What It Is: Say Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Skincare is an important, yet unfortunately oft-overlooked part of any beauty routine. As I’ve said before, if the base isn’t great, no amount of makeup will help you!

Yes To is a drugstore skincare brand that incorporates natural ingredients like cucumbers, blueberries and tomatoes into their products. The Cucumber line is for sensitive skin, the Blueberries for aging skin and the Tomatoes for acne-prone skin, but anyone can reap the benefits of the products. I have slightly sensitive skin, but loved that this moisturizer has SPF 30 and wanted to try it out!

How To Use It:

Yes To recommends that you “apply liberally and daily at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.” Just as with any sunscreen, it’s also suggested that you re-apply after swimming or sweating excessively. I found this moisturizer to be too thin for nighttime use and therefore only tested it during the day.

CC Rating: B+

Overall, Yes To Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer is a great option and gets mega points for being affordable. At $14.99, it’s a lot cheaper than the high-end moisturizers I use and I found it to be effective. It smelled nice and fresh, absorbed quickly and kept my skin from feeling tight and strained in this cold, winter weather. The added SPF 30 was also a huge plus, as we should all be wearing sunscreen daily!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t really test it on it’s “soothing” claim. I don’t suffer from sensitive skin problems (thankfully!) and am also oily. This moisturizer is rather thin and would probably not provide enough hydration for you dry-skinned gals and guys out there.

If you’re shopping around for a new moisturizer and are on a tight budget, I would recommend that you check out Yes To Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Hello all you fabulous bookworms! I’m here to happily announce the CC Book Club’s pick for the fine month of February. My birthday is this month (the 11th!), so I’ve always loved February and wanted to give it a really good book. On my last post about The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (January’s choice), someone suggested that we read Mindy Kaling’s “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?” I’ve seen the book and heard great things, so I figured why not? With mid-terms kicking into high gear, I think we could all find solace in a hilarious read. It’s also considering shorter than our last pick, and at only 240 pages, shouldn’t take too long to plow through. It’s available from Amazon.com here for $16.50.

We’ll rendezvous here again on February 25th to discuss what liked and what we didn’t like about “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?”, as well as throw around picks for March. Can’t wait to hear/see your thoughts!

What It Is:

Mary Kay Cream Eye Color in Pale Blush, Beach Blonde and Apricot Twist

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Cream eyeshadows are a great and versatile tool to have in your makeup bag. They can be used on their own, to give a shiny wash of color, or as a base to give longevity to your powder shadows or amp up their pigmentation. I love using cream shadows when I don’t have much time to do my makeup; they help me to look polished and are so quick!

Mary Kay is a brand you don’t see much of on beauty blogs. It’s sold through consultants, as opposed to the internet or giant beauty chains, and is often overlooked. However, I think this brand has a few gems to offer and I can’t wait to share them with you!

How To Use It:

Just like most cream eyeshadows, the Mary Kay Cream Eye Color come in small, round pots with twist-off lids. I prefer to apply them with my finger, but any stiff, flat brush will do. The initial swipe of color is slightly sheer, but fear not, you can build these babies up to your liking.

Like I alluded to earlier, you can also use these as a primer or base to intensify your shadows and make your look long-wearing. Check out the swatches below to see how the shades compare.

(L-R: Apricot Twist, Pale Blush, Beach Blonde)

CC Rating: A+

I have to admit, I was totally hesitant about the Mary Kay Cream Eye Colors. MAC Paint Pots, which are pretty much the holy-grail of cream eyeshadows, don’t really work on me and end up creasing or melting away. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Beach Blonde lasted ALL DAY on me, with no creasing for at least 6-7 hours.

Application was also a dream. I find Benefit’s Creaseless Creams to be a bit too slippery, but Mary Kay Cream Eye Color was thicker and made it easy to apply a proper layer. They reminded me of Maybelline Color Tattoos, but didn’t dry down the second they were applied; I was still able to work with it a bit. My favorite thing has to be that they are so pigmented – sheer cream eyeshadows drive me insane!

And the prices is also a winner for me. At only $13.50, these are cheaper than all of the alternatives I’ve mentioned (except the new Maybelline Color Tattoos). If you’re a cream eyeshadow lover or looking for a new base, you need to check out Mary Kay Cream Eye Color!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is part of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy. Published posthumously, the three books follow Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, solving mysteries and kicking butt!

The first book was recently made into a movie, and because I think it’s wise to read the book before seeing the movie (and due to overwhelming reader response!), we decided to feature it as our January Book Club pick. Now, how will these monthly book club discussions work? First, I’m going to give you my opinion on the novel and then, you’re going to discuss below, using the comments section. Tell us your general thoughts on the novel, if you agree or disagree with my points or, if you want to get really literary, you can start discussing themes! Also, don’t forget to let me know which book you want to make our February pick. I’ll be announcing that on February 3^rd, so keep your eyes out!

[Warning: Spoilers!]

My first impression of Girl was that it was LONG. 672 of pages long! The book started slowly, with the police officer who investigated the crime discussing the mysterious pressed flowers that appear every year to an old man. Honestly, the first time I tried to read this, I couldn’t get through this part. It drags on quite a bit. However, once I managed through that first section, I was enthralled. One thing I really loved about his book was all the subplots that were going on. Beginning with Mikael’s conviction of libel, then Lisbeth’s life and difficulties with her guardian and finally the Vanger family mystery-solving, there was always a lot going on. I will say that this book was never, ever boring! I also loved Lisbeth. She is such a badass, female character, which I find to be very rare in popular culture. She’s smart, motivated and independent, although has a mega chip on her shoulder. I love her punk aesthetic and found her to be so refreshing. Without Listbeth, I don’t think the novel or the series would nearly as popular. She sets the Millennium Trilogy apart!

Despite this, I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending. Harriet being alive in Australia seemed like a bit of a letdown, although it did allow for more insight into the horrific nature of Gottfried and Martin. I also felt like I couldn’t really guess at who the murderer was, because there were so many members of the Vanger family, most of whom we didn’t know much about. I like in a mystery when I feel confident about the guilty party and then something happens that completely changes my mind. However, the wrap-up of the Wennerstrom case was good and fair and redeemed the finale for me.

And now time for your input! What did you think of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Did you love it or hate?

And don’t forget to leave your recommendation for February’s pick!

What It Is:

Burberry Lip Glow in Ruby and Bright Plum

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Any regular reader knows that I love my lip products! Bright, punchy colors are a great way to spice up an everyday makeup look, even if you are only running errands or heading to class.

Burberry is a luxury brand that launched their own cosmetics line within the last couple years. The products are definitely high-priced, but the quality is also rumored to be superb. I decided to take two Lip Glows (their lip glosses) from their Holiday collection for a spin! They claim “light reflecting Natural Lip Gloss adds a hint of colour for a fresh and moisturised glow that enhances the lip’s natural radiance.”

How To Use It:
The Burberry Lip Glow Applicator is a doe-foot one, so application is simple. You can wear these over a lip pencil for longer wear or a lipstick to amp up the pigmentation. Or, wear them on their own for a nice, glossy wash of color!

(L-R: Ruby, Bright Plum)

(Bright Plum on bare lips)

CC Rating: A-

The Burberry Lip Glows are super pigmented, have a refreshing (although somewhat perfumey) scent and remind me more of a liquid lipstick than a gloss. They are surprisingly moisturizing for a lipgloss, which is a nice surprise. If you’ve ever tried the Korres Raspberry Liquid Lipsticks, they are extremely similar in texture, although the Burberry Lip Glows are more tacky. They wear extremely well and last much longer than your average lipgloss. Of course, I can’t speak for the less-pigmented shades, but Ruby and Bright Plum lasted until I ate or drank (usually 3-4 hours). Also, a little goes a long way with these Lip Glows, ensuring that you don’t waste any precious product. The packaging is totally luxurious and I feel spoiled everytime I whip one out of my handbag. The heavy metal lid is embossed with the signature Burberry check and makes it that much more elegant.

The Burberry Lip Glows only lose points in the price department. They run $27 US/$35 CAD for 0.2 oz, which is definitely up there. MAC Lipglasses run $14.50 US/$17.50 CAD for 0.17 oz, and while the two glosses are very different products, you would still be able to purchase almost 2 MAC Lipglasses for the price of 1 Burberry Lip Glow. Oh, the price of luxury.

However, if you’re okay with that price tag or looking to treat yourself to a little something-something in the lipgloss department, then look no further! The Burberry Lip Glows are absolutely fantastic and I don’t doubt I’ll be treating myself to some of the more neutral shades in the near future. You can get them from the Burberry website or Nordstrom.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:
Make Up For Ever Complexion Starter Kit

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

A gorgeous complexion starts with good skin, but there are lots of tools out there to help you fake it if you’re not quite there yet! Primer, foundation and powder create a flawless base that can help you feel your best. Make Up For Ever is one of my favourite brands for professional-quality makeup, but I had never tested out their famed HD Foundation. This set includes the HD primer, foundation and finishing powder to create a flawless, soft-touch look.

MUFE is also hosting a contest where one lucky fan will be named as the face of their new Unretouched campaign. Simply submit your photo to www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com! The finalists will be posted on Facebook and the winner will be flown to NYC for a photoshoot in February. Make sure to enter!

How To Use It:
Start with fresh, clean skin and apply your primer with (also clean) fingers. Let it sink in for a moment and the apply the HD Foundation on top. Many people prefer using brushes, but I like to apply my foundation with my fingers, as I feel that creates a more natural finish and lighter coverage. If you’re looking for heavier coverage, definitely use a brush! Finish off with the HD Microfinish Powder, using the included Kabuki Brush.

Here are swatches of two different shades of HD Foundation – 115 Ivory and 118 Flesh. These two shades only have one in between them, but they do appear quite different. I find 115 Ivory is perfect for when I’m pale and 118 Flesh is better for warmer months or when I’m slightly tanned.

(115 Ivory, 118 Flesh)

CC Rating: A

Make Up For Ever is one of my favorite brands, mainly because they bring professional quality products to the masses. Their HD Foundation is amazing; it delivers on its promises of medium-to-full coverage, keeps oil at bay and creates a “soft focus” look to blur away imperfections. The shade range is also very expansive, so everyone should be able to find a match! I’ve previously reviewed the HD Microfinish Powder (which is one of my holy grail products), but the HD Primer was new to me as well. I liked it a lot and found that it did help extend the life of my foundation, however, it was very silicone-y. I prefer a primer that melts into my skin a bit better, as opposed to sitting on top.

Unfortunately, unless you’re going to use all of the products in this kit, you may be better buying them individually. For example, if you only want the foundation and powder, you’d be better to buy them separately, as you get a full-sized powder and foundation for $70. The powder in the kit is only about half of a full-sized container, as is the primer. The beauty of the kit is all the products together, and the bonus of a brush, but if you are on the fence about even one of the products, then go for separate full-sizes instead. If you don’t use the primer or powder, you’re wasting money!

However, this kit is great for someone new to the line or a fan of all products. You get a $109 worth of product for only $79, and free shipping if you buy from Sephora!

And don’t forget to enter the Unretouched contest! You could be the next face of Make Up For Ever HD products! Go to www.hd.makeupforeverusa.com and submit a photo.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

What It Is:

theBalm Meet Matt(e) Eyeshadow Palette

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Matte eyeshadows (no shimmer, no sparkle, flat color) are an extremely useful tool. Although they seem rather boring, they add depth and can really make your eyes pop! theBalm is a fave brand of mine, and their eyeshadows always impress me. Therefore, I couldn’t wait to try out their palette filled with nine totally matte eyeshadows!

How To Use It:
To create an eye look with a lot of dimension, you’ll want to start off by applying one of the lighter shades (Matt Smith, Matt Chung) all over your eyelid. Then, add any of the medium-dark shades (Matt Gallagher, Matt Ramirez, Matt Schilling, Matt Patel) to the crease. Lastly, use one of the darkest mattes (Matt McDonald, Matt Horowitz, Matt Batali) to deepen the outer corner. You can also use any of the medium-dark or dark shades as an eyeliner and the lighter shades as an inner corner or browbone highlight.

(L-R: Matt Smith, Matt Gallagher, Matt Ramirez, Matt McDonald, Matt Horowitz, Matt Chung, Matt Batali, Matt Schilling, Matt Patel)

CC Rating: B+

Like I mentioned above, theBalm is one of my absolute favorite cosmetics brands. They put out quality products in fun packaging and Meet Matt(e) is no exception. All nine shadows were very smooth and easy to apply. They weren’t too chalky, as I often find matte shadows to be, and blended almost as well as shimmery counterparts.

The only problem with this palette is the lack of pigmentation in shadows. Some of the shadows were a little sheer for my liking, and Matt Smith and Matt Chung were barely visible on my pale skin. However, the shadows were very easy to work with and I imagine you could build up the color if it wasn’t pigmented to your liking on the first swipe.

This palette is available on theBalm’s website for $34.50.

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

Hello all you CollegeCandy bookworms! If you missed the post last week, we are starting up our very own book club. Each month, we will select a novel (using your suggestions, of course!) and then meet back here on the last Saturday of that month to discuss it. Without further ado, I’d like to announce that the inaugural pick of the CollegeCandy Book Club is…

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson! Many of you recommended it and I’ve been wanting to read the book before I see the movie, so it worked out well. If you’ve already read our choice, you’re ahead of the game! Choose another novel you’d like to read for the month and then meet us back here on the 28th to discuss The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

If you still need to pick up a copy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is available on amazon.com for about $10, but I’m willing to bet one of your neighbours has a copy lying around.

I hope you all had a very happy and stylish New Year! I was watching one of my favourite new movies the other day, Black Swan, and noticed Mila Kunis was wearing a particularly stunning scarf. It was grey, and may have faded into the background the first few times I watched, but this time it jumped out! And, turns out, many other people took notice, as simply typing “Mila Kunis Black Swan scarf” into Google was enough to give me all the info I needed.

I was able to pick up this beautiful Tilo scarf from a new website, Chic Tweak, that specializes in scarves so you can “tweak” your style. I think the premise is darling and love seeing so many quality brands under one roof. This Tilo scarf is 100% cashmere, making it luxurious and soft-to-the-touch. The charcoal gray background and silver tree print are delicate, but unbelievably edgy and make for two super interesting outfits. Let’s start with daytime.

(Click the image for all the shopping deets.)

Start with a plain, black tee, like the Chic Tweak model is sporting and tuck it into a pair of skinny jeans. Rips are optional, but add to the casual feel. Then, throw on a baby pink cardigan – it’s girly and balances out the charcoal scarf – and the Tilo Tree Print Scarf. Add a pair of military-inspired boots in brown, as it’s less harsh than black. Finish with statement earrings and an equally girly bucket purse!

(Click the image for all the shopping deets.)

Now for nighttime! You can’t tell from the pictures, but this scarf is actually quite wide and can be worn as a shawl. This shows off the beautiful tree design even better. Start with a vampy-colored dress, like this one in wine. Add a pair of black pumps — glitter or velvet are great for a wintery evening. The blue clutch is unexpected, but I love it paired with the wine dress. Add simple jewels, like this playful ring, toss on your Tilo Tree Print Scarf as a shawl, and you’re set!

If I’ve convinced you to pick up the Tilo Tree Print Scarf from Chic Tweak, you’re in luck! It’s recently gone down in price, from $225 to $135, almost $100 discount!

What It Is:
Lime Crime Carousel Gloss in Candy Apple, Cherry on Top and Kaleidoscope

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Lime Crime is a brand known for bright colors and bold looks. Their lipsticks are my go-to when I want to play up my lips and need long-lasting pigmentation. Seriously, they stain the NEXT day. Obviously, I was beyond excited when Lime Crime announced that they were putting out lip glosses! They promise “semi-opaque coverage combined with bursts of nebulesque sparkle that comes alive in indoor lighting.” Let’s see how they stood up to those claims!

How To Use It:
The applicator on Lime Crime Carousel Glosses is a teeny, tiny brush that allows for precision application. This is necessary because the glosses are packed with pigment and glitter, which could end up giving you “clown mouth” if you’re not careful. These definitely require a mirror for application or touch-ups, so don’t forget to bring one along!

Lime Crime is known for shades that aren’t exactly “every day” and this release is no different. I thought I might be able to sheer out the purple shade, Kaleidoscope, but with no luck! Cherry on Top is a pink-coral with rainbow glitters, some of which have an iridescence to them. Candy Apple is bright red, with red, almost-iridescent sparkles. Kaleidoscope is a deep purple with purple and blue sparkles and is obviously not for the faint of heart!

(L-R with flash: Cherry on Top, Candy Apple, Kaleidoscope)

(one coat of Cherry on Top)

CC Rating: B+

Lime Crime Carousel Glosses are super pigmented, shimmery and BOLD. As with all their other products, you are going to be noticed sporting these. Those of you who prefer a pinky-nude lip for day-to-day may despise these, but girls who enjoy a statement lip from time to time will love them! You can sheer them out to a degree, but I would still consider them bold glosses.

The scent is extremely sweet and similar to MAC Lipsticks and Glasses, which I’m fine with but know some don’t like. I find that after wearing the glosses for a few minutes, the scent significantly fades. A neat feature of these, considering that they are so pigmented, is that they aren’t sticky. They are tacky enough to cling to your lips, but virtually non-stick, which surprises me. I honestly expected a super goopy, sticky gloss packed with gritty sparkles.

As an bold, statement-making lip gloss, these should get an A. The slightly overwhelming scent isn’t the only thing holding them back. As a whole gloss range, I’m dropping them to B+ mainly because of the shade selection. Lime Crime has an awesome product here, but only producing it in five shades (two of which are truly wearable) is a waste. I would love to see nudes, peaches and pinks in this range, because I think loads of people would love the formula!

If bold glosses are for you, you can check out the Lime Crime Carousel Glosses at their website, where they are $17 each. For those of you who are interested, these glosses are also Vegan!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]