Worst-case School Scenarios

So you finally get your period … but it’s right in the middle of class. Or your bra breaks while you’re running laps in gym. Or you forgot to put on deodorant before school … and you stink! These simple lessons will help you deal with some of the worst possible scenarios while in school.

Worst-case Scenario No. 1: You get your first period during class … and it’s leaked through your clothes!

Lesson No. 1: Have an emergency plan.
Ask to be excused from class to go to the school nurse. If you or a friend has a sweater or jacket, wrap it around your waist. If you can, make a stop in the girls’ bathroom to wipe up “down there,” then fold some clean tissue and place it in the crotch of your undies until you get to the nurse.

But before any of this happens, try to plan ahead. Consider wearing a panty liner to school each day and having a locker stash that includes the following: high-absorbency pads, tampons, clean underpants, deodorant, safety pins and breath mints. This emergency kit can save you from a bunch of embarrassing scenarios, and you’ll see it pop up again and again throughout this article. So read on to save yourself. …

Worst-case Scenario No. 2: You totally forgot to put deodorant on this a.m. Ew, what’s that smell?

Lesson No. 2: Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Whether it’s your period or body odor or whatever else, don’t panic. Making a scene will only draw unwanted attention to the matter, so try to keep it on the down low. Remember, you’re in a crowded classroom, so nobody knows for sure if you’re the one who’s … well, stinkin’.

As soon as you can get a bathroom break, go into a stall and use tissues to wipe excess sweat from your armpits. Do this as often as you can throughout the day. Or … get to your locker stash from Lesson No. 1, and discreetly toss your deodorant in your backpack on the way to the girls’ room.

Worst-case Scenario No. 3: You’re in gym class -- and your bra strap snaps!

Lesson No. 3: Know when to cut out.

First, remember Lesson No. 2: Don’t freak! And if you haven’t yet taken heed of Lesson No. 1 (safety pins are handy for mending all sorts of wardrobe malfunctions), it might be time to have a parent come to the rescue.

Whether you have a broken bra, a busted zipper or pants that are split clear down the rear -- leaving all your business hanging out! -- teachers should allow you to sit this one out and call home. Ask your mom or dad to bring you whatever clothing you need to cover your stuff before returning to class.

Worst-case Scenario No. 4: Your crush finally talks to you, but you have killer bad breath from those cafeteria tacos.

Lesson No. 4: Remember what you’ve learned.

Lesson No. 1: Got breath mints? Grab ’em!

Lesson No. 2: Keep your cool.

Lesson No. 3: Smile and walk away while saying, “Gotta get to class! I’ll talk to you later, OK?”}

Bring. Zit. On!

Breakouts are awful on any random day, but when you have a big event? The worst. Whether you woke up with a cluster or just one giant shiner, there are easy ways to reduce redness and inflammation overnight! Here, a 24-hour plan to good skin.

Step One: Wash Your Face
Any type of blemish, whether a pimple or blackhead, is caused by a buildup of bacteria, oil and dirt. But "dirt" can be a combo of makeup, dead skin, oil from your hands, and yes, regular ol' grime. Gentle washing (not too rough! scrubbing further irritates already inflamed skin) with a personalized for-your-skin-type cleanser removes the dirt and much of the oil.

Step Two: Freeze the Puffiness
Zits are red and puffy because they're swollen. You can reduce the swelling like you would for anything else: with ice! Put an ice cube in a paper towel, twist the end, then hold the cube directly on an inflamed blemish. A few minutes should do the trick.

Step Three: Medicate and Moisturize
Dry your face and apply an oil-free, anti-acne moisturizer with a high concentrate of salicylic acid. It helps the skin shed quickly, which keeps pores from clogging and prevents more pimples. Put a bit of acne spot treatment cream containing 10 percent benzoyl peroxide on individual zits to inhibit the main acne-causing bacteria. Tie your hair up to keep pore-clogging oils, dirt and product away from your face.

Step Four: Have a Snack
We interrupt this highly scientific process to address a favorite subject: food! What have you been munching on lately? Some breakouts are a direct result of eating something that made your hormones go wacky or increased oil production on your pretty face. The solution? Cleanse from the inside out. This means drinking water all day (nix the sodas and coffee), noshing on healthful foods (fresh veggies, whole grains, no sugar or greasy foods) and getting a good night’s snooze to slow down hormone-affecting stress.

Step Five: Wake up, Sunshine!
When you get up in the morning, repeat the first three steps before putting on makeup to cover any spots. (Tip: Be sure to use cool -- not hot -- water when cleansing, to reduce redness.) Using a new cosmetics sponge, apply foundation that matches your skin tone, in a light patting motion. Dab a little concealer on individual zits, then touch up with a second pat of foundation. Lightly apply a little blush, mascara and lip gloss. Know what? You look fabulous!

Look Your Absolute Summer Best -- No Sweat!

Hello, summer! It’s time to sweat, but that doesn’t have to mean runny makeup or bad hair. From face tanner to turquoise toenails, feeling fine in summer is as cool as our collection of no-sweat strategies for those hot, steamy days when you find yourself really working up a serious ... glow.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, Like Zits
The science of a simple blemish is basic: a clogged pore. Finding a sunscreen that doesn’t break you out is no different from finding a moisturizer that works for you. Choose a product that’s designed for faces only, and apply it to clean skin when your hands are clean. (Forget foundation, which clogs your pores when it’s hot!)

After you’ve been in the sun all day, wash your face with a mild cleanser and cool water to temper inflammation before you go to bed. If you do get a zit, put an ice cube in a paper towel and hold it on the blemish to dry and cool it. Oh, and drink lots of water to keep your skin detoxed.

Your Period, 90 Degrees and Shorts
Summer lasts three months, so that’s three periods. If you haven’t been keeping track of your cycle on your phone calendar, start now! When it’s close, wear a panty liner so you’re prepared. When it comes, put away the shorts! Dresses and jumpers are amazing for hiding bloat and staying cool.

A tampon will take care of business if you want to swim; just tuck the string up so it doesn’t accidentally poke out of your swimsuit. Tip: Always keep a good supply of tampons and liners in your bag, just in case!

What to Do About Tee Stains
Why does sweat stain? Most sweat stains are the result of aluminum salts in antiperspirants. The salts don’t completely dissolve, and the sweat stain on your clothes is usually yellow or greenish. Eeeew.

This works: Wash clothes in the hottest temperature and use a minimum amount of detergent. Then, choose a deodorant that doesn’t have aluminum salts. You can also try a gel or non-powder spray, but remember to let it totally dry before you dress.

Your Guide to Goof-proof Self-tanning
Baking out in the sun is a huge no-no, but sometimes a girl still wants a little glow! When you find a self-tanner that works with your natural skin tone, it’s like discovering beauty in a bottle.

Your best bet is to always apply tanner on totally dry skin after you shower. We banish foams to beauty detention for their nearly guaranteed streaking. Tanning moisturizers, on the other hand, give all-over coverage and nourish the skin. Next, try a spray product over your tan moisturizer for a double hit of color. Hold the can at least 6 inches from your skin and lightly apply the spray, like a mist. When you’re done, wash your hands in warm water and soap.

From Bedhead to Wet Head
If you’re all about your hair, summer isn’t always cooperative. To deal with post-swim tress mess, keep a small comb or brush in your bag and, when you get out of the pool, run it through your hair. (If there’s a shower or hose, rinse out the salt water or chlorine before brushing.)

If you like your hair wavy, tousle it with your fingers and let it sun-dry. But if it’s a humid day, your hair may dry frizzy or flat, so pull into a slick low pony. Otherwise, get under a cute straw fedora!

Beauty Trends: Steal the Look of Your Favorite Celebrity

From Taylor Swift’s red-carpet eyes to Miranda Cosgrove’s everyday luscious lip, we show you easy step-by-steps on how to get the glam looks of your favorite celebs.

Miranda Cosgrove’s Dewy Lips
Get Miranda’s au naturel pucker in just three easy steps.

1. If your lips are dry, exfoliate them with a bit of sugar, water and a toothbrush. Then apply your go-to moisturizer, lip balm or lip treatment.

2. Choose a neutral lip shade that adds just a pop of color to your natural lips. This can be a lipstick or stain. Apply it all over your lips.

3. Give your lips a swipe of clear or gold shimmer gloss, concentrating the shine on the inner parts of your lips and gradually decreasing the amount as you move outward. Piece of cake!

Taylor Swift’s Smoldering Cat Eye
Want to copy Taylor’s trademark smoky eye?

1. Brush a cream or white shadow all over your lids. This will be your base.

2. Line eyes with a black or dark-gray pencil liner (both top and bottom), extending the top line a little past your eye. Using a cotton swab, smudge the eyeliner in toward your lash line.

3. Apply a light-colored, shimmery shadow all over your eyelid up to your brow bone. Also add a bit to the inner corners of your eyes.

4. Apply a dark-colored shadow over your eyelid just up to the crease. Add extra shadow into your crease for dramatic definition. Blend shadow together with a brush or your finger.

5. Apply two coats of black mascara to your lashes. Get ready to steal the spotlight!

Selena Gomez’s Messy Side-braid
Nab Selena’s boho-chic braids in less than five minutes. (This look requires medium-length or long hair.)

1. Lightly tease the top of your mane to create a bit of volume.

2. Make a part on the right or left side of your head -- your choice!

3. Gather hair toward the side of your head, opposite your part, and braid it all the way down. Secure with a hair tie.

4. Gently pull a few strands of hair from your braid to get the messy look. Spray with a shot of hair spray to hold. Sport this easy ’do at school, on a date -- wherever!

Miley Cyrus’ Sun-kissed Glow
Miley is always stepping out like a bronzed goddess. Instantly get her glow with these super-quick tricks -- no sun needed!

1. Begin with a clean, moisturized face. Apply a thin layer of illuminating powder primer all over.

2. Grab your bronzer and a big fluffy brush. Sweep a small amount of bronzer across your forehead, down your nose, and on your cheeks and jawline. You’re targeting spots where the sun would naturally hit your face. Don’t forget to blend a bit into your neck.

3. Dab a bit more color onto your brush and define your cheekbones, just like you’d apply blush. Now you’re ready for summer!

Photo: Getty Images

Prezzies for Your Besties!

No money? No problem. Hate mall madness? Don’t bother. Whether you’re stumped on what to give an awesome BFF, your pesky little bro or the grandma who has everything, we’ve gotcha covered.…

Beauty Sleep Mask
A great gift for all the gals on your list. This is so simple you could make it with your eyes closed!

  • Flannel-backed satin
  • Scissors
  • Fabric glue
  • Rick-rack edging
  • Black-fringe fabric
  • Elastic
  • Flaxseed or rice
  • Dried lavender or thyme
  • Funnel

1. Cut two pieces of the satin, approximately 4 inches by 8 inches. Use the scissors to round the edges and cut out a center notch along one edge to go around the wearer’s nose.

2. On the satin side of one piece, use the glue to attach rick-rack. Cut out two 2-inch lengths of fringe and glue on for “eyelashes.”

3. Run a line of glue around the flannel-sided edge of the other satin piece, leaving an inch-wide gap on top (for filling). Glue the ends of a 6-inch piece of elastic to each side of the flannel.

4. Lay the other satin piece on top, flannel sides facing each other, and gently press the pieces together along the glued edge. Allow glue to dry overnight.

6. Use funnel to pour 5 tablespoons of flaxseed or rice and 3 tablespoons of lavender or thyme into the opening. Glue the gap shut.

7. Create a gift tag with instructions: As a cold or hot treat for tired eyes, store in freezer or heat in microwave for 20 seconds to warm.

Merry Carry-all Caddy
Little kids can toss their crayons in it, or your buds can use it for hair accessories.

  • Decorative scrapbook paper
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Hole punch
  • Glue stick
  • Thin ribbon

1. Trim scrapbook paper to 9 inches by 9 inches. Fold in half diagonally both ways, with the decorative side facing in, then reopen to your original square.

2. Next, fold the square in thirds with the decorative side this time facing out, top to bottom and again from side to side. When you reopen your square, it should look like a tic-tac-toe grid intersected by a big X.

3. Punch one hole near the edge of each of the four corners.

4. Fold the basket by bringing the corners together. Weave ribbon through the punched holes, and tie it up in a bow!

Mad Mosaic Mirror
Transform junk-drawer castoffs into mosaic magic. For your brother? Think Legos, Hot Wheels, plastic critters or “metal mania” -- old hardware, screws, coins and keys.

  • Doo-dads, such as costume jewelry, puzzle pieces, game parts (anything goes!)
  • Tacky glue
  • Paintbrush
  • Mirror or frame

1. Lay the mirror or frame flat. Working a section at a time, generously spread glue onto the frame with a paintbrush.

2. Arrange pieces in a layer, overlapping and even letting parts extend beyond the frame.

4. After decorating, allow the glue to dry completely. (Stray drops of glue on the glass can easily be peeled off.)