This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Columbia Chicago chapter.
After I read The HuffPost’s “What I Know About Beauty Now That I’m in My 20’s” article, I decided to take a look at my past four years in college and analyze what I’ve learned about beauty at the ripe age of 21.
- It’s okay fall asleep drunk with make-up caked on your face—every once in awhile. Just use Pond’s Cold Cream in the morning and it should wipe right off. Let’s face it, it’s happened a few–maybe 5 or even 10– times this semester. Some girls are super beauty conscious and make an effort to wash their face at 3 am. Others, like me, have the urge to hit the pillow and are fine waking up with mascara and eye shadow smudges on our cotton Target sheets. And really, that’s perfectly OK.
- Stress causes acne. During the teen years, breakouts are usually the direct source of puberty, oils and weather change. In college, where balancing projects, papers, work, internships, social life and boys-stress causes those pesky pimples to pop up unexpectedly. But it’s nothing good Covergirl concealer can’t hide. If you feel a red friend slowly rising, make a baking soda mask. Pour a nickel size of baking soda into the palm of your hand, followed with 2-4 drops of water to create a paste substance and apply to the infected area. It dries pimples before they become noticeable, annoying and embarrassing enough to make your self-esteem wallow to the soles of your feet.
- If you got it, flaunt it. Honestly, don’t be afraid to wear the skimpy and sultry outfits. After all, this may be the skinniest you will ever be in your life. You’re not a size 3, so what? Rock a bikini or a miniskirt. I’ve been blessed with an excellent metabolism which means I’m a petite and proportional girl, but there is nothing wrong with rocking tube tops. Plus, our boobs will never be this perky-at least not after 35. This is not the age to be self-conscious because God knows once you have a real job, you will really be ditching the gym to catch re-runs of Sex and the City with your vodka and chocolate covered pretzels.
- Being smart actually makes your beautiful, too. I don’t think I’m super gorgeous or anything but I’ve learned being my true nerdy, poly-sci loving self has worked in my favor–not my gold blast eye shadow or plum covered lips. Whether your niche is politics, socioeconomic issues, comedy movies or World of Warcraft, simply being beautiful isn’t enough. Sure the baby face might get you some places, but the ability to become knowledgeable about any topic is attractive. And it makes you stand out in a sea of girls who look just like you and wear the same Forever 21 jersey stretch dresses and printed scarves.