Teen Issues

Is holding hands with your friends a do or a don't?

Giggling girlfriends holding hands -- it's adorable when you're five, but what about when you're 25? BFF hand holding is tres trendy in Europe and catching on with American celebs and reality TV stars.

Lots of ladies hold hands on their way into a club or after a dizzy night of dancing. And we all LOVE our friends. So maybe it is just a genuine sign of friendship.

You tell us: What do you think about friendly PDA? Are you a hand holder? And is pressing palms with your pals totally cool -- or is it just awkward and annoying?

Look your fiercest for the last days of summer!
We know: Summer's almost over and you've spent most of your dough on sunscreen, sandals and slurpees. But that's no excuse to not play up that beautiful tan and sun-highlighted mane you've worked so hard to perfect. And trust us, you don't have to spend your fall wardrobe allowance to still be beach beautiful. With these four summer beauty essentials -- each under $10 -- you (and your wallet) will look like a million bucks -- and get the most out of the few, precious summer days left!

Continue reading "Midsummer Makeup (without Much Moolah!)" »

It's like cleaning out your potty mouth -- sans soap!

WTF? OMG! We're all a little guilty of letting those naughty words fly -- most of the time without even realizing it. But watch out, Miss Potty Mouth, we might just clean out your pretty pucker with soap. Or send you to the Cuss Control Academy. The CCA will have you speaking like a lady in no time.

Continue reading "Cuss Control Academy" »

Your Love Him or Leave Him Guide.
We've all seen those beauty and the beast couples and had the same thought: What was she thinking?! The lovely lady is either way too beautiful, way too smart or way too sane for the guy she's with. We've got advice from pros on how to tell if you're too good for your dude.

1. You don't want to introduce him to your friends. If you're embarrassed about your guy or worried he'll do something dorky (or dangerous), then, duh! Why would you want to hang out with him in the first place? The guy you pick should be like a sparkling diamond ring you want to show off to the world, not hide away in the back of your jewelry box.

Continue reading "Are You Too Good for Him?" »

Continue reading "Sex Too Soon?" »

The dos and don'ts of flirting via text message.

When you first starting texting your new crush, you've got to make sure he gets your message -- loud and clear. But it's hard to walk the line between being a flirt and seeming like a phone stalker. Whatever you do, read these tips before you hit send!

To get the flirty banter started, DO...

...keep him guessing.
He'll start the convo with "What's up?" So it'll be up to you to take it to the next level. If you reply with, "Just on my way out, stud," you'll stroke his ego and leave him wondering what he did that was so stud-esque. He'll also be tempted to ask where you're going, which leaves potential for a hot rendezvous. Bonus!

Continue reading "Text Secrets to Snag Your Crush" »

Four ways to banish your bad mood!

Are you taking a slow ride on the Sad Express? Summer doldrums got you down in the dumps? Here are four fun fixes to boost your self-esteem and get you back onboard the happy train!

Move It or Lose It One of the best ways to beat the blues is to outrun them. So go for a quick jog, do some yoga, take a walk in the park or channel Shakira for a hip-shaking salsa session in front of the mirror. Beyond the endorphin boost, scientists say that physical distraction can free up your brain to solve problems that are stressing you.

Continue reading "How to Get Happy" »

How to beat summertime B.O.!

We're girly girls. We're frilly, made-up and oh-so-gorgeous. But let's face it -- after strutting 20 blocks in the summer heat, even the best of us get a little ripe. From stinky feet to sweaty pits and probs "down there," we're here to help you beat the summer funk.

When summer's the pits:
When it comes to your armpits, sweat isn't the problem -- it's what happens when your sweat mixes with bacteria, causing a funk party in your pits. You already know that you should use a deodorant with an antiperspirant to deal with odor and wetness. But did you know these products are more effective at battling pit stains if you apply them at night instead of in the morning after your shower? That way, it has more time to penetrate your pores. Then reapply in the morning if you want.

Continue reading "Feeling Funky?" »

Everything you'll need to turn your drab dorm room into your fave space!

You've got to worry about getting the credits you need, making new friends and not getting lost every five seconds as you strut your stuff across an uber-large campus. With all that going on, your dorm room should be your chic, comfy oasis -- a home away from home. We've got the gadgets, decor and tools every dorm diva must have to survive communal living.

Continue reading "Dorm Survival Guide" »

How to deal with a friend who's stealing your signature style.

Have a style-snatching friend? One who always "accidentally" buys the same pair of shoes or who just so happens to get the same haircut as you? Sure, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is ridiculous! If you wanted a style twin, you'd take the girl shopping with you and buy two of everything. We've got all the deets you need on dealing with a green-with-envy gal pal (without screaming, shouting or ripping that same-as-yours top right off her copy-catting body).

Continue reading "Um, Didn't I Wear That Yesterday?" »