Smooch

Sally Hansen Natural Butter Lip Shimmer is an amazing product, especially in the Fresh shade. 94% of its ingredients are natual, making it filled with fruity extracts like blueberry and acai. Even its packaging is earth-friendly. If you don't like this shade, try the other 15. There's something for everybody (see title link). I love this product, because it feels completely weightless on my lips.

Seventeen

Check out the new issue of Seventeen (see title link). It's on newsstands now, and it has tons of great back-to-school stuff.

Eating

Did you know that some girls have food rituals where they do weird things to their foods before eating them to make themselves feel as if they have more control? Well, it could lead to a dangerous eating disorder to make you want to feel as if you have even MORE control. Don't let it spiral out of control. It's not a bad thing to eat, and it's not necessarily good to eat just to take your mind off another stress in your life, either (see title link).

S-T-R-I-P-E-S

The title above used to be my top fashion enemy. I hated thin, striped clothing and would never be caught dead wearing it. Then I saw Ella Moss clothing. Although she is a top, brand-name designer, she has a way of making almost any pattern, print, or technique look stylish. When I saw the above top in a white-and-olive pattern (see title link), I was in love. Although the top was $60, I realized that I could find a similar top elsewhere and actually wear it. Ella Moss' clothing is truly the work of an artist.

Nails!

Dull pastel shades are hot nail colors for fall. So for pretty nails, try a bold but demure color (see title link)!

Volume

We all want to give our hair a little extra oomph once in a while. In my opinion, TreSemme Weightless Body Extra Hold Mousse does the trick. It's strong and once I apply it to my damp hair, it gives it so much character (see title link). Nathaniel Hawkins, a celebrity hairstylist, recommends applying it liberally from roots to ends before blowdrying. Plus, the mousse is only $4! So what's to lose?

Relationships

Sometimes mixed signals can be tough. I mean, how do you know if you're flirting, dating, committed, in a relationship, serious, etc? Sometimes it's hard to tell, but Dating Diaries (see title link) tend to give other girls' experiences that may help you out.

Know Your Heritage

When I first saw a photo of this shirt, I was baffled. How could this be the pinnacle of high fashion? Turns out, berry colors are in for fall, and if you tuck this into some great jeans, you'll actually look pretty chic. The best part is, this Heritage 1981 shirt is just $20 (see title link).

Burbank Blake

Did you know that even Blake Lively was her school mascot in high school, Burbank Bulldog? Some celebrities really are down-to-earth and normal (see title link).

Periodicals

Teen magazines are an essential for any day on the beach. Want a great read? Try Seventeen (see title link). It deals with issues like mixed signals, and gives great cover girls. The August 2008 issue features Blake Lively!

BAN.

Ban deodarant seems awesome. It's packaged in a green, plain, no-nonsense way. Its solid also looks harmless enough. Sweet Surrender, a trademark scent, is also a good smell. But it leaves so many white marks my plain, black shirt has white underarm marks now. And I used the CLEAR GEL (see title link).

Jou Jou

Jou Jou is a great brand that sells beautiful peacoats, although it's famous for its jeans. Check it out at your local Charlotte Russe store (see title link)!

Cand[ie]

Visualize a picture of a crib. Not the way you pictured your first "crib," huh? That's what The Candie's Foundation PSA says, explaining the devastating effects of teen pregnancy (see title link).

Be Proactiv[e]

Proactiv Solution is a great 3-step system for acne treatment that I've heard nothing but good things about. My best friend used it and her acne-filled face was devoid of redness and blotches in just a few weeks. However, the problem was addiction. Her body got so hooked on the stuff that if she skipped the treatment for a week, the zits would return. Be careful when getting your body used to this stuff. Although it's effective, it's easily abused (see title link).

Health

For teens today, good exercise is vital. Health is always the most important thing in life (it IS life, after all). To get a fitness role model, check out Rihanna. She has toned muscles and abs (and behind, of course!). For workout tips, click on the title link!

Best Hair Buy

This is a great shampoo at an even great price. At most drugstore, Pantene Pro-V Classic Clean Shampoo is just $3.99. Every hair care product you buy should be under $5. Why pay extra (see title link)?

That Gets 5 Stars...

Back-to-school shopping season is here. I used to think that brands of notebooks and pencils were irrelevant in deciding what to buy, but after eleven school years of experience, I finally learned my lesson. Mead Five Star guarantees long-lasting performance. It has great notebooks and folders that will keep you organized for the year (see title link). Happy Shopping!

At the Stroke of Midnight...

Here's a hot new read: The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard is, according to its ad, "A spell-binding tale of twins with special powers". Hopefully this won't be another T-Witches wannabe. Mitchard has also penned The Deep End of the Ocean, which the ad excitedly mentions. I don't know about you guys, but I've never heard of that title, nor has the author every stood out to me. While I haven't read this book, it's definitely something to keep an eye on (see title link).

A Sweet Cover Girl

Dermatologically tested CoverGirl TruCheeks in Shade 1 is perfect for girls like me with golden skin. Each $6 compact comes with 3 shades, but the middle shade usually works best. The lightweight powder is easily blendable and just screams sweetness, making your cheeks exude a friendly vibe (see title link). Customer reviews have been mixed, but the shade is definitely a winner.

Pay Less!

Payless Shoe Source is a great place for all you shoe fashionistas. It offers amazing styles for the cheapest prices. These pumps look like they just stepped out of a Dolce & Gabbana catalog, but they only cost $24.99. The cute gold trim hidden platforms are made of faux suede (for all you animal lovers) and have that hidden cut-out detailing behind the heel toe and metallic piping, as well as a padded insole that equalize the 3 inch heel (see title link).

Nothin' Sweeter than a Pastry

Angela and Vanessa Simmons have come out with a new line of shoes called Pastry. Everything about these items of footwear remind you of a delicious dessert. Although the sneakers are sporty enough, the line is simply girly. I promise, you'll love it (see title link)!

More Jeans.

YMI Jeanswear is a great brand that features figure-flattering jeans and even has Aimee Teagarden modeling for it. Check it out (see title link)! It has great back-to-school styles that all come for less than $50.

Shiekh

Shiekh Shoes creates these amazing sneakers that come in the most vibrant colors. Purples, golds, and pinks, all in one shoe. If you want to make your feet pop, try this line (see title link).

The Wardrobe Essential

Jeans are a great staple for anyone's closet. The most important thing, however, is that they fit well. No girl is ever satisfied with her curvy tummy, no matter how slim it is. For a great trendy look, try these jeans by Z Co. Available at Macy's, these jeans are super high-waist, with three buttons and double beltloops. Their wide waistband allows for relaxation while showing off your figure. They also have cute slant front pockets. With a Z Co. logo on the back right hip, everyone will know that you're wearing the coolest jeans in school. Although the pair costs $48, it's a pair that is sure to be reused hundreds of times, and works with any outfit. The dark wash and the cotton/spandex material is good for so many occasions. I definitely recommend them (see title link).

REPORT: Footwear Gone Bad

Report footwear is famous for its bold ad campaigns that feature extreme landscapes and highlighted shoes. Hundreds of celebrities buy Report's products, as marketed proudly by the line's website (see title link). Excessively skinny models with miniskirts and fur coats show off Report's reportedly (ha) glamorous shoes. In reality, the line simply features a few dozen pairs of heels, flats, and sandals that are shockingly unoriginal, while pricing the generic footwear anywhere from $50 to $200. Boring whites, browns, and blacks make up the surprisingly popular line. Every design from Report can be found with a similar brand at Macy's, Sears, and Target for lower prices. Report is an overpriced, unattractive line that fails to impress here.

Perfect Promotionals

If you subscribe to any teen magazine (Elle Girl, Seventeen, Cosmo Girl, Teen People, etc), chances are you have a Victoria's Secret Ad in the latest August issue. With it is a VS Pink pullout coupon/card that gives you access to a free makeup bag (worth $24) with any VS Pink purchase. You can redeem it online (see title link), in-store, or through catalogue order. But this offer's only valid until the end of the month, so get hopping to the mall! Free stuff is great, isn't it?

Decree for Fashion

This season, non-revealing camis are all the rage. They keep you cool without showing too much skin. Gone are the days when camis came in plain solid pastel shades which needed some accessorizing to be considered a complete outfit. As their popularity increases, designers are creating printed camis in bright colors. This one is from JCPenney's new brand, Decree. The bright purple pops out, as do the tiny lace details and different shades and hues that mix in the most flattering way. With the thin straps, your shoulders are sure to show off that perfect tan you're getting from laying on the beach all day long. Although this particular cami is $18, it's well worth it because of its flexibility in matching different outfits. Check it out (see title link)!

Soffe Splendidness

I saw an ad for Soffe apparel and decided I had to try them myself. Borrowing one of my friends' Soffe sweatpants, I put them to the true test: high school gym class. And not just any gym class. Cardio kickboxing. The kind of hour that seems like centuries, as every muscle is tested for its endurance. So what happened? They were brilliantly comfortable and allowed me to be as flexible as I needed to be, without fitting too loosely. I would wholeheartedly recommend Soffe to all of you gym-goers, or even for wearing around the house. They're as comfortable as can be (see title link).

Lovely Lips

Here's my latest pick for the best lip color product: L'oreal Paris HIP Jelly Balm in Savory (see title link). It gives lots of shine without being too intense, and doesn't irritate your lips, either. In fact, it feels just like any other lip balm. Yup, you read correctly. As a lip balm, it's actually helping to moisturize and condition your lips. I guess you'll have to buy it. After all, anything for health, right?

High Tech Nails

I was blown away when I saw an ad for Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen. The Black variety is great, and a quick manicure is easy with it. You just click it for dispensing of color and then just paint! Plus, there's no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Instead, the formula is infused with Panthenol and anti-oxidant Vitamins A, C & E (source: Sallyhansen.com). Color is preserved with a UV Protector. It's a brilliant little invention, and I'd recommend keeping it in your purse at all times (see title link).

Shopping is a Girl's Best Friend

The best place to go shoe shopping for practical purposes? Famous Footwear (see title link). It offers name brands that guarantee good quality, and usually has lots of sales going on so you can beat those horrendous prices. Carrying a wide variety of styles and colors, among other things, it makes sure to service all of your footwear needs.

Will This Make You Blush?

Looking at CoverGirl's TruCheeks Blush, I was yearning to try the product in Shade 1. But as I read customer reviews, most of them were negative, saying that they made users look "clownish" and that the colors were "way too bright." Older posts, however (see title link), hailed the blush in a positive light. Before recommending it, I better brace myself. Watch out, and tell me if you've tried it. What did you think?

Doubt = Bad.

America's Next Top Model's Cycle 10 Winner, Whitney, is wise beyond her years. She talks to Seventeen magazine about the danger of self-doubt (see title link). She even put aside her education of international relations to compete on the show, knowing that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There just wasn't any room for doubt, and she never forgot the aim of winning.

Summer Movie

Here's a great straight-to-DVD movie perfect for rainy afternoons during the summer (see title link). A boy and girl (played by Kevin Zagers and Samaire Armstrong, respectively) switch bodies with each other, their worst enemy. It's a totally light movie that will have you laughing. Buy It's a Boy Girl Thing at Best Buy!

Nonsense.

Some companies make thousands simply by scamming people. For example, check out Cell Tarot (see title link), which instructs teens to text PSYCHIC to their number, 88990. Promising access to professional Tarot readers, they lock in a low price of just $1.99 per message. Plus, there are your standard text messaging rates. People actually buy this nonsense without any proof of credibility. One piece of advice: Keep yourself from falling for it.

Plant a Tree

Did you know that one seed can produce a tree that will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide? You really can make a difference, and global warming can be slowed, if not halted (see title link). Tree seedlings go a long way.

Quality > Quantity

It's true. When it comes to friends, anyway. What's the point of meaningless conversations with hundreds of people when you can have one great talk with your best friend. Acquaintances will come and go, but that one friend will always be by your side through life if you need her (see title link). Author Lauren Weisberger teaches us all that.

Hair Cair/Hare Care (ha.)

Although I don't believe in spending too much money on anything material, this stuff is actually really worth it if you want hair to be protected. This time of year is horrible for your locks as the sun's harmful UV rays beat down. They can cause breakage, among other things. So to protect your hair, you can try Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Sunshine Shield Spray (see title link). Although it costs $22, it's a large, 3.4 oz. bottle that will last you for a while. It has Solarshield Protection, and it gives your hair lots of shine because of its ingredient, silicone. On top of it all, it provides protection from pollutants, too, so you're really ready for everything. It also contains antioxidant bioflavanoids, which prevents brassiness and replenishes hair with nutrients. Your hair will feel like silk in no time. Say no to dryness. Permanently.

Tricky Techniques

There are subtle tricks to getting people to notice you that anyone can learn. You don't have to be born with blonde hair or blue eyes or perfect legs. With certain maneuvers (see title link), you can get any guy to notice you. For example, if you're at a party, head over to the kitchen after you've mingled for a half hour or so. There's always a place for guys since they love to eat. If you join them and put some humor into the conversation, it makes them less nervous to talk to you. Ta-da!