Sure, the holiday season is still the perfect excuse to binge on cookies and mashed potatoes, but it also brings its fair share of stress. And if you're a college freshman returning home for the first time during Thanksgiving break, the holidays can cause a whole slew of anxieties.
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While you're definitely excited to catch up with high school friends, you also want to look phenomenal for your first appearance since college started … especially since being back home also means possible run-ins with exes and frenemies.
Don't stress, don't overthink, and don't cram your entire dorm room into your suitcase. We've done all the work by putting together a Thanksgiving Eve Survival kit full of tips and tricks, so all you have to worry about is nursing a post-turkey day food coma.
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Tip 1: Wear A Bold, Bright Lip
When you're about to reunite with all your friends for the first time in months, it's not exactly the best time to start experimenting with new beauty looks. Save perfecting the smoky eye for another weekend. Instead, keep your makeup super simple. A few coats of mascara, a bright lipstick, and that's it.
A bold red lip is festive, and it's also an easy way to add some color without looking like you're trying too hard. NARS Lipstick in Shanghai Red, $24, is the perfect shade of scarlet. For a more wallet-friendly option, try L'Oreal Colour Riche in True Red, $9.
Tip 2: Master the 5-Minute Top Knot
When you go home for a short break you don't want to lug around a ton of styling tools like hot rollers and curling irons, so go for a low-maintenance hairstyle. An easy top knot is cute and looks effortless. Plus it only takes five minutes. Celebrity hair and makeup artist Julia Papworth tells us how to get the look:
1. Start with unwashed dry hair. Gather all your hair up into a high ponytail at the top of your head and secure with an elastic.
2. Next, using a fine-toothed comb gently tease underneath your ponytail, moving through section by section to build volume.
3. Then smooth out your ponytail with a brush, and wrap the pony around into a bun. Pin down the hair as you go, creating your desired top knot shape.
4. Mist on Oribe Superfine Hair Spray, $29, to tame any flyaways. Finish with a light spritz of Redken Shine Flash Glistening Mist, $15.
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Tip 3: Dress It Down
Pack a cute but casual outfit that's perfect for grabbing coffee with friends. Instead of over-accessorizing, keep things simple and classic, but still on-trend. A slightly oversized chambray shirt and black skinnies is flattering on almost all body types. Pair with a cuff bracelet and your favorite pair of worn-in boots. Forever 21 has a ton of great deals on denim shirts like this faded chambray shirt, $27.
Tip 4: Or Dress It Up
If you're planning on having a "friendsgiving" with your group of high school besties, bring a dressier outfit for the special occasion. Instead of a super short and tight cocktail dress, go for something more laid-back, but still flattering. A pretty printed dress with black tights and wedge oxfords is a perfect choice.
Look for a dress style that cinches in at the waist and flares out. Or add a belt for a slimming effect. Urban Outfitters has plenty of printed dresses like this red polka dot shirtdress, $60.
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