We already know how to Study Like a Champion Today – there is a reason we call this fine academic institution home. But there is a trickier beast to tackle this fall semester: how to Tailgate Like a Champion Today. Let’s break it down to the important stuff: how to dress and primp for the South Bend elements, rock The Shirt, and know your limits.
Chances are that you won’t even want to wear clothes during the first few football games – you would rather submerge yourself in an ice bath for the entire month of September. It’s bad enough to sleep in a room without air-conditioning, but standing for four hours in wicked Indiana sun is a whole new ring of hell. Unless we win. Then it’s worth it.
So how do you prevent your carefully applied makeup from oozing off your face and into the awkwardly fitting Shirt?
First, realize your enemy: the blistering Midwestern sun. More important than ensuring your morning glow doesn’t turn into rampant shine is protecting your skin for the future. Use sunscreen. In cases of extreme heat I’d recommend a sport sunscreen to ensure prolonged protection. Added bonus: sport sunscreen won’t leak into your eyes and blind you with pain. If the temperature is in your favor (read: it will never be in your favor, this is South Bend), you can opt for a moisturizer with added sunscreen. Next, remember that the sun is merciless so foundation is rarely an option. If, like me, you still have the occasional raging break out, this suggestion might make you queasy. But there is hope.
Instead of foundation, skip ahead to applying your usual concealer (if you don’t have concealer, do yourself a huge favor and get some right now). Then, cake on the powder. Applying powder (compact or loose) will not only set your concealer but also give your skin an even finish. You can even add some extra vamp by substituting your powder with bronzer. This matte finish will guard against shine for hours and won’t run like foundation.
Next, ditch the liquid eyeliner and pencils for eye shadow. Using a brown or black powder, line your eyes with a brush as if you were using an eyeliner. The shadow will provide plenty of definition but won’t melt all over your face like a liquid liner. If you’re feeling extra spirited, ignore the black shadow and pick up a gold and blue palette. When else will you have the chance to experiment with these colors? Never. Bring on the gold and blue. There is never such a thing as too much school-spirit makeup. Alumni will probably want to hug you.
Since your makeup will perfect for an entire game day, let’s talk about The Shirt. Is it an awkward color navy blue that doesn’t quite go with jeans? Yes. But there are some quick fixes to make The Shirt cute with only a pair of scissors. Ready, aim, cut. Chop off the sleeves and the crew neck if your feeling a bro tank to match with a colored sports bra for those especially hot game days. Or focus solely on turning the crew neck into a more feminine v-neck. If you’d rather not handle craft materials, cinching the waist with a cute gold belt will do the trick.
Now that you’re outfitted and primped to perfection, go cheer on your team after spending all morning at a tailgate. But you don’t want to be the girl whose friends have to help her out of the stadium. Know your limit – count your beers. There is no reason to miss a game because you were over-served: our team is good enough to enjoy sober.