1) Betsey Johnson: Silver eyeliner was all the rage at the Spring 2012 Betsey Johnson show. Models showed off their warm weather looks accompanied by a sleek silver eye. Create a perfect canvas for your eye makeup with an eye cream containing SPF that will protect the eye area from sun damage while diminishing dry areas that can lead to uneven makeup application.

2) BCBG: All the models on the BCBG Spring 2012 runway were sporting fresh, out-of-the-shower, dewy glows. Minimal makeup requires a base of good skin. Anyone can get this fresh look with a pore-minimizing primer that helps disguise flaws and also contains light-enhancing minerals to give your skin a radiant glow.

3) Milly: Orange nails and magenta lips reigned supreme at the Milly Spring show. Keep your nails and lips looking fabulous with a cuticle cream containing Vitamin E, which conditions and helps relieve chapped, cracked skin.

4) Oscar de la Renta: Peach and cream palettes took center stage at the Oscar de la Renta Spring show. Creating a perfect peach look on any skin can be possible with the right preparation. Choose a serum which targets, treats and prevents pigmentation caused by daily environmental exposure.

5) Jason Wu: A neutral face with intense lip color is another hot trend for spring. Don’t be afraid to show off a neutral face because of dry skin. Combat those enemies with a moisturizer like Clean Scene’s Down for Defense that provides softer, smoother skin day or night.

Beautiful, glowing, healthy skin is quickly becoming the most sought-after accessory, on and off the runway!

Extracurriculars: School isn’t just about classes! Make sure your ideal school also has your ideal extracurricular activities. Are there kids hanging out on the quad playing Ultimate Frisbee? Is there a jazz ensemble that you can join? How great is the theater program? Whether you’re into sports, music or the arts, be sure that the school you’re looking at offers the programs that you love.

Distance from home: Be realistic about how far away from home you want to be. Do you want to drive home every weekend to visit family and friends? Or would you be content to only visit for holidays and in between semesters. Don’t ignore your sense of adventure, but be realistic about your own needs and comfort zone.

Location: In addition to the distance from home, there are other important things to consider about location. What’s the weather like? Is it set in a big city or in a remote area? Again, it’s all about being adventurous, but also knowing where you’ll be most happy.

Food: Don’t underestimate the impact that the cafeteria will have on your life, health AND happiness. Make sure the cafeteria provides healthy food options to keep your brain working optimally. Also, take a look at the local surrounding restaurants. Sometimes you need some good options away from campus too!

Exercise: Many schools have gyms, offer fitness classes or have intermural sports teams. Ask about the campus fitness facilities and make sure your favorite activities are offered, as well as the opportunity to try a few new things. You don’t want to fall victim to the “Freshman 15!”.

Study abroad programs: Study abroad programs offer a great way to see the world while you learn! What options does the school offer? Where can you go? What majors have adjacent study abroad programs? Are there international summer programs? Take advantage of these special programs to get the most out of your college experience!

Career services: Let’s face it. The reason we go to college is to get a good job after we graduate. So, the amount of career service support a college offers is key to success after you toss that cap and gown! How much help can the school offer in obtaining internships and jobs? Is credit offered for internships? What are their post-college job placement statistics? How do they prepare you for interviews? How do they prepare you practically for the work force?

Yes, choosing a college is a major decision in life, but a lot of the excitement is had in the decision process. Be sure to weigh your options carefully, but don’t forget to have fun!

Giving Valentine’s Day gifts should show that you care, but you don’t have to break the bank! Get creative and crafty with a DIY gift.

Here’s a list of meaningful DIY Valentine’s Day gifts that can be customized for whomever you want to show love to this year – be it your friends, a crush or your parents

1. Customized photo calendar where you can note important dates like your crush’s birthday, your anniversary or your next date.

http://www.zazzle.com/custom/calendars

2. Hand sewn iPad/iPod case for dad, your BF or your BFF!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytGcMNVqNdY

3. Framed pressed flowers that grandma will love!

http://www.wikihow.com/Press-Flowers-and-Leaves

4. Magazine picture frame collage of your loved one’s favorite things

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At01oCPAF_Q

5. DIY picture frame earring holder (perfect for Mom!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDqxiHk03B8

6. Customized phone case your best girlfriends will love!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ra6o_gsjsg&feature=related

7. Personalized day planner with sections for all your love’s favorite things including a doodle page, notes, travel dreams, homework, short story writing section, etc.

http://www.kylaroma.com/2011/01/making-a-custom-day-planner-part-one-making-a-plan-template-downloads/

8. A duct tape pencil case for all your classmates (so much more fun than a card…)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0eAqtXTeCs&feature=related

9. …Except for this card! Make a super-cute pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/easy-valentines-day-craft-ideas#slide-5

10. Origami bouquet

-Rose: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpCN8_M5RAQ

-Tulip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3564V8laRzo&feature=relmfu

-Daffodil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01W7gbtgCc4&feature=relmfu

What’s your favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift idea?

We’ve all made New Year’s fitness resolutions that were impossible to keep. Get up early, run 10 miles, eat only fruits and veggies, give up sweets, etc. After the first week we crack under the stress of it all and find ourselves on the couch with a full-size bag of chips, catching up on a weeks worth of DVR. Just like that, your resolutions are broken.

This year is going to be different! 2012 is the year to keep your fitness resolution and turn it into a lifestyle. Here are our 7 tips to keep a New Year’s resolution…FOREVER.

1) Be realistic. How much time can you realistically commit and when is a good time of day for you? Choose a time that you don’t usually do other things and an activity that you enjoy.

2) Know your limits. Minimize the amount of excuses you can make to yourself. If you aren’t a runner, don’t set a goal to run 10 miles. Set milestones to track your progress. Start by walking 1 mile a day and build up to your goal.

3) Choose something fun. If you don’t enjoy an activity, you’ll be more likely to quit. Walking, dancing, sports and even Wii are all fun ways to burn more calories. Pick an activity you’ll look forward to.

4) Try something new. If you are active, but stuck in a fitness rut, mix it up. Try a martial art, a new dance class, or join a running club. “Give yourself permission to move away from traditional formats of exercise that have never worked for you in the long run.” -Dr. Murad, The Water Secret.

5) Write it down. Studies show that keeping a food and exercise journal helps people stay committed. Not to mention the heightened sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you see your own progress.

6) Get an accountabilibuddy. Make a pact with a friend to text each other when you need a little extra motivation to get active or say “NO” to sweet and salty cravings. Exercise together and then celebrate together when you have achieved your weekly goals.

7) Reward yourself! Change is difficult, and when you stick to your goals you need to celebrate that accomplishment! Rather than indulging in an entire ice cream sundae, try a small frozen yogurt. You’re sweet tooth will be satisfied and you won’t undo all your efforts.

Stay positive and be strong! Tell us your resolutions and how you plan to keep them in the comment section below.

Home cooked turkeys, family traditions, and reflecting on the past year are just a few common Thanksgiving traditions. This Thanksgiving, try adding a new tradition to your holiday by volunteering your time and giving back to your community. Helping those in need will not only brighten someone’s day, but will make you feel good inside too! Here are a few easy and fun ways to contribute!

1) Get all of your friends to go through their closets, find things that you don’t need anymore and donate them to your local Salvation Army. Not only will you be cleaning out your closet (something your parents will love!) but you will also be helping others who may not be able to afford new clothes for winter.

2) Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Thanksgiving is always a busy day for local food banks and homeless shelters serving the community. This is a great way to give back to your community and still make it back home in time to spend the evening with your family!

3) Create a hygiene kit comprised of basic necessities that can be given to homeless teens in your area. Make sure to include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, facial cleanser and sunscreen.

4) Have a garage sale with your friends and sell movies, accessories, books, and any other random things. Send all the money you make to a charity that you believe in.

5) Offer to help clean for an elderly person in your neighborhood. It’ll definitely make their day!

6) Gather canned and non-perishable foods (tuna, corn, pasta, etc) from your pantry and donate it to your local Food Bank.

7) Have a fundraising bake sale at school to raise awareness for your favorite charity. You’ll have fun baking (and sampling for “taste”) as well as making a difference with your bake sale proceeds. Check out the bake sale we did to raise money for City of Hope!

8) Create an after-school tutoring program at school to help teach younger kids. You’ll not only be helping expand the next generation’s knowledge; it’s also a great college application builder!

9) Support companies that do charitable deeds, like buying TOMS shoes. Not only are they fashionable, but for every pair of TOMS shoes you buy, they will donate a pair to a child in a developing country.

10)  Encourage your parents and anyone over the age of 17 to donate blood to The American Red Cross. They are always looking for extra blood to help those in need and you never know, that blood could help save a life!

And there you have it! Now there’s no reason to not do at least one or more of these activities to help make the world a better place. Happy Holidays!

Frankenstein’s Jell-O Monster

This jiggly Jell-O creature may look scary, but it sure is tasty! Bring this Frankenstein to life with a few easy steps to leave your party guest spooked and ready for more!  

Ingredients:

• Black and red 3-D paint and brushes (scars and mouths)
• Ceramic plate
• 3-ounce box of lime Jell-O (makes 2 monsters)
• 9-or 10-ounce, 4-inch-tall clear plastic cup
• Table knife or spoon
• 2 Maraschino cherries (eyes)
• Double-sided tape
• 2 Rolos (neck bolts)
• Crushed Oreos (enough for hair)

Instructions:
1. Paint scars and mouths on a ceramic plate as shown. Let them air-dry over night.
2. Prepare the gelatin according to the package directions. Pour slightly cooled gelatin into the cup, stopping 1/2 inch from the top.
3. Refrigerate until the gelatin is partially gelled, then remove the cup from the refrigerator and use a table knife or spoon handle to push 2 cherry eyes into the gelatin. Refrigerate again until the gelatin is completely set.
4. Use double-sided tape to attach the neck bolts. Peel the scars and mouths off the plate and place them on the cup. If it’s difficult to peel the shapes off the plate, stick the plate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, and they should come off easily.
5. Cover the top of the gelatin with crushed Oreos for hair. Don’t wait too long to gobble up the monsters, or the hair will get soggy.

Apple Bites

These toothsome treats are a fun and healthy break from Halloween sweets. Offer these to your guests for a healthy but still frightful snack.

Ingredients
• Apples
• Slivered almonds

Instructions:

1. Quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth. (TIP) If you’re not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.

Forked Eyeballs

What better way to start the party than with white chocolate covered doughnut holes? Yum! These Halloween treats are prepared and eaten on the same fork. Convenient, right? Here is the recipe for these irresistible treats.

Ingredients

• 2 (11-ounce) bags white chocolate chips
• 12 doughnut holes
• Semisweet chocolate chips
• Tube of red decorator frosting
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions
1. To coat a dozen doughnut holes, melt the white chocolate chips with the oil over low heat. Keep the chocolate warm while you work. With a fork, spear each doughnut hole and dip it in the melted chocolate, coating it completely. Gently tap off any excess.
2. Stick a semisweet chocolate chip with its point cut off onto each doughnut hole, cut end first. Place the forks (handle side down) in a mug and allow the chocolate coating to harden.
3. Use a tube of red decorator frosting to add squiggly veins radiating out from the pupils.

Melon Brain

Want to turn heads this Halloween? Then create this simple but spooky cerebral creation made from just a small, round seedless watermelon!
Ingredients
• 1 small seedless watermelon
Instructions
1. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the entire green rind, exposing the inner white rind.
2. Slice off the bottom of the melon to create a flat base that will keep it from rolling. With a toothpick, outline squiggly furrows that resemble the folded surface of a brain.
3. Finally, carve narrow channels along the tracings with a sharp paring knife to expose the pink fruit beneath the rind.

Hairy Daddy Longlegs Cupcakes

This creepy crawler of a cupcake is popular with web slingers of all sizes. 

Ingredients
• Chocolate cupcake (body)
• Canned chocolate icing
• Chocolate sprinkles (hair)
• 2 pieces of eye-type candy
• Scissors
• Ruler
• 1 package of black string lace licorice (legs)

Instructions
1. Frost the cupcake with chocolate icing and cover with sprinkles.
2. Press the eyes into place. Hint: If your local store doesn’t have eye candy, try using gummy life savers with a chocolate chip in the middle!
3. Use scissors to cut eight 4-inch pieces of licorice for the legs. Holding all of the legs together in a bunch, bend them in half and crease. Push the end of each leg into the cupcake as shown.

Now that you know how to make these spooky, yet simple Halloween creations it’s time to have some fun. So get in the kitchen and bring out your creativity to make your own version of these tasty Halloween treats. Clean Scene wishes you an exiting and safe Halloween!

Fall is upon us, and that means time for warm Pumpkin Spiced Latte’s from Starbucks, curling up on the couch to a new season of Glee, and bringing out the bright earth tones in your wardrobe including the coats, boots, scarves, and fun accessories. Another reason we love fall is to celebrate being “pink.” Celebrating “pink” means to bring awareness and support to Breast Cancer research, support programs and finding a cure! Whether it is wearing a pink t-shirt, blogging about why you think people in your life and community should support the powerful fight and remembering those we’ve loved and lost – Breast Cancer Awareness month is important.

 The Clean Scene team has put together a bundle of our pink favorites, everything you need to complete your wardrobe, beauty, hair, shoes, and accessories sets.

 Okay – so here comes the best part- one lucky Clean Scene fan can win the entire haul by simply commenting on the YouTube video detailing “Our Favorite Pink Products” and telling us what you are doing in your hometown to help support Breast Cancer this October!*

 Our Favorite Pink Products Giveaway Swag Includes:

• Sultra Haircare’s “Bombshell” exclusively pink curling rod (the best iron out there!)
• The Sparkling Pink  watch from Guess with pink rhinestones, perfect for October
• Pink Converse “All Star” sneakers
• One True Religion Fragrance “Hippie Chic” Set including two sizes of perfume, body lotion, and a body wash
• OPI’s new “Pink Shatter” nail polish
• Murad’s Hydrate for Hope Duo featuring Murad’s Hydro-Dynamic® Ultimate Moisture
• Murad’s Clean Scene® skincare line, to achieve skin that’s smooth and healthy, without the drama
• An adorable tote and pink tank top from Hip Pilates studio in Hermosa Beach, Calif. perfect for traveling to and from school or the beach with friends
• An adorable “Think Pink” themed notebook to write down your goals and dreams
• Murad’s Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15
• A pink sports bra by Lucy, the hip brand for all things exercise and staying fit
• Coffee Bean’s exclusively pink travel mug, an assortment of coffees and teas, and a gift certificate

Remember: All you have to do is comment on the YouTube video detailing our favorite pink products and tell us what you are doing in your life – at school, at home, in your community – to help support Breast Cancer Awareness month for a chance to win ‘Our Favorite Pink Product’ giveaway of goodies.

 Good luck, and think PINK!

*Contest will begin October 13^th  and a random winner will be chosen on October 31^st for their post underneath our YouTube video on what they are doing the month of October to help support Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Jazz up your wardrobe and get creative this month with “pink” to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. Here are some fun and easy ways to wear pink in support of those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

1. Splash A Hint Of Pink On Your Hands And Feet! – Show you care this October by painting your nails in your favorite shade of pink. Try Essie Cosmetics  limited-edition, Pink Is Powerful, nail polish created in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

2. Add Pink To Your Sleep! – Get your beauty rest in pink. Wear some comfy super cute pink pajamas to bed like these from Bedhead (one of Oprah’s favorites!). These light-weight cotton pajamas will keep you cozy and cute. And 15% of all sales are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

3. Accessorize Yourself in Pink- What better way to show your support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month than by accessorizing? This is really simple and fun to do. Add a bit of pink to your everyday wardrobe. And if you want to shop for the cause, go for Lilly Pulitzer’s Full of Hope Charm Bracelet, a minimum of $10,000 from proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Charities of America.

4. Include Pink In Your Makeup- Don’t forget about your face. Embrace pink makeup throughout October. This is such an easy way to include pink to your everyday routine. Wear a pink blush instead of your out-of-season bronzer or apply pink on your lips. For a palette with plenty of pink options, pick up Stila’s Positive and Pretty Palette; $1 from every purchase will go to The Foundation of Living Beauty. 

5. Exercise in Pink!- This October, exercise in color. Active wear can sometimes be dull and borrowing but it doesn’t have to be. Try wearing this super-cute Bras on a Line Tee by Lucy, with money from each purchase going towards the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer programs.

Pink is the hit color for October, so don’t walk out the door without it. Let’s show our support and hope for a fast cure to Breast Cancer.

You’ve got the perfect skin. (Thanks Clean Scene!) You’re ready with the perfect hairstyle. You’ve got the perfect date, but you haven’t found the perfect dress! What’s a girl to do?! With Homecoming right around the corner, finding your dress STAT is top priority. And we’re here to help! We’ve broken down some of our favorite looks by personality. Identify your persona and hit the mall! You’ll be ready for Homecoming in no time!

1. Fun and Funky

Were you the first to bring back leggings at your high school? Do you refuse to leave the house without a dramatic accessory? Are you the first one out on the dance floor and the last to leave? Then you are fun and funky like this super-cute royal blue number.

This style is great for those wanting to look glamorous (see the classic strapless neckline) but want to be noticed (hello mini skirt!). The royal blue jewel tone color is hot for fall and will definitely pop when you enter the room. Complete this look with black ankle boots for a funky twist or stilettos for a more classic take.

 2. A Touch of Royalty

Did you stay up until 4 AM to watch Will and Kate’s wedding? Are you always looking for an excuse to wear a tiara? Is your closet filled with soft fabrics and romantic ruffles? Then this beautiful tulle number is for you!

Purple is another trendy color that has been gracing fall fashion catwalks and this dress has that extra touch of sparkle every girl needs. Pull on this single shoulder strap dress with to project your elegant style. Complete the look with some bling that even HRH Kate would be jealous of!

3. Vintage Chic

Do you love to scour the racks at your local second-hand store? Do you feel like you would have been the perfect character out of Mad Men? Is your closet filled with your mom’s “classic” clothes from her high school days? Then your retro-self will love this dress!

An updated take on the classic 50’s sweetheart dress, this simple yet girly find is perfect for a unique vintage look. The tiered tulle layers give this dress a fun and flirty feel, but the belt and bangles keep it modern.  

Whatever look you go for, remember that confidence makes any girl stand out! Most importantly, enjoy the night, have fun with your friends and make sure to document the evening by snapping pics with your iPhone!

Post your homecoming pictures on our Facebook page and we will select a winner at random to receive a set of super-cute frames to display all your Homecoming photos. The winner will also receive a full Clean Scene regimen to keep your skin gorg throughout the school year!

Comment below and let us know what style of dress you are going to wear to your Homecoming this year!

No. 1: Kim K. Curls

Big curls are sexy and no one knows that better than our favorite reality star Kim K. Getting this naturally elegant look is as easy as a day at the beach.

1. Part your hair down the middle. Using a curling iron, curl your hair vertically outward.
2. Run your fingers through your hair to soften the curls.
3. Finally, mist your hair with aerosol hairspray to ensure your big curls stay put all night long!

Pair your hair with a great dewy moisturizer like Begging for Balance, and you’ll make all the boys swoon!

No. 2: Jessica Alba Braided Up-Do

Looking for a soft, romantic style but want an up-do? Pull your coif back in a side braid, a la Jessica Alba. This hairstyle is taking over the read carpet as the must-have do for a fun, yet elegant look.

1. If your hair is straight, start by brushing it out with a soft bristle brush. For curly hair, don’t brush it; just run your fingers through it. Begin the braid from the left side and braid it towards your right wrapping it along your ear and down.
2. Pull back the braid into a pony tail and wrap it in a bun. Make sure to secure it with bobby pins to prevent it from falling down while you’re shaking your groove thing on the dance floor.
3. Lightly mist aerosol hairspray to finish.

If your hair is off your face, your skin should be in perfect condition. Zap unwanted zits with Crazy for Clear.

No. 3: Katy P.’s 1940’s Vintage Waves

Take Homecoming back to the 1940’s with classic vintage waves, seen most recently on the beautiful Katy P. Here are the how-to steps to make this vintage hairstyle look great on you!

1. Use an anti-frizz serum throughout your hair to tame any flyaways. Section off your hair so that your part is larger on the right side.
2. Spray each section of hair before curling and roll the curler underneath towards the face.
3. Run your fingers through your hair to make it look soft and full.
Complete the classic look with glowing skin. Exfoliate with Gaga for Glow two days prior to Homecoming and again on the morning of the dance.

Now that you have accomplished your glamorous (and easy!) hairstyle, make sure to maintain your Clean Scene skin care regimen for perfect skin. Remember, beautiful skin is always trendy! Clean Scene wishes you a fun and safe Homecoming. Go on girl, strut your stuff like you’re on the red carpet!