Serious Business

A new law in effect from January 2009 will allow all girls in the United States free access to rape kits. If you or a friend have ever been assaulted, you CAN go to get help from someone. Go to your local emergency room to get some DNA samples and to get cared for if you're hurt. Experts advise you not to take a shower until you've been examined so you have some evidence. There are so many crisis centers out there. You really can go get help (see title link).

Burton Snowboarding Sells Skirts?

What a great, basic skirt. Makes you think of summer, right? The irony is, it's manufactured by a snowboarding company called Burton Snowboarding! I have to say, they sure know how to create their warm-weather apparel. This skirt is green corduroy and is so basic but so versatile! It'll match anything and you'll look effortlessly cute. Although its normal price is $45, you can buy it now online for $22.50! 50% off sale, people (see title link)!

Awesome Sneakers

These Zoo York sneakers can look good with ANY outfit (see title link). Skinny jeans, dark rocker pants, rough denim. The gold color makes the whole look shine and the multicolors allow it to match with any outfit! Although the style is masculine, the look itself is ultra-feminine. Too bad the sneakers are $58. Worth it? You tell me.

C-U-R-L-S

If you just apply a golf-ball sized amount of this Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Holding Foam to your hair and scrunch it all over your hair, your curls will be as defined as can be. Make sure to apply from roots to ends, though. The only drawback to this amazing product: It's $26 (see title link).

Shiny Hair!

The secret to shiny hair? It's all in the product. No need for unhealthy curling irons or straighteners that burn your hair. Try using some herbal oils, instead. That'll smooth split ends, too, if you apply the hair before you sleep and leave it on overnight (see title link).

Oxfords!

These shoes are to die for. The BCBGirls Scent Slingback Oxford in the Cream/Camel hue is just an amazing addition to any outfit, casual or professional. The open toe is so glamorous and the lace-up part still exudes classicism. The stretchy back strap ensures a comfortable fit, too. The sole is manmade and supportive, so you don't have to worry about much discomfort in those sky-high 3.75" heels. If you buy them now online (see title link), you'll get $45% off the regular price of $97.

America Ferrera!

America Ferrera is such an amazingly beautiful person without conforming to the stick-figure image of Hollywood. In the October issue of Seventeen, she talks about how female relationships on TV are portrayed as catty. What a mature role model (see title link).

Those R.J. Graziano bracelets she's wearing are pretty nice as well.

BenzaClin?

Here's another acne medication (prescription only) that I found an ad for, called BenzaClin Topical Gel. Small print on the back page makes it unappealing to read, so users don't inform themselves of the potentially dangerous side effects. Rats are tested to prove safety. Who knows what the animals are being subjected to? So many issues (see title link).

ANTM?

Have you seen the latest print ads promoting America's Next Top Model? They are the most unappealing, revolting ads I've ever seen. That show, unlike American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, which actually showcases more talent than drama, centers around more pettiness than actual modeling. Everything is so obviously over-the-top that it fails to appear tasteful. Tyra Banks is such an amazing role model to women worldwide, but this show does not let her rise up to her full potential (see title link).

Help Others and Yourself

If you're looking for a new lip gloss in a hot shade, try C.O. Bigelow Cancer Vixen Mentha Lip Tint in the Pink Mint shade, which is available for $8. It contains 2% peppermint oil for soothing your lips and freshening your breath (see title link), it helps the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The brand will donate $250,000 of its proceeds from this product to said charity. So take that extra step and get shopping!

Tighten Those Abs!

Want to get those abdominals firm FAST? Try laying on your back with your arms at your sides parallel to your body and legs lifted in a right angle (your knees to pelvis are straight up, and your feet are parallel to the ground). Keep your chin tucked into your chest, and straighten one leg out at a time and bring it down without touching it to the ground. Yeah, nice big endurance booster. I found it in Seventeen magazine (see title link), so check it out!

College Budget

College is already so expensive these days. But there are hidden expenses to college life, too, like supplies for your dorm that need regular refills. If you're short on cleaning supplies or other essentials, skip the campus store and go to a normal one so you don't buy overpriced items. Better yet, go to BJ's and buy in bulk (see title link)!

College Sweepstakes

Seventeen magazine is holding its 2009 College Sweepstakes again. The grand-prize winner gets $250,000. That's a nice chunk of change. You can enter by clicking on the title of this entry (see title link).

Clogged Pores?

Your face will be free of bacteria, because it will die as a result of Zapzyt 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Treatment Bar! There's no soap in the formula, so it gently takes away the excess dirt and oils from your skin that causes breakouts. That helps new acne from beginning, too.
Customer reviews on drugstore.com (see title link) are all positive, and some even go so far as to call it a "miracle cure" for their acne problems. It's only $6, so it's definitely worth a shot!

Fine Print

Galderma Laboratories (see title link), the company that creates Differin, a prescription topical acne treatment, sure has a lot of well-kept secrets. Although it provides all of the risks associated with its products' use, it presents them on one page with three columns in tiny print. That way, people won't feel the need to read it (looks too boring to read!), if they'll be able to decipher it at ALL.

Another Environmentally-Friendly Entry...

Check out these cool stories of Paul Mitchell people doing good for the Earth (see title link). Sunnie Brook Jones, for example, a salon owner in San Luis Obispo, CA, made all of her administrative aspects computerized to cut down paper. On Earth Day, she picks up trash around the area, too.

"Trees Rock"...

Save the Earth and Your Hair

Paul Mitchell is partnering with other beauty companies to create a month of free giveaways called 30 Days of Beauty! Each product is earth-friendly, too, so you have a beautiful outlook, both inside and out. Paul Mitchell products are expensive and only available at salons, and I, personally, did not find them any different than drugstore products, but I commend their eco-friendly efforts (see title link).

"Giving Back is the New Black"

NP

This cherry gloss is so perfect for a Saturday afternoon out with the girls or even at work. It has a sparkle that will light up your whole face. The fun NP Set by Napoleon Perdis Lip Gloss in the St. John shade is available at Target stores (see title link)! The only down side is that it costs $15!

One Life to Live

Jamie Anderson, Snowboarder and X Games Gold Medalist, recommends One Life to Live, a hot show that airs weekdays on ABC. Has anyone seen it (see title link)? Do tell!

"Everybody's got their something..."

Drake!

It's common to notice the hairstyles girls get. But what about the guys? I find this reverse part pretty attractive, especially on Drake Bell. Simply changing the direction of the part gives him his own unique look. Oh, and check out Drake Bell's website. He's a pretty awesome musician, too (see title link).

Jordin!

Has anyone seen Jordin Sparks lately? She's blossomed in front of our very eyes and has such a glamorous, sexy look that is still down-to-earth. Check out her dress from this year's BET Awards. It's definitely red-hot. An amazing look for an amazing voice (see title link).

Minx

I'm not a huge fan of graphic novels, but for all you readers out there, MINX and Seventeen magazine are partnering up to give away a free Seventeen T-Shirt and MINX bonus gift if you mail in your name, address, and receipt of a MINX purchase to Attn: MINX GWP, 300 West 57th Street, 18th Fl., NY, NY 10019. Check out all of MINX' graphic novels (see title link).

Celebrity Pink!

Here's a cool line of clothing that specializes in cute jeans. Celebrity Pink Jeans' skinny jeans come in amazing, bright shades like raspberry, royal blue, plum, and and owl (see title link). You can buy a piece from its collection at Dillard's!

A-Line Dresses

Here's an amazing find I saw from BB Dakota. It's an A-Line dress that really shows off a girl's legs without being too short. The key is the full skirt which elongates your legs while giving you curves! The red dress is $72, but it's quite elegant (see title link)

Check It Out!

If you live near Bensalem, Pennsylvania, try to be a model at Seventeen's Rock the Runway Tour (see title link). You could get discovered! Plus, you'll see a free concert by Donnie Klang.

AMI Clubwear

Check out these suede boots by AMI Clubwear. They're just $19 and they have a cute brown shade with a flat heel. They'll keep you warm and dry in the winter, too (see title link)!

Stay Fresh

Fruit of the Loom is hosting a Fresh Design Contest. If you're a savvy fashion designer, enter for a chance to win $1000! Basically, you design your own collection and submit designs. I, personally, can't draw for my life, but all of you artists out there, go for it (see title link)!

Zeno Mini

If you want an expensive but effective way to get rid of your pimples, try the Zeno Mini. It's a pocket-sized machine that gives your pimples a small dose of heat to calm them down. Pimples are supposed to disappear within 24-48 hours (see title link). It's battery-powered, so you can take it anywhere!

The Revolution

RocaWear is changing up its fashion to fit in with the new times. They call it the RocaWear Revolution. Jay-Z's line is amazing and fits well. There's a certain taste needed to appreciate it, but the clothes are of good quality and stand out with their bright lettering (see title link).

Get in the Spirit...

Can you believe Halloween's just a few weeks away? Wow, October arrives fast! As you're looking at the changing of the leaves and wondering what to do, check out the stuff Seventeen magazine's got about Halloween. There are lots of fun ideas (see title link)!

Great Lash!

Maybelline New York Great Lash Washable Mascara gives such thick, full lashes. The dramatic black shade is absolutely incredible. Check it out (see title link).