your face, consider investing in makeup remover wipes. We have loved using Neutrogena and Clean & Clear carry some great makeup remover wipes which you can easily snag at most drugstores and Target.

Alright, so you've washed your face, now it's time to moisturize it. Moisturizers rejuvenate your skin. Many companies carry moisturizing creams and we haven't tried them all. But, we do have a list of our personal favorites like MAC's Comfort Creme. Keep in mind that it's not the end of the world if you don't moisturize every day; you don't need to overdue it. Consider moisturizing in the morning or at night or every other day.

Do you have any beauty secrets for your face? Share with us below in the comments!

Lather Up! Our Sunscreen Secrets

[1.Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Lotion 2.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 45 3.Obagi ProfessionalC Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF 30 4. Banana Boat Ultra Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50 Lotion, 8 fl oz]

Last week we got really inspired by this awesome video created by Thomas Leveritt, posted by Upworthy that highlights the importance of sunscreen. As Arizona girls, we have always been taught to wear sunscreen since the sun is pretty much out 24/7! However, often times sunscreen has been a chore to put on. Well, Thomas Leveritt's video further shows us why wearing sunscreen is important because it severely protects our skin from sun damage. It doesn't matter if your skin is light or dark; we all need sun protection to some degree.

TSS Reader and Alpha Delta Pi alumnae, Stephanie Rosa works for a company called Solta Medical, a division of Valeant Aesthetics. We reached out to her to get some better insight on the importance of sunscreen. Stephanie shared that,"The Importance of putting sunscreen on is huge! You should wear it every day, 35 SPF minimum, although 50 is recommended. Anything above 50 (75,90) doesn't make a difference, it's all marketing gimmicks. Also, the term water resistant is now being revoked by the FDA because it's not possible to have a sunscreen that is water resistant. That'll be seen in the next few months. Also, it's necessary to have UVA & UVB protection for it to do it's job! FDA will now require companies to state that it has both to be considered proper sunscreen". 

Stephanie further explained that,"Obagi makes several lines that work wonderfully and feel awesome on the skin. I use the Obagi Professional C Sunscreen and I LOVE it! It works really well as a primer too. Lastly, always having Vitamin C in addition to the sunscreen is a must. The Vitamin C serves as a serum/antioxidant".

What sunscreen do you recommend to stay protected? Share with us below!

Fall Makeup Looks Part 1 by Victoria

There’s no doubt about it that everyone knows autumn is my favorite season. There’s an indescribable feeling and celebratory persona that comes along with the seasons. In lieu of my favorite season, I’ve accumulated all the makeup and beauty trends you need to know for the rest of this fall as well as heading into the beginning of winter. In addition, I’ve also looked towards my favorite YouTube beauty gurus to show you how to work these trends off the runways. Afterall, commanding attention with your fashion “know-how” is almost the best part of the chilly seasons!

After looking through all the fall makeup trends and seeing the mix of different colors, the first thing I related it to was a fancy, candlelit, holiday meal. I noticed the mix of different red shades, ranging from classic reds to slight orange reds, and deep wine or oxblood lip colors. There was also the emphasis on prune, washed out grey, and warm roasted hues of peach and orange for eye shadows. 

Check out some of my favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus and how they've pulled off some of my favorite fall makeup trends seen on the runway.

Cat Eyes:

Your Beauty Gurus:

Jordan Liberty, Video: “Easy Cat Eyes and Bright Lips: HD Makeup Tutorial”

Pin Up Beauty, Video: “Perfect Winged Eyeliner Tutorial <3 Cat Eye Liner”

(Note: winged and cat eye liner are two separate looks, the angles differ enough to create a different effect on the eye!)

Rustic Orange Shadow:

Your Beauty Guru: 

Pin Up Beauty, Video: “Kristen Stewart Inspired Makeup Tutorial <3 Makeup for Green Eyes” 

(Note: Even though this says Kristen Stewart, DON’T WEIRD OUT. This also works on every eye color, feel free to lighten the pigment for a more fall windswept, daytime look!)

Rouge Lips:

Your Beauty Gurus: 

Jordan Liberty, Video: “Fall 2013 Makeup Trends + Wantable  Challenge”

Ambrosia Malbrough, Video: “Daytime Red Lip (Tutorial)”

As the months get colder, keep with more of the cooler colored shadows and nix the orange. When the season begins changing so will eye colors.  Check back for Part 2 of my Fall Makeup Looks for more fun looks!

Runway To Reality: NAILED IT by Becca

Runway To Reality: NAILED IT!

New York Fashion Week had tons to offer this year in the beauty category and from Kate Spade to Phillip Lim it’s clear that the future of beauty is nails.  Here are some tips and tricks on how to get the looks gracing the catwalks of NYFW!

The Feather Mani – Start by painting your nails with your favorite color. I chose “It’s Totally Fort Worth It” by OPI. While nails are still wet, select a feather and lay it flat on the desired nail. (Feathers can be purchased at your local craft store. I got mine at Michaels for $1.93!!! ) Trim feather to fit nail and finish with top coat and you’ve got a classy and sassy manicure!

The Half Moon Glitter Mani – Inspired by the nails on the Oscar De La Renta Runway at New York Fashion Week, this Half Moon Glitter Mani is sure to add Pizzazz to any dreary day! Start with a base coat of your favorite color. I used Chanel, “Black Satin” and Essie “Blanc”. Next dab glitter polish at the base of the nail in a half moon shape, I used Deborah Lippmann “Happy Birthday” and OPI“ Which is Witch?” Finish with clear top coat then let dry and show the world your sparkle!

Tip: When using glitter polishes, dab the polish instead of painting it on for maximum glitz!

The Fibre Optic Mani – This darker version of the girly, pink glitzy nails shown by Jenny Packham is perfect for fall. Start with a black base coat, I used Chanel, “Black Satin”. Next, dab Fibre Optic Polish from nails inc. London over the entire nail; I used “Mayfair Mews”. Finish with clear top coat and let nails dry for 15 minutes for an out of this world look! 

Tip: When using polish with glitter or texture let nails dry for an extra 5 to 10 minutes as the polish will be thicker.

 If none of these manicures strike your fancy try one of the shades of the season!

Iridescent Grays – Try Essie "For The Twill of It" or Deborah Lippmann "Wicked Game"

Electric Violets – Marc Jacobs “Ultraviolet”, Zoya “Mira”

Orange Reds – OPI "Red My Fortune Cookie", Dior “Trafalgar"

Happy Painting !

Meet Kirbie Johnson from POPSUGAR Beauty

{Instagram: Kirbie & Zooey Deschanel}

If you don't know who Kirbie Johnson is, we guarantee that after this interview, you will want to know her! Kirbie is the host and producer for POPSUGAR's beauty channel...but we'll let her share more about that later. We absolutely love seeing people in the Greek community do big things so we wanted to do a "Sisters Succeeding" post to inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions. Kirbie is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae from Texas Christian University who has gained a lot of success post grad. The Sorority Secrets had a chance to sit and interview this Texas beauty to find out a little bit more about her road to success with POPSUGAR so read our Q&A sesh with her below.

Make sure to also visit POPSUGAR and check out their beauty channel for great beauty tips and to see Kirbie in action!


Thanks Kirbie! xo

1. Tell us about POPSUGAR! 

POPSUGAR is a go-to hub for women. We feature celebrity news and entertainment, as well as lifestyle channels like beauty, fashion, fitness and food. Basically, it's one place to get your celebrity news craving, shopping and lifestyle necessities, all in one stop. I am the host and producer for our beauty channel, and basically I get to test beauty products and give tutorials for a living. It's funny because people are sometimes like, "What do you do exactly?" It's a little bit of everything. But primarily, I research, write, host and produce our beauty videos, then post to the site and make sure they get as much online promo as possible. It's fulfilling working for a company with a celebrity/entertainment core, because I'm really passionate about that as well. http://bellasugar.com

2. What inspired you to pursue Hosting & Producing?

When I was little, I wanted to be Julia Roberts — I loved to act! But as I got older, I was really inspired... no shame... by Oprah. I loved how she reported on important issues, but also did good for other people. Plus, I loved her interview style. So I went to college, got my degree in advertising and public relations, then moved to LA about 10 days after I got my diploma. I wasn't actively pursuing producing gigs, but it was a part of the job at POPSUGAR, and I'm better for taking it on. 

3. When you're not hosting & producing, what do you like to do?

People hate me when I say this, but I enjoy working out. I love Zumba, step class, cycling. I think I like it mostly because I get to listen to my music and zone out, day dream. I also am a hardcore music and social media junkie, so if I'm not at a concert, I'm totally browsing the web. One of my favorite things is being on Twitter during award shows or sporting events. Or during The Bachelorette. And, of course, I like writing. I do that on my blogs, Kirbie Goes to Hollywood and Mentervention.

4. You seem really busy with POPSUGAR, how do you find time to work out and stay healthy?

One thing I learned is that if I am going to be active, it has to be in the mornings. Otherwise, I'm tempted to go to an event or party and skip a workout altogether. I have a major sweet tooth, so I have to curb that from time to time, but basically, just packing my lunch every night really keeps me on track. That way I'm never in a rut and don't have something to eat, and won't be tempted to order takeout. The tale of terrible metabolism at 26 really is true, so eating clean and healthy is actually something I enjoy doing now. (Who am I?)

5. What beauty products can you not live without?

This a loaded question! Since I host the beauty videos, I get to test so many amazing products. I've broken them up:

All-time favorites: Mario Badescu's Suncare -- you need at least SPF 30 and it doesn't smell like a sunscreen, plus it is great if you tend to get oily. Guerlain's Cils d'Enfer Mascara is my favorite beauty splurge, because I love mascara and usually opt for L'Oreal Voluminous, but Guerlain's really thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes. The wand is kick ass. And, my secret weapon is this miracle worker from NYX. It's called the Wonder Pencil, and it really is magical. I use it to line my lips, highlight the inner corner of my eyes, and cover blemishes. It's $5 and a lifesaver. Also, I can't stress the power of exfoliating your skin. It will keep you looking bright and youthful! So if you are not already obsessed with a Clarisonic Brush, try Dr. Lancer's Skin Polish. It's non-irritating and Dr. Lancer treats every celebrity known to man! 

As far as new items, pick up Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's polish in Gryphon, a gorgeous light grey. Anything from the Marc Jacobs Beauty line is a good call -- the Lip Vinyl is my favorite. 

6. Who is your celebrity crush?

I am a huge fangirl, even at the age of 26. Mama has to feel the youth somehow! I think I've graduated from Justin Timberlake... he is married and ain't nobody got any time for that. I think Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers) is a STUD MUFFIN. He looks like Thor, and he seems to have a great sense of humor. And, don't judge me, but I'm about to go J-Lo/Casper Smart here and just say it: Harry Styles is adorable. I know he's 19. I KNOW THIS. But I saw One Direction in concert and I was just like... I get it now. I was mesmerized. There's something about him. He's got it — the X Factor, if you will. And I'm happy to report that I was not even close to being the oldest fan there. 

7. When was your "a-ha" moment that you had reached success?

To be honest, I don't think anyone can really define "success." I know for me, personally, I love my job, but I still have plenty of other goals and dreams I want to accomplish and attain! I have also learned since being in LA that you can't say, "I will be happy when X happens." Because you'll spend so much time working towards that point that you'll miss the beautiful experiences during the journey to get there. 

That being said, there have been a few "pinch me!" moments, those being when I interviewed Zooey Deschanel, Rihanna and Nicole Richie. That was something. And when two of my favorite brands, Victoria's Secret and Benefit Cosmetics, asked me to shoot a few videos with them, I thought, "My 13-year-old self would think this is pretty darn cool." And it was!

8. What can people expect watching you on POPSUGAR?

Beauty reviews on all the best and latest beauty launches, tutorials... celebrity interviews! I consider myself a beauty guinea pig... I try anything once, all for the camera. Ha. 

9. What advice can you give women pursuing the entertainment industry?

Wake up and remember, every morning, that you are in charge of your own actions. Don't let anyone phase you! You are your biggest cheerleader. You have to believe that, no matter what anyone says or does (or doesn't do), that you are meant to be where you are, pursuing your career. And remember that you shouldn't give up anything you can't go a day thinking about. Whether it's your dreams or your boyfriend, know that it's worth fighting for, if it's something you are truly passionate about. 

And remember, it's always best to be kind! You can get what you want and still be kind to others.

@KirbieJ
KirbieJohnson.com

Just Brow-zing by Becca

Photography: Rachel Elaine Photography

There are SO many things I can say about eyebrows but let me start by saying I LOVE them. As a Makeup Artist, eyebrows are in my opinion one of the most important elements in a facial beauty routine. Eyebrows not only frame your face, but when properly shaped they can help to define and lift the eye and even slim the face! 

So how do you get that perfect brow?  I’m here to show you how!

To figure out where your brow should begin, hold a pen next to your nose on the inner corner of your brow. This should be your starting point. Now, angle the pen across your iris. This will determine where your arch should be. Finally, angle your pen  to the outer corner of the eye-your brow should end there.

Now that you’ve determined your eyebrow shape, tweeze any stray hairs you may have. Then, using a flat angled brush and brow powder (my personal favorite is Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo) outline your brows and fill in where necessary. If you are a beginner and filling in your brows and freehand seems too daunting of a task, try using a brow stencil (also available from Anastasia Beverly Hills). If your brows seem too dark or overfilled not to worry; take a disposible mascara wand and brush them out to lighten the color! You can stop there or for extra credit you can use concealer to sculpt your brow (this is perfect for special occasions like formals!!!). Using a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin, outline your brows on the top and bottom blending as you go and voilà, you now have the perfect brow!


Happy Brow-zing!

Easy Breezy Summer by Becca

Photography: Rachel Elaine Photography

Summer is here and finding that perfect look is always a dilemma . It's too hot for full hair and makeup so TSS Dolled Up Contributor, Becca, compiled a guide for the perfect effortless summer look. 

Easy Breezy Summer
by: Becca

Nothing says summer quite like beachy waves! Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray is just the thing to help you achieve that look even if you live no where near the ocean . Spray freshly washed and slighty damp hair all over, then separate into four sections and braid . Let your hair dry for 15 minutes then remove braids and scrunch hair and voilà, perfect beachy waves ! 

Onto your fabulous face. Prep eyes for eyeshadow with a primer (my favorite is Urban Decay’s Primer Potion)  and sweep on a single shade from the Sonia Kashuk Shimmering Sands Quad (super cheap and available at Target!). 

TIP: Every cosmetic routine has two parts: skincare and color. Skincare is everything before cosmetics and color is all the fun stuff post skincare. Start your color portion of your makeup routine with the eyeshadow to avoid fallout from excess pigment or sparkles. 

Apply Ole Henriksen Perfect Truth CC Cream evenly over face with a brush or fingertips. CC Cremes are a great summer option because they are light, provide coverage, and help to correct imperfections and protect the skin with SPF. 

Follow up with the NARS  bronzer blush duo in Orgasm/Laguna. Apply bronzer on the outer perimeter of the face, bridge of the nose and mid cheeks, then apply blush on the apples of the cheeks moving upward toward the ear. 

Finish the look with a coat of Tarte’s  Lights Camera Lashes mascara and some Maybelline Babylips and you’ve got the perfect effortless summer look!   

Have more questions or need some more Dolled Up beauty tips? Contact Becca at becashmon@yahoo.com or via Instagram at @beautybybec.

The Benefits of Threading vs Waxing

While tweezing has its benefits, we have turned to better solutions to keep our eyebrows looking great like threading or waxing. Both offer a cleaned up look, but we were starting to wonder if one might be better than the other. So, we asked our sorority sisters their thoughts on threading and we came up with a couple of reasons as to why threading is better than waxing.

• No burning! In order to use wax it needs to be warm, but in some cases the wax can be too hot for your skin and cause lots of pain and scabbing/scarring. You don't have to worry about any of that with threading since no heat is used.
• No chemicals. If you have sensitive skin, chances are waxing can be irritating since lots of preservatives, resins, and fragrances are components of the wax. With threading no chemicals are used-just a piece of thread!
• Less skin contact. While both threading and waxing have an interaction with skin, waxing seems to have more contact with the skin as it pulls at it while removing the hair. Threading has more contact with the root of the hair rather than taking the skin. 
• Limited redness. Since waxing pulls at the skin, it causes inflammation and creates a distinct red color in the areas of the skin pulled. Threading also causes some redness, but it is very mild and does not linger like after waxing does. It usually disappears within the hour.

Which do you prefer: Threading or waxing? Weigh in here or let us know on Instagram, @thesororitysecrets.

The Magical Skin Cream: Egyptian Magic

Egyptian Magic

We have had multiple "secret" submissions on this magical product so we had to try it out and without a doubt it is TSS APPROVED!  We know, we know- the label on the container seems a bit questionable but don't judge a skin cream by its label because this product is amazing!

After you wash your face before bed, get a tiny bit of Egyptian Magic on your fingers and massage it throughout your face; it will leave your skin a bit pasty and shiny.  In the morning when you wake up just wash your face with warm water to rinse it off.  Continue this process every night and you will really see the results after a couple of nights!  This cream isn't just for your face but you can use Egyptian Magic as an eye cream, anti-wrinkle cream, to remove scars and stretch marks! 

Egyptian Magic costs about $37.00 and you can purchase it at any Whole Foods store or you can find it online- Urban Outfitters even sells Egyptian Magic!  It's been a hot commodity and it has every right to be!  Many celebrities like Rashida Jones love this product too!

Try it out and tell us what you think!  Have your favorite "secret" beauty product? Share it with us by emailing us at secrets@thesororitysecrets.com! 

The Best Nail Hardener

Going to the nail salon once or twice a month can get a bit pricey, we budget our money so we can afford keep our nails pretty.  We've talked about our favorite top coat in the past, but what's more important is how healthy your actual nail is.

We received this secret and we had to share it!  It caught our interest right away because not only is it impossible to pronounce the name and it's from Columbia, but you can also buy it at any drug store in the US!  Quimica Alemana is the company and the product's name and it is sworn to be the best nail hardener out there.  Quimica Alemana helps nail biters and also those with weak nails that peel or breaks easily.  You will see the difference after only a couple of weeks!

Save your self some money and stop getting gel nails or acrylics and go au natural by getting your nails healthy and strong with Quimica Alemana!

Lashes 101

 

Eyelashes: Ardell Professional. Eyelash Adhesive: Duo (black).

A lot of our readers have been asking us to share our tips on how to apply lashes perfectly.  Let's face it, putting on lashes is an intricate activity, yet totally worth it once you get those luscious lashes on! Ali is by far the expert on applying lashes so we asked her to give us a step by step on how to make putting on lashes easier.

Step 1: Buy eyelashes & glue from any beauty supply store or drugstore. Our favorite brands include Ardell Professional, and Lilly Lashes.  We prefer black Duo eyelash adhesive because the glue dries black and will blend in with your eyeliner.  A few things to keep in mind... winged lashes (longer at the outer ends) will emphasize a cat-eye or smoky eye look, while rounded lashes (same width all the way around, or longest in the center) will emphasize a more doll-like and rounded eye look.  The ones we used on Karen, for example, are more rounded.  After you purchase the lashes and take them out of the package, bend them a little bit with your fingers to round them more in the direction of the curve of the eye.  This will help to make them curve better along the natural shape of your eye, before you apply them.

Step 2:  Do your eye makeup first, completing every step except for eyeliner and mascara.  You will finish eyeliner and mascara after your lashes are applied and have dried.  Now, get ready to put your lashes on, one at a time!  A secret we like is to keep a Q-Tip on hand with one of the tip ends snapped off.  The now cotton-less end of the Q-Tip can help to clean up the glue line after you apply the lash, in case glue gets somewhere it's not supposed to be.  If you really have a glue accident, wait for the glue to completely dry first- it will peel right off.

Step 3:  Squeeze the glue gently from the tube, and line at along the lash line of the faux lashes.  Wait about 20 seconds, allowing the glue to get slightly "tacky".  Then, grab the eyelashes in the center of the strip, placing them on your upper lash line in the center of your eye.  Aim for slightly above your own lash line-- this will help to not remove your own eyelashes when taking them off later.  We like to start in the center, and work our way around!  Next, bring the lashes to the outer corner, then the inner corner-- we recommend tweezers for eyelash newbies, to really get the corners applied.  Press the lashes to your lash line (pressing straight "in", not pressing up or down), applying the pressure from your fingertips to the inner and outer corners, as to secure the edges.  Press and hold for about 5 seconds at a time (repeating if necessary), until you see the glue start to turn from grey to black.  As you press "in" you can also make the eyelashes appear slightly curled, just by using your finger!  If someone else is helping to put them on you, the trick is to look down when putting them on (not completely closing your eye) so that glue does not get on your lower lashes.

Step 4: Repeat process on other eye.  If your eyes water, gently blot with a tissue; careful as to not move the eyelash or glue.  Avoid touching your eyelashes for about a minute or two to let them dry, and you're done! Oh wait, one more thing...don't forget to apply eyeliner and mascara.  Once completely dry, mascara can help to blend your real lashes in with the fake ones.  You will need less mascara than normal, just a little does it.  Eyeliner above the lash/glue line is also an important step, to cover up any traces of the glue, and blend the lashes into the rest of your eye makeup.  One tool to not use: an eyelash curler!  The curler will likely pull your faux lashes off. 

Step 5: When removing your lashes after a long night of being fabulous, gently peel from the outer corner first, peeling inwards.

What techniques do you have on applying lashes? We want to hear!

Photo Finish Look

 Foundation Primer: Smashbox-Photo Finish Luminizing

We finally got our Co-Founder, Karen, to dish out her secret to looking photogenic in photos!  No photoshop here folks! Karen said her secret to her photo finish look  in pictures is Photo Finish  Luminizing Foundation Primer.  "I recently discovered this product at Smashbox and it has made a huge difference in my photos!"  

What's the process of using this product?

"After you have applied your powder, take a pea size amount of the foundation primer and put it on the parts of your face where the light from the camera will reflect off of: your forehead, cheeks, bridge of nose, and chin. Use the beauty blender or your finger to smoothly rub it into your face."

Where can you buy it?

"You can usually get them at the Smashbox counter found in Nordstroms or at Macy's or QVC, but I would recommend buying it from Amazon  or Beauty.com "

What makes this product different from other primer products?

"I love this product because it is oil-free! A lot of foundation primers are oily and give off an oily glow look. The Photo Finish Luminizing Foundation Primer gives off a natural, more matte glow that translates well in photos!"

Now that we know Karen's secret to her photo finish glow, lets all try it out (click here to try)! 

Let us know what other products you use to make your face glow in pictures; we would love to hear!

My Ties Giveaway! (Ended)

Ties: My Ties

Hair ties, head bands, and bracelets- triple the duty! These adorable bands have been seen on all celebrities and now they're trending everywhere! They're stylish and cute, but the secret is... they're actually better for your hair than a regular hair band. Why? Well the elastic is not made out of rubber like the regular hair bands, so there's no tug or tangling for your hair- which means no breakage (yay!). 

The Sorority Secrets have partnered up with the Lindsay Cortez, a Chi Omega alumni from Washington State and the owner of My Ties, to give our readers a chance to win a pack of customized bands!  Customize them for your charity, company, school, sorority, or for a special event.  My Ties have every type of patterns and bands you can think of (even sparkled and jeweled bands)!  

Here's how to win your very own pack of customized My Ties bands:

Step 1: "Like" The Sorority Secrets on Facebook. (Click here to "Like")

Step 2: "Like" My Ties on Facebook. (Click here to "Like")

Step 3: Tell us how you would personalize your My Ties band if you won the giveaway and LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS below!

*Contest ends February 28th, 2013.  Winner will be notified via email address given below*

Pink Pop

Lipstick: MAC Candy Yum Yum (buy here and here).  Nail Polish: OPI Mod About You.  Top: Express.

Brighten up your day!  We've been having fun with lipstick colors lately, and we instantly fell in love with this shade by MAC Cosmetics.  Ali doesn't usually wear lipstick (she's more of a sheer gloss kind of girl), but she flipped over this neon pink color, and gave it a whirl.  It's the most vibrant shade of pink lipstick we've ever seen!  This particular shade, Candy Yum Yum, just recently became a part of MAC's permanent lipstick color collection-- it was formerly a limited edition hue.  MAC actually calls this color "the lipstick dreams were made of" on their website.  Now hooked on the hot pink, Ali is no longer afraid of adding a bold lip to her makeup routine.

What's your all-time favorite daring lip color to wear?