DIY manicure

We all paint our nails, but how many times do we just lazily slap some polish on then pick it off a couple days later? I'm definitely guilty.

Now that I've started working I realize I can't sport my classic chipped, blue nails anymore since it's not professional-looking. While going polish-less is the easiest and most realistic option, sometimes you just gotta put in a little time and effort to groom your nails. Even if you don't want paint color on your nails, it's still a good idea to regularly trim your cuticles and file your nails down so they look clean. Not only will it save you time and money by not going to a nail salon, it can be something you look forward to!

the only supplies you need

First, take off any existing nail polish with nail polish remover and wash your hands with soap after to ensure nail polish will really adhere to your nails. Then clip nails if needed, but definitely file your nails regardless so whichever shape you choose (oval or squared) all nails look uniform in shape.

Next, clean up cuticles with a cuticle trimmer. This is one of the most underrated nail products ever! You can get one for super cheap from the nail section of the drugstore - mine is Revlon. You use the pointed end to push your cuticles down, then the metal end to get the dead skin off (I realize these are horrible instructions but I can't really explain it - I promise it's intuitive!).

Here's the time-consuming part. Take the time to paint your nails with a clear base coat, two coats of color (allowing plenty of time to dry in between), then finally a clear top coat. If you're the type of person who hastily paints a couple coats of color on your nails and that's it, you're better off having bare nails because the polish is going to look bad and chip in no time. It can be frustrating to sit and wait for your nails to dry, but try to pass the time by reading or Pinteresting and if you're really rushed just run your hands underneath cold water and they'll dry faster.

Make sure you're keeping your hands and cuticles hydrated by using hand cream daily, and keep up a manicure by reapplying top coat every other day to prevent chipping and dullness.

If you turn grooming your nails into a mini spa night with a face mask and a magazine, it'll be something you actually look forward to every week, and who doesn't feel prettier with manicured nails?

get your game face on

Football season has officially started with the NFL opening game last night, and I couldn't be happier (Go Marshall and  go Panthers!). Football and all-pumpkin-everything combined with the perfect weather, easily make Fall my favorite season.

For some, football season means wearing your favorite jersey and heading out to a tailgate and game every weekend. For others, it means yummy food and beer in front of a TV. Regardless of your preference to watch the game you want to be focused on the game and having fun, not worried about how you look.

Football games often mean spending all day outside in the sun drinking, and the last thing you want is to head somewhere after the game with a face full of smudged makeup. You know the girls who wear a ton of makeup to sporting events and look silly? Don't be that girl. You aren't there to make a statement with your bold lip or smokey eye, you're there to have fun and cheer on your team (or at least pretend like it).

In order to ensure you go from tailgate to game to post-game festivities looking flawless, stick to minimal, neutral makeup with staying power. This way, you can feel good about spending all day (and night) supporting your team and beer-drinking habits and leave all cosmetic products at home.

game face necessities

My favorite long-lasting products for game time are:

1. Tarte BB Tinted Primer: I've said it before and I'll say it again: this stuff is amaze balls. It's lightweight (read: doesn't look like you're wearing makeup on your face), but covers extremely well. A little bit goes a long way and the best way to apply is to put a small amount on your fingers, rub your fingers of both hands together, then smear all over your face and blend.

2. The Body Shop Concealer Stick: It's no secret that this is my favorite concealer. The reason I like it so much is because it covers under-eye circles and blemishes well, so I don't need two different concealers. Apply this under eyes and on blemishes where needed, but don't worry too much about covering every little spot.

3. Josie Maran Waterproof Cheek Gelee: Waterproof blush means this stuff doesn't budge. It'll stay on until you take it off, even through the hottest day for a game. Apply lightly to get a healthy flush; once again, don't go overboard.

4. Benefit Hooola Bronzer: This is a recent purchase of mine from the #FlyBenefit vending machine at the airport, and I'm already obsessed! This bronzer is perfect for game day because there's no shimmer in it (matte=natural). Dust a little on your forehead, sides of nose, chin and hollows of your cheeks for a natural-looking glow.

5. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in Black: Stila isn't lying when they say "Stay All Day" because this stuff doesn't budge. If you haven't mastered using liquid eyeliner (yet), not to worry. Draw small dashes as close to your lash line as possible then connect them and you'll have a straight line! Since I have small eyes I like to add a small flick to the outer corners of my eyes, think mini cat-eye, but it's still appropriate for game day.

Tip: if you have lighter eyes or hair, stick to brown instead of black - it looks much more natural.

6. Make Up Forever Aqua Cream for Eyes in Warm Beige: I definitely don't recommend wearing eye shadow to sporting events, especially if it's outside in the heat, because you're basically asking your shadow to crease and look horrible within a few hours. However, I do like to put a tiny bit of this on my brow bone and at the inner corner of my eye.

7. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara: No need to get waterproof mascara for football season, unless your favorite team loses a lot and it makes you sad.

These are my favorite picks to create a minimal game face that will last all day long!