We joined Bath & Body Works this Wednesday at UCLA as they criss-crosssed the country on their nationwide campus tour. Not only did CC writer Taylor get to jump in on the fun (read about it here), but she also got to take control of the intern Twitter so that she could give away awesome products to followers across the country.

Products included:  Ultimate Fragrance Package (Japanese Cherry Blossom, Twilight Woods, Warm Vanilla Sugar, Sweet Pea), Wallflower Heater & Bulb, Scentportable, True Blue Spa Apricot Face Scrub, and AntiBac PocketBac Collection.

Congrats to the Winners!

"A razor? What are you trying to say, honey?

Christmas is fast approaching. (Five days, but hey, who’s counting?) While I’m sure you’ve already picked out the perfect gift for everyone on your list, I bet you haven’t given much thought to what you’re getting this holiday season.

Well…I have.

I’ve taken my favorite Gleek’s (Brittany S. Pierce!) advice and made my Christmas list early and sent it on its way to the North Pole. But I know that even someone as prepared and as considerate as me (making it easy for my parents by adding what I wanted for Christmas to their Amazon shopping carts) will more than likely get stuck with a few bad Christmas gifts. It’s okay though, it’s a burden we all have to bear, so I’ll brave the post holiday madness and head to the return lines.

I just hope I don’t get anything quite as bad as these gifts.

10. Scented Candles. Not only do they more often than not smell like nothing more than a cheap imitation of what they’re supposed to smell like (Birthday cake? Sand castles? Ginger tea and honey?), but they’re also a bit of a fire hazard.

9. Useless gadgets. I’m sorry but I never have and I never will have any use for your vibrating slippers, your Bumpits, your BeDazzler or anything else that has AS SEEN ON TV stamped across the front of the box.

8. Socks. I don’t care if they are Christmas themed, personalized, or striped. I don’t care if they are toe socks, or fuzzy socks, or just plain, regular, everyday socks. They are not appropriate Christmas gifts. And I’m sick of people passing them off as though they are. Just because they come in lots of funky patterns doesn’t mean they make a good gift. End of discussion.

7. Anything from Bath and Body Works. I’m not even going to touch on the whole scented thing because that was already covered. But really, let’s think about this, when was the last time you used cucumber melon body splash? When was the last time you wanted to? Scented soaps and creams and antibacterial soaps that smell like a garden? My allergies act up just thinking about them. No, I won’t use the bath salts or those cute little themed baskets that just seem so perfect either.

6. Picture frames with a photo of the gift giver in them. First of all, the picture frame is almost always something ridiculous that you would never use and doesn’t match anything in your dorm. Second of all, you are not going to place a picture of this person next to your nightstand like you two are finally going steady or something. Moving on.

5. Anything that looks like you got it as a free sample. I’ve gotten these gifts before, and believe me I’ve been able to tell. Oddly enough, when you give someone who hardly ever wears makeup Clinique cover up it’s kind of a clue that you didn’t buy the gift for that person. Oh, hey, is that a complimentary tote you’ve got there on your arm?

4. Fruit cake. Yes, people still give these. And yes, the cliché is still very, very true. No one wants a fruit cake, even if it is homemade, because chances are, it’s not very good. As for a peanut butter cup cheesecake….that’s a dessert I can get behind.

3. Themed gifts. You know, it’s Christmas, so obviously any gift you give or get has to, in some way, be Christmas related.  Your Aunt Mary is going to get you a Santa sweater. And, oh wait, Aunt Sue got you candy cane socks to match. Now all you need is one of those headbands with the reindeer antlers and you’re all set. Thanks Dad!

2.  Homemade coupons. No, I don’t want your free hugs. Or your promise to do my homework. Because I don’t want to hug you and I wouldn’t trust you to do my homework for me. Ever. So if you’re going to get me a coupon, that coupon better be a gift card. And by gift card I mean one of those things that look like a credit card and works in a real establishment. (Like Starbucks.) That means you can’t use crayon to fill this one out either. Pity.

1. Self-help books. We have issues. We know. The holidays are not the time to remind us of them. So just buy us a drink and leave it at that, okay?

What are the worst gifts you’ve ever gotten?!

But before you lock your doors and resign yourself to online courses, there are some things you can do to try to avoid getting sick, like protecting yourself against bacteria. As a self-described germaphobe, I am not embarrassed to say that I carry antibacterial wash with me everywhere (it comes in handy at frat parties), and you should consider doing the same since so many germs are on doorknobs, tables, and communal computers.  Plus, you’d be surprised how many of your friends and fellow students aren’t washing their hands after going to the bathroom! I see it all the time and I’m like, “Hey girlfriend, I’m standing right here and can see you aren’t washing your hands!”

But rather than yell at random strangers in the bathroom, even if they deserve it, you can protect yourself.  And that doesn’t mean squirting that nasty smelling Purell on your hands every 10 minutes; there are some really great smelling cleansing products out there that won’t leave your hands dry and cracking. Give some of these a try:

Hand wash: Indulgences Purifying Hand Wash in Coconut Nectar is a cheap antibacterial that cleans and moisturizes. Oh and it smells deeeelish.

Bodywash: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish - This body scrub exfoliates but also includes real brown sugar, which is a natural antibacterial ingredient.  Fresh also makes a soap bar that has the same helpful sugar properties.  Who knew that sugar was good for more than just curing a sweet-tooth?

Lotion: This Bath & Body Works lotion is small enough to throw in your purse, and has moisturizing beads to leave your skin soft and germ-free.  Try Midnight Pomegranate, my fave new B&B scent.

Waterless Hand Foam: The Bath & Body Works hand foam is the quickest way to sanitize your hands after touching public surfaces, plus this Sea Island Cotton scent should take you on a mini-vacay.

All Rolled into One: Bath and Body Works: Spread Love, Not Germs Kit. It’s only $19.50 and you get tons of antibacterial products in top selling scents like Sweet-pea.

Stay clean, healthy, and smelling delish this year, ladies.

Although I have fallen in love with Lush’s unique products and packaging, it is the company’s goals and mission that keeps me coming back (and spending the extra cash).

They make it their business to use fresh ingredients, make the products by hand (how many places actually do this anymore?), not partake in animal testing, and protect the planet by making the products ‘green’ or vegetarian/vegan friendly. With minimal preservatives in their products, I have truly been refreshed by the products I have tried and I believe that using fresh products like seaweed and avocados has made a difference in the way these bath bombs and gels work.

Buying cosmetics is important to every girl, but in the current state of the economy, spending money on lavish products may seem silly. However, with a company promising to help the environment and its customers with the freshest and hand-made products, dishing out the extra few bucks is worth it… especially when it comes to these guys:

Shampoo Bars: This is probably my all-time favorite beauty invention. Instead of traditional liquid shampoos, these bars come in a circular form and all you have to do is lather the bar in between your hands and then apply it to your hair. Want direct contact? Just rub it on your scalp, and prepare for the suds to take over. Although each bar is 1.9 oz for $9.45 (a little steep, especially in this economy), I promise that they last over and over again (if you follow directions and don’t keep them submerged in water). According to Lush, these bars last “for around 80 washes, saving three plastic bottles along the way.”

My personal favorite is Karma Komba, which is supposed to help prevent tangles, but other bars work for other reasons like the Soak and Float which protects against dandruff and the Hard Solid Shampoo which is made for those that live in “hard water areas.” If you have to try one Lush product, I would recommend this more than anything else. Not into the bars? Lush also has liquid shampoos and conditioners available.

Bath Bombs: Lush is probably best known for its bath bombs, which come in two sizes (big and bigger). For example, there is the Big Blue bath bomb (6.3 oz) and the Big Big Blue bath bomb (28.2 oz). Either size is perfect to cut and divide up into a few baths, no need to use the whole bomb all at once. Once these amazing balls hit the water, your bath will explode into a sizzle of fizz and scent. Colorful and creative, each bomb has its own personality. With the Big Blue bath bomb, seaweed makes its way out of the ball and turns your bath into an instant ocean, while the Supernova bath bomb turns your bath into a party, complete with confetti.

Lush has a variety of bath bombs, so finding one that fits your mood or personality will be no problem. Unlike other bath bombs, Lush has a scent that will linger and stay long after the water is down the drain, and it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth beyond comparison to other similar products. Although these innovative bath time products make a dip in the tub extra fun, the only downside is that the seaweed, confetti, or other special ingredient may clog the drain.

Buttercreams: According to the Lush website, “Buttercreams are a luxurious blend of 15% soap – enough to get you clean but not make masses of lather – and 85% natural, skin-softening butters, glycerine, plant infusions and essential oils.” Although buttercreams can be used in the shower or the bath, it is best to use them cold. Put them in the fridge or the freezer and before getting in the shower or bath, cut a small chunk off and prepare yourself to be pampered. My only qualm with the buttercreams is that the scents like Heavenly Bodies, which is aimed at chocolate lovers, or Ring of Roses, which is covered in rose petals, doesn’t stay and the creamy, softness promised rubs off fast.

And these products are just a few of the extensive Lush product line. Want the most unforgettable bath that will actually keep its bubbles and scent an hour into it? Go for a Bubble Bar. Sick of the same old perfume? Try one of the company’s solid perfumes, which come in lip balm type pots. Guys, want to plan a special evening for your girlfriend? Get a massage bar and give her the spa treatment yourself. From body lotions to shaving creams to solid soaps, there is something for everybody. And with vibrant colors and clever names, shopping at Lush (whether in one of its stores or online)  will be a unique cosmetics shopping experience.

Move over Bath and Body Works, Lush is definitely here to stay!

When you’re trying to get in and out of the shower as quickly as you can to head on to bigger and better things, (a.k.a the beach), it can be easy to bypass seemingly unimportant tasks.  You probably wash your face, your body and your hair, but do you take the time for proper exfoliation?  I’m guilty of this myself, especially in the summertime when my skin doesn’t seem so dry and flakey.  But that all changed yesterday.

While walking in Trader Joe’s, I found myself in the beauty aisle (because it’s right by the wine) and fell in love with a sea salt exfoliating grapefruit scrub. It smelled delicious, so I threw it in my basket (along with TJ’s cookies, some cereal and the best dark chocolate covered pretzels on this planet). When I got home I ate a few pretzels, tore off my clothes and took my new salt scrub to the shower. And what a lovely shower it was. It took only one go with my new salt scrub to remember why exfoliating is so important.

The Sparknotes version:

1. Exfoliating makes your skin softer, which is especially great in the summer because your skin – especially those tootsies in the flip flops – is exposed and  braving the elements.

2.  Softer skin leads to better shaving, less nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.

3. When you clear away dead skin your great beach tan (or bottled glow) will last longer.

Now that we are all reminded why it’s worth the extra minute a couple times a week, here are some products you should try out.

Like I said, I’m in love with my new Trader Joe’s Purify Grapefruit Chamomile Sea Salt Scrub.  It was $6 for a really big jar and smells delicious! The citrus scent will totally wake you up in the morning. The only bummer is you have to get it in the store, and I know not all of us are lucky enough to live near a TJ’s (sad-face).

Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator:  I’ve also used this product, and while it doesn’t smell as yummy, it will leave your skin looking clean and feeling soft.

Bath and Body Works: There’s The Rub: This is a nice cooling sea salt scrub, but it may be a little rough.  If you like it rough (you dawg), it’s a great product to use twice a week.

Or, if you’re feeling crafty and/or cheap, making your own sea salt scrub is really easy.

Don’t underestimate the power of soft skin this summer. Take the extra 5 minutes to pamper yourself and you’ll see (and feel!) immediate results!

Ole Henriksen Blue Blackberry Enzyme Mask – sephora.com $32

So your whole body is dehydrated (hence that pounding headache) but while you are rehydrating with vitamin water don’t forget to replenish your skin too! This mask has loads of antioxidants from blueberries and blackberries. Bonus feature – this mask is gentle enough to use under the eyes, where you need it most!

Clinique All About Eyes – clinique.com $28.50

New year’s was a blast but now your eyes look like you are a reject from the Thriller video. Clinque helps you out with this fantastic eye gel. Not only does it depuff but also gets circulation going which means it brings a little light to those dark circles.

Alison Raffaele Consealer – alisonraffaele.com $23

Masks and eye creams can’t work 100% at getting rid of your dark puffy circles. You’ll still need a heavy duty undereye concealer to look presentable. The tough part is finding something heavy duty that doesn’t look like spackle. Alison Raffaele’s True concealer is just such a magical product. It goes on smooth, hides the dark puffy stuff but still looks natural. You can cover the bags without looking like you raided Liza Minnelli’s makeup drawer!

C.O. Bigalow Menthe Lip Shine – Bath and Body Works $7.50

Now that your skin is glowing again and your eyes are bright, throw on a lip gloss that also covers up your rank breath. Super cheap, super shiny and minty to boot. Any leftover nastiness on your breath is covered up by this delightful minty gloss. Now you are fully prepared to get out the door and look great, even if you still feel crappy.

Unfortunately, one of Old Man Winter’s favorite tricks is drying your lips out. And he’s really good at it too. Sigh. What’s a girl to do?

Dry, chapped lips are not attractive and nobody wants to kiss them. Lip balm can only go so far in curing chapped lips (let’s face it, flaky lips are not OK, even if they are tinted a pretty sun-kissed pink). But luckily, C.O. Bigelow is here to save you with their Soothing Lip Buffer.

Basically, you put some of the balm on your finger, rub it onto your lips, feel the cool tingle of the minty sugar particles, and then wipe it off. It tastes good and it makes your lips feel amazing. Old Man Winter’s got nothing on you now.

Seriously, I only have one warning: You may become addicted to this stuff. Your lips will feel smooth, shiny, and well-moisturized. You might not be able to stop using it. Your friends might yell at you when they look over and see you using it for the 10th time that night (not like that happened to me, or anything…). But hey, if you use the whole tube quickly, you can always buy another one. The Soothing Lip Buffer is only $7.50 at C.O. Bigelow stores and Bath and Body Works.

You should probably stock up.

So it’s summer and we all know what that means: time to really get into some new pretty makeup, sweet scented lotions and anything that involves becoming a bronzed goddess.

So obviously during our precious staff meetings, us ladies like to share our current obsessions and essentials. And this time, we really wanted to share our get-gorgeous secrets with you. I mean, who are we to keep such loveliness to ourselves?

“Product wise I love Bed Head’s Split End Mender ($14.99) because it really helps prevent split ends, smoothes over the flyaways I already have, and conditions my hair without making it heavy or greasy. And since I’m not a huge fan of sun-bathing I’m a total self-tanner. Neutrogena Build-a-Tan ($9.09) is my go-to because I never have to worry about getting that gross orangey/streaky Jessica Simpson look.” Jen, NYU.

“I’m in love with Sephora’s Summer Blockbuster Palette. It’s only $36 and has 24 shadows, 24 lip colors, 5 blushes and a power, fits perfectly into a little clutch and it’s all I need to change my makeup from a work day to a night out. Bath&Body Works’ White Cherry Blossom body splash is also freakin’ delish. B&B Works is no longer the default birthday gift for a preteen, this actually smells clean & summer fresh and it’s on sale for only $4 until Sunday.” Solmaaz, UMASS.

“Aveda Tinted Moisturizer ($25) is hands down the best product I’ve discovered so far this summer. It’s the perfect alternative to the dry, cakey feeling of foundation. Since it’s essentially a moisturizer, your face feels refreshed after use. But best of all, all Aveda products are made with all natural ingredients, so it has a light clean scent. Plus, the SPF 15 will shield your face from the inevitable rays of the summer. I would recommend this stuff to any girl who wants to have a natural just-got-back-from-the-beach summer look.” Gabrielle, Fordham University.