Spring Break is right around the corner!! Can you tell I’m really excited? Come on, I know I’m not the only one.

But while it may seem like you can be as carefree as you want, truth is you need to take care of yourself, especially your skin!  We all love us some Snooki, but no one wants to come back from SBXI looking like that.  I’m not trying to lecture you or be your momma, but you must wear sunscreen!  Every day! Not just while you’re lounging on the beach drinking margaritas or bikini skiing.  Really, a killer tan is not worth the harm you can do to your skin.

I know these tips may be common sense, but to some people they’re not. And even if they are, well, we all need a little common sense reminder sometimes. Especially when we’re about to embark on a week-long bender. So below is a list of sunscreen tips and some recommendations. Watch the vid to protect yourself.  And next week we’ll be back with ways to treat your sunburn if you somehow manage to get it.

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my websiteand follow me on Twitter!

Fourth of July has come and gone (and, thankfully, so has my sunburn). Summer is half way over! Before you know it, you’ll be back at school walking to class hungover way too early because in your summer stupor you seemed to forget that 11am is really still too early to have a class. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

It’s still summer and for the past 6 weeks you’ve been working on that tan of yours. And, glass half full, you’ve still got a good 6 or 7 weeks left to bronze yourself. You know what is best paired with a tan? White, coral, turquoise and brown – only the best summer pairings since you put jicama and guacamole together. But to all you Snow White ladies of the universe (I SO feel you, my fair ladied sisters) these colors are universally flattering on every skin tone and every hair color. I have yet to see someone who does NOT look good in turquoise. (Seriously, find me said person and I will buy you a drink.)

Anyway, here are some of my favorite ways to rock this killer summer combo, day or night.

Dress:
I love the eyelet detailing on the dress, as well as the almost-sweetheart neckline. It’s extremely flattering and adorably romantic. The obvious thought would be to go with dainty and feminine accessories, but that’s boring. Add some chunky flair, ladies. Stella and Dot is ALL over these color combos for summer and I’m just loving every single piece. While some of their other pieces are a bit too pricey for this Budget Stylista, they’re having a sale on their SALE (an extra 20% off!) through today so check it out because if you’re going to splurge, now’s the time to do it!

Product Information: Dress – Lulus.com, $42; Shoes – Urban Outfitters, $48; Necklace – Stella and Dot, $35; Bracelet - Stella and Dot, $29.

Pants:
The ankle length on these skinnies makes them universally perfect for heels or flats, so, basically, your entire summer wardrobe. And this brown hobo will transition you straight into fall, but paired with these summer colors it’s not too heavy. If skinny white jeans make you nervous, go up a size. Or, pair with a longer top. (Forever 21 has this adorable ruffled number in turquoise as well!)

Product Information: Shirt – Forever 21, $22.80; Skinny Jeans – Urban Outfitters, $49; Sandals – Urban Outfitters, $34; Bag – Forever 21, $25.80

Shorts
Here’s a way to rock a print but still wear the turq. Paired with a coral accented canvas tote and some brown woven sandals, you’ve got a perfect outfit for a summer day to accent that gorgeous sun kissed skin of yours.

Product Information: Top – Forever 21, $10.80; Shorts – Old Navy, $19.50; Bag – Forever 21, $12.80; Sandals – Forever 21, $14.80

Yes, it’s officially summer, ladies!

While some people are crazy aren’t major fans of the summer season, most of us at CollegeCandy couldn’t be more excited. What’s not to love about flip flop weather, 7-11 Slurpee runs and going out without having to worry about whether the bar has coat check or not? And the way your sun-kissed skin looks in a coral sundress? Sigh. Is there anything like it?!

With the temps rising the our favorite TV shows coming to an end for the season, it’s time to bust out those summer whites, scrunch some gel into your hair and enjoy the best the summer has to offer. Here are a few of our favorite things. What do you love most out summertime?

Emmy – Loyola University Chicago: My favorite thing about summer is being able to sleep in ridiculously late and laying on the beach.

Sara C – Fordham: Favorite thing about summer? Definitey the overabundance of Mr. Softee roaming around the city. Nothing beats a twist at sunset with friends!

Cristina – Michigan State University: Sitting in the sun with a popsicle and a beer.

Rachael – University of Miami: I’m not a huge fan of summer (I’m almost albino pale, so no beach time for me, and I go to school in Florida anyway), but I guess what I most like about it is the overall sense of freedom: time to be a little lazy, catch up on pleasure reading, wear loose and flowy clothing, etc. Oh! and street fairs in Manhattan – I love shopping there, or even just walking around.

Carly – Grinnell: Favorite thing about summer: the warm weather. I FREEZE nine months out of the year in the Midwest, but summer is the one season during which I can feel as if I live in a tropical climate.

Norah – Drake University: I’m Minnesota-born, so for me, summer means weekends at my family’s cabin. Boating, tubing, waterskiing, hanging out at the beach, fireworks on the lake for the Fourth of July…I couldn’t be more excited. I’m also psyched to catch up on my reading–I just found a book club that’s reading Jane Austen and Willa Cather this summer.

Jessica – Delaware: Backyard barbecues! Who doesn’t love laying by the pool, sipping Coronas and eating cheeseburgers!?

Jessica – Hofstra: My favorite thing about summer is laying on the beach with my friends after a long night out – and talking about every ridiculous thing we did (and probably don’t remember).

Brithny – Duke: The excuse to get fro-yo every. single. day.

Alex – University of South Carolina: Walking the boardwalk at night and Dunkin’ Donuts Lemonade Coolatas (RIP).

Samantha – UCSB: Camp, my birthday and SUMMER FLINGS! Hot hot hot!

Christie – NC State University: I know it’s weird, but I love the smell of sunscreen. Second to that is the feeling of the summer breeze whipping my hair around with the windows down on a road trip.

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: The simple pleasure of sitting on the front step with my Mom eating a chocolate dipped cone. And night boating to Jimmy Buffett and Sublime.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: Best part about summer is pool/hot tub parties. fo. sho.

Meg – University of Delaware: My favorite thing about summer is spending time in my backyard in the hammock with my dogs (me and two giant Bernese Mountain Dogs is a liiiiittle toasty…) and drinking every night with my friends on the deck. Oh, and playing manhunt around the neighborhood- yeah, I’m cool like that.

Alex – Lakehead: CAMP! Here in Northern Ontario, we refer to cottages as camps, and there is truly nothing better than a day of waterskiing, saunas and a bonfire with beers.

Charlsie – Hollins University: My favorite thing about summer is that every day is a good day to wear a sundress and sandals!

Ricki – University of Michigan: Being able to workout without having to enter a sweaty, smelly, gym.

Kari – Florida State: The best part about summer is opening all the doors and windows, grilling and relaxing in the pool with Coronas!

I’m really starting to get skeptical of these studies that try to dissuade you from doing something unhealthy by suggesting a healthy alternative that can supposedly provide you with the same astounding results. Next thing I know, they’re gonna make up some “healthy” alternative that provides you with the sweet satisfaction that is college belligerence.

The most recent study? Veggies will tan you.

Scientists are claiming that incorporating more cantaloupe, apricots, carrots, peppers and spinach into your diet can give your skin a golden glow. In the study, Caucasian volunteers who consumed a diet rich in orange and green fruits and vegetables were said to have even preferred the look of the golden glow effect from the diet to the darker effect from the sun. The scientists go on to say that this kind of produce-rich diet can make the skin look more attractive in just a month. (Or your money back?! If this doesn’t sound like some kind of sleazy infomercial, I don’t know what does.)

This must mean no more laying out in those harmful UV rays to get my summer tan, right?
I’m not so sure.

In my lovely household my mother has long enforced the “Green Vegetable Rule.” It’s, without a doubt, pretty silly and childish, but the rule is if we want dessert we must first devour some greens. This often includes peppers or spinach. And guess what?  While I’m quite regular (if you know what I’m sayin’), my skin tone still somehow manages to resemble the pale and sterile color of my bare dorm walls.

It’s hard not to stand behind a scientific study that promotes healthy eating and healthy living habits, but I just have to wonder about this one.

How is this even possible?
How many cantaloupes do I have to eat daily before my skin starts to resemble one?
Won’t eating spinach turn me a nice shade of green instead of giving me a healthy, not-so-sun-kissed glow?

Most importantly, what about The Situation; will he be swapping GTL for GVL?

Vegetarians make better lovers.

Was Michael Jackson murdered?!

Are you a suntan addict?

Vanessa Hudgens is growing up. Awww.

Boost that Wi-Fi signal yourself.

Sarah Palin really screws Alaska.

Even if you’re still finishing up finals, there’s no harm in daydreaming about the 4 fabulous months to come. So put down that Econ 101 textbook, grab a towel, and layer on the sunscreen.

Summer’s almost here, and it’s time to celebrate!

To help pump you up, we’ve put together a list of the 35 greatest things about summer. Here are our top picks:

1. Riding with the top down

2. Shirtless Dudes

3. The mani/pedi special

4. Summer love

5. Trips to the Beach

6. Iced beverages

7. Havaianas, Rainbows, and other fabulous flip-flops

8. So You Think You Can Dance and other quality summer programming

9. Ice cream sandwiches (especially when they start dripping down your arm)

10. Deliciously hot, sweaty, tan and toned lifeguards

11. The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

12. Riding Bikes

13. Reading for pleasure…without a highlighter

14. 7-11 Slurpees

15. Sitting on the sidewalk and enjoying a Dairy Queen Blizzard

16. Longer days

17. Sun-induced all-natural highlights

18. Devouring juicy peaches

19. Jumping waves at the beach

20. Pretty flowers

21. Long walks outside

22.  Sundresses

23. Picnics in the Park

24. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!!!

25. Running through sprinklers

26. Tie-dying t-shirts

27. Sipping mimosas at outdoor cafes

28. Water-skiing

29. Stargazing

30. Sunglasses all. the. time

31. Gladiator flats

32. Amusement parks

33. Funnel cake

34. Laying on a raft in the middle of a pool

35. No more exams!

The Unnaturally Tan One

While I sat at home watching Full House marathons curled up under my brand-new Snuggie, this person sat on Caribbean beaches for the entire break. While my legs are streaked shades of orange from drugstore tanners, she is glowing with a tan that seems to defy her race. As if I wasn’t already feeling like Casper’s paler cousin, standing next to her makes me feel downright clinically albino.

The Reccesion-Proof One

This holiday season started with my parents interrupting all my wish-list ramblings with words like “recession,” and “depression.” My wants went from an iPhone to a few new Chap Sticks and a (store brand) chocolate bar. So it’s even more un-fun this year to watch this friend unpack all of her new things: an entirely new wardrobe that matches her Blackberry Storm that she can play with while watching her new flat screen. She’s offering to share her new boots and all I can give her in exchange is some relief for her chapped lips.

The Debbie Downer One

My break wasn’t very exciting but I don’t have any legitimate complaints. But she does. A simple, “how was your break” turns into a two-hour impromptu therapy session while she goes on and on about everything from her mom getting laid off to her dog getting hit by a car. While at first I can awkwardly pat her back and offer my condolences, it gets increasingly less easy as she talks about her Christmas tree burning down, the loss of her lucky penny, and her cat’s unhealthy addiction to alcohol.

The World Traveling One

I completely forgot he existed until he bumps into me in the student center and says “exscuzemoi.” Suddenly it all comes flashing back: he went abroad last spring and fell so in love with Europe that he hasn’t been home (the states, as he calls it) since. It’s almost impossible to recognize him with his new beret and European-ly tight pants. He orders a Cafe Americano and explains how hard it is to adjust back to the American lifestyle. Before I know it I’m sitting in Starbucks while he tells me the benefits of socialism and fat-free croissants.

The Tattooed One

I’m sharing stories from over break when she gets overly excited, giggles, and says she has a surprise for me. A million things run through my mind, but nothing prepares me for the 10 inch butterfly she tattooed on her back with the word “hope” written in the wings. I’m forced to look away and mumble, “it looks good, its deep.” She agrees of course. It is deep; the butterfly represents her future. And she is right, I am surprised. Surprised that she ever thought that was okay.

Did I miss anyone?

I can most definitely vouch for these methods too. When I noticed a few clogged pores around my T-zone a couple of days ago, instead of going into crisis mode and lamenting how life could be so cruel, I made a few simple changes and things are already looking up.

You need to be careful of two things: sun and sweat.

Sun: Don’t think baking under the sun is good for your skin. Even if you don’t care about dying from skin cancer, the sun doesn’t clear up acne. It only burns the top-most layer of skin and doesn’t get to the heart of the cause of acne—the clogged pore.

Instead, it acts a very temporary, very dangerous solution to covering up acne for a little while. The worst part is that it increases oil production (yup, you can look like a greasy teenage who works at McDonalds) which only makes you break out more a couple of days later. So if you want to stay looking like the hottie that you are, don’t even think of roasting yourself.

One more thing: while you should most definitely put on sunscreen, you need to be careful about which on you choose to slather. Some contain oils and other pore cloggers, so you need to check the label carefully to make sure it’s noncomedogenic (doesn’t block pores).

Sweat: Especially when the weather starts getting all humid and sticky, you need to watch out for sweat. Obviously we all sweat, there’s nothing you can do about that except for lurking in air-conditioning all summer, but what’s the fun in that?

What you can control is wiping sweat with your dirty hands, which will get you in skin trouble. Hands are absolutely filthy, teeming with gems. Do you want them on your face?

Plus, salty sweat (that sounds vaguely dirty in a way I can’t quite articulate) can be an acne irritant, so you notice bumps on your back, chest and neck, you might consider wearing loose, flowy clothing, ala the Olsen twins—anything to give your skin a little breathing room. Plus, it’s way cooler to sport a James Perse dress than some sort of corset top contraption.

So now that you know the two triggers, what can you do about them?

1.Exfoliate! You want to gently exfoliate every other day to clear your pores from dead skin, oily gunk, and various other unappetizing things. I swear by St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub for Oily or Acne Prone Skin. It’s a tingly deep cleansing formula with 100% natural exfoliants and salicylic acid that gently exfoliates, removing oil, dirt and dull skin cells. Love this stuff, plus it’s under four bucks. For the bod, I’m a big fan of Neutrogena Clean and Clear Body Scrub.

2.Ditch your moisturizer! I know you two have had good times, but unless your skin is like the Sahara, when the humidity spikes it’s just going to make you look all greasy—not terribly appealing.

3.No More Cream Cleanser! Switch to a gel based cleanser. It will give you a deeper, cleaner clean. Plus, you don’t really need your cleanser to infuse your skin with any added moisture.

4.Drink Lots of Water! I’m not sure exactly why this works, but everyone who is anyone swears by good old H2O. Plus, I saw it on America’s Next Top Model. Tyra would never lie to me.

Go, enjoy your summer vacation without having to worry about (yuck!) break outs.