BEAUTY BAR: En Pointe

You’ve probably never thought about the similarities between a college student and a professional ballerina before, but they are aplenty. For one thing, neither group ever actually sleeps. We’re all under an incredible amount of stress, and we spend every waking moment preparing ourselves to be chosen for our dream role—whether that’s a job at Vogue or a part in Swan Lake.

I can remember back to my ballet days as a toddler, sitting backstage and having large circles of bright red blush painted onto my cheeks. So when I say that the beauty routines of ballerinas and college students are similar, it probably seems like I’ve lost my mind. But seriously—think about it. The makeup of ballerinas is all about function. Everything they put on their face serves a specific purpose, and it must hold up through all types of scenarios. As a senior in college, I couldn’t relate to that more.  My hair and my makeup has to hold up through mad dashes to class, torrential downpours, many a late-night study session and the possibility of a surprise CollegeFashionista shoot at any given moment. Needless to say, my hair and makeup better be on point—pun absolutely intended. When I spotted this Fashionista on campus, I knew she’d perfected this art as well as the best ballerinas.

With a fresh face and hair wound tightly in a bun, she proves she’s got the look down pat. Her makeup is elegant but not over-the-top, and her bun is just messy enough to look stylish but still professional. Her routine is a perfect yet easy one to emulate and will undoubtedly last any college student through even the most hectic of days.

As a senior in college, I’ll be the first to admit that I feel far from graceful. Between frequent trips over my own feet, major flubs in class presentations and pathetic attempts to dance at parties, I’m probably to most uncoordinated people you’ll ever meet. So while the possibility of becoming a ballerina is not quite on the horizon, this Fashionista has proved that looking like one is not quite so difficult—in fact, it only makes sense. All you need is makeup that stands up against the elements and an easy, adorable bun on your head. Before you know it, you’ll be sashaying all the way to class.

What’s on the BEAUTY BAR: For beautiful skin that lasts all day, start with a primer and tinted moisturizer. The twist your hair into a bun, spray a little hairspray and hold with some super cute bobby pins for added flair.

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