Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money?

Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money (like Dior’s Skinflash Primer) and which are not.

What it is: Covergirl Lashblast Volume

Why this should be in your bag: Cuz Drew Barrymore says so in the commercial.  Okay really though, while this is what initially enticed me to buy it (who doesn’t trust Drew?), homegirl was right.  This mascara is under $10 (awesome), it’s waterproof (fantastic), and the brush is packed with tiny bristles to make sure that every lash is covered (hollaaa!).  Drew called it the most successful mascara launched in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.  It covers completely with great color and volume (I tested the very black option).

How to use it: Curl your lashes with a curler, holding down for several seconds.  Start at the base and wigggle the brush back and forth until you reach the end of the lashes.  I like to use the curler again before applying a second coat.  Then, pointing the wand at your eye, swipe back and forth lightly on your bottom lashes.

Could my money be better spent on a cheeseburger? Nope. This mascara is great and so reasonably priced! Plus, it won’t clog your arteries. I’d definitely pass up a dinner on the town for this stuff; you won’t regret it.

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money?

Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll share the best and the worst with you.

What it is: Dior Skinflash Primer- Radiance Boosting Makeup Primer

Why this should be in your bag: This product is pricey at $40, but it is multi-functional.  You can use it as a primer underneath your makeup, then throw it in your bag and apply it during the day to even out your skin and eliminate shine.  It includes Photo-smart pigments.  Okay, I have no idea what that means, but it must be good because it adds light to your face for an instant glow and makes you look refreshed even if you were up super late studying… or partying.  Instant wonderful glow.

How to use it: This primer has a built in brush, which makes it portable.  Just twist the base and the primer will flow into the brush.  Apply the makeup to the back of your hand and swirl the brush in, then apply to your face to make your foundation last or to look instantly refreshed.

Could my money be better spent on a bottle of Absolut? Tricky question.  If your skin tends to get oily and you need a primer, then the portability makes it worth it.  If you just want something to carry around to refresh your face throughout the day, there are cheaper products.  And if you want something that does it all, this is definitely a trade up from a bottle of Absolut.

And now that I’m actually old enough to be wearing the stuff…well, lipstick scares me. Although it defined icons like Marilyn Monroe and Christina Aguilera, I find the whole thing a bit stressful. There is a very fine line between looking glam like Gwen Stefani and looking like you’re just trying too hard to look glam like Gwen Stefani. And I always worry I’m in the latter category.

But I still want it! Lipstick is classic. And if it’s done right, it’s glamorous.

So how does one do it right? How do we college girls find the right lipstick to enhance our lips without making us look like a clown? I’ve been doing my research (OK, so it was for my own selfish reasons, but I’m sharing it with you now!) and I found some general lipstick guidelines for choosing the best shade and wearing it well.

Picking a Color: For everyday wear, choose a color that is only a few shades darker than your natural lip color.  Remember, your lips are naturally a few shades darker than your skin tone so if you’re testing a color on your hand (you know, to avoid germs…I’m a freak) keep that in mind.  Choosing a color this way will enhance your lips naturally and not scream, “I’m playing with my mom’s makeup bag!” In general, the lighter your skin tone, the lighter shade you should choose. 

If you are going for a less-neutral/more dramatic nighttime look, light skinned girls should go for pinky tones, medium tones should choose berry shades, and those with dark skin can go for deep browns or reds.  This article on eHow talks more about undertones and specific shades of colors, but in general the simple guidelines above work well.

Pick a Type: Lipstick comes in several different types like matte, long-lasting, liquid, metallic… Matte and long lasting lipsticks are great to provide a defined look, but if you are looking to make your lips appear fuller, a lipstick with shine or gloss will be a better choice.  Another option is a lip-stain, which provides intense, lasting color and shine.

Lip-liner: My girl New York is known for her beautiful lip-liner, but I’m guessing you don’t necessarily want to emulate her style.  Basically, most of us college-aged girls don’t need lip-liner.  Our lips are pretty full already, so lip liner isn’t necessary until we get old and our lips thin.  At this point lip-liner is just going to look ridiculous and over-the-top, so stay away.

Don’t be afraid to use some color on your lips. If you do it right – i.e. pick the right shade for your skin – you can look beautiful and glamorous just like Marilyn, Gwen…and your mom.

Note: This is NOT me and my friend. We're girls.

Last year for Halloween my best friend and I dressed up as Ernie and Bert, complete with yellow and orange face-paint.  Can you say ‘hottest costumes ever’?  The guy I was hooking up with didn’t seem to think so.  I had seen him out earlier in the night and when we texted later to meet-up (read: hook-up) he said, “I’m on my way over. Wash that sh*t off your face before I get there.”

Ouch.

You mean you don’t think I’m hot when I’m wearing bright orange face-paint? Harsh. But I wasn’t ready to end my Halloween night hookup-less, so I proceeded to the bathroom to scrub “that sh*t off my face.”  But it turns out that washing off layers of face-paint that took a half hour to apply was tricky. And when he finally did show up I just looked like Bert…with a melting face.  If only I had been prepared with the right equipment to return to my natural skin color ahead of time.

Whether you are putting on face-paint, false eyelashes, or just regular makeup that is heavier than usual, it’s all gonna need to come off at the end of the night (especially if you want some Hallow-sexin).  So arm yourself ahead of time with these helpful heavy-duty makeup removal products and you’ll have your real face back in no time.

To Remove Face Paint/ Heavy Makeup
Cold cream is your best option. Yes, it’s gonna feel gross, but so does a face full of giant zits in the morning from improper makeup removal or, worse, a face that has been scrubbed raw trying to get that ish off. If you want your skin to be truly clean, cold cream is the way to go.  Just use a cotton ball and apply the cold cream to your entire face (or other painted areas).  Let it sit for a few minutes and soak up that nasty makeup.  Then use a facecloth and warm water to rub off it all off. Follow up with a little rinse with water and you’re face is fresh and ready for bed (or booty).

Another option is to use baby oil applied and removed in the same way.  Even baby wipes are a decent option for face-paint removal.  (All of these products can be found at your local drugstore).

To Take off Those False Eyelashes
You may want to try and just yank these guys off at the end of the night, but I would advise against that. Strongly. Removing false eyelashes is difficult because it’s easy to accidentally pull out your own lashes (which hurts like a mo-fo) and lash glue can be really sticky. The best and safest way to remove false lashes is with an eyelash glue remover, like this one from Ardell.  Apply the remover to your lash line, let it sit, then carefully pull off the lashes beginning at each corner, working towards the center. 

Note:Make sure that even if you’re intoxicated you pull on the lashes gently.

Remember that even though your Smurf makeup looks great tonight, it won’t look good in the morning… when your pillowcase is blue and your pores are clogged. No matter what time you get home (and no matter what your BAC is), make sure you get that makeup off and get it off thoroughly.

And if that doesn’t happen, well, arm yourself with some good cover-up techniques. You’re gonna need ‘em.

As if losing your summer bronze glow isn’t bad enough, the cold wind and weather does some serious damageto your skin. And your precious face and dainty hands get the worst of it, as they most often feel the harshness of the cold air. So how can you protect your skin without staying in your room all day? (No, that isn’t an option; professors don’t care about your skin that much.)

Below are some suggestions to get your skin back to the baby’s-bottom-soft feel of summer. No more cracking, flaking or drying out this winter, women.

Hands: If your skin is only mildly dry or you just want to prevent it from happening, a thick cream will do the trick.  Try L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream or Bliss’ High Intensity Hand Cream. And keep that stuff with you wherever you go; skin dries out quickly in the winter-time and you want to be prepared.

If your hands are cracky or you have eczema, you know that Cortisone ointment can be helpful but sticky.  So try mixing together the ointment with an unscented lotion like Cetaphil.  If your hands are really bad, apply petroleum jelly before you go to bed under some white cotton gloves (this both traps in all that moisture…and prevents you from making a serious jelly mess all over your bed). When you wake up it will be worth the annoyance, because your skin will be way softer. 

And if cracks are more your problem than itch and dryness, apply Newskin to cracks to keep them sealed and protected.

Face: First use an exfoliating scrub like this one from Clinique (or this delicious one from Mario Badescu!) to buff away dead, dry skin. Then use a thick lotion that won’t clog your pores to add some serious moisture. Clinique, the god of good-for-your-skin products, makes a good cream called Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. It’s my savior every winter.

If your face is really dry, try an overnight cream like this one from Boscia that will revitalize your skin as you sleep.

Eating well, taking vitamins, getting sleep and exercise (and wearing gloves!) are also always important keys to healthy skin, but sometimes you need a little more help. Moisturize ahead of time and save your skin before things get bad. And dry. And scaly.

One of my favorite things about fall is not the return of pumpkin everything, but the chance to start fresh with my look: new clothes, new boots and a complete overhaul on my makeup drawer. I love how it feels to have a completely fresh wardrobe and to be excited about getting dressed every day. I love the challenge of incorporating new trends into my look. And I just love any excuse to play with my makeup for a few hours.

One of the trends I’m most excited for this fall is the return of the bright, bold, purple eye. I know it sounds scary and overwhelming, but you you can wear violet hues without looking like Barney. Just look at all the models doin’ their thang during Fashion Week!

Like with all bold makeup, the key to pulling off this look is to keep the rest of your face simple so the purple on your eyes will really pop.  Try out some of the products and techniques below and I promise to get you looking like a chic starlet walking the red carpet… not like a big, scary Purple People Eater.

Bare Escentuals Liners: Waterproof and smudge-proof liners in Sugar Plum (metallic lilac) or Now (plum wine).   Use a neutral eye shadow as a base then line your top and bottom lash line with a fine tipped brush, blending at the corners.  To create a thick dramatic line, add water or liner sealent to the liner, but a soft dry powder works just fine.  You can create a smokey purple eye with the liners by using them more as a shadow. Sweep the purple close to the center of the lid and then going over the center with a light shadow.

For another liner option try Clinique Cream Liner in Starry Plum.

Pop Beauty “Brown Eyes” Shadow Set: Find this on my new favorite site BeautyTicket.com for only $8.99! These light shimmery shadows can be blended together to create different shades of perfect purple.  Because these shadows are light you can use a thicker liner and more dramatic mascara to glam it up.

Vincent Longo- Trio Eye shadows in “Chariot Wings” or “Purple Sky”: This eye shadow trio lays it out so easy for you that there really isn’t an opportunity to mess up.  The shade with the moon imprint is to be used as an accent through crease in your lid, the sun implant is applied on the lid up to the brow and the star imprint is used as a liner on the top and/or bottom lash line. For a bolder shadow option try Sephora’s Colorful Mono Eye Shadow in Fairy Princess, but stick to a simple face, and don’t try this color during the day.

Purple nail color is also in for the fall so try Lancome nail polish in Blind Date, for only $8 here.

Enjoy going plum crazy!

Well get out the Edy’s, Sephora.

Everyone knows that Sephora and I (and Sephora.com) have been going steady since I was 15, but we’re currently on the rocks.   There’s a new makeup store in my life, and it’s name is BeautyTicket.com. Yup, although Sephora was the love of my life, I just can’t control my feelings for this much better beauty stop that recently rocked my world.

But it wasn’t just a one night fling; this is serious. I’m falling in love.

This amazing website carries super great brands like YSL, Smashbox, Stila, Tarte, Urban Decay, and Pop, for up to 85% off.  Wow.  I’ll give you a minute to think about how freakin’ amazing that is.  I’m talkin’ Smashbox wooden 4-shadow/blush pallet, originally $45, now $19.00.

These are a few of my favorite current finds, but the merchandise changes so check em’ out quickly:

Smashbox Muse Artist Eye Shadow Pallete: $48 down to $29.99: 10 different colored shadows with a brush!

Yves Saint Laurent “Love Collection” Blush: Was $60, down to $29.99.  This blush is embedded in a foundation so you can use one or the other, or both.  Oh, and its shaped like an adorable pink heart.

Stilla Lip Gloss in Peach: Was $20 down to $7.99. Perfect for nude lips. And, in case you aren’t good with math, that’s also a 60% savings – definitely something to brag about.

Bobbi Brown Essential Mascara in Black: Originally $22, now only $12.99.  This contains conditioning and strengthening ingredients.  I don’t think you’re gonna find Bobbi Brown for much cheaper!

Bonus: People Style Watch is sponsoring a promotion where you can get 15% off your total purchase! Just enter PEOPLE15 in the exclusive code section at checkout. You only have until October 11, though, so get shopping!

Bonus x2: If that first bonus wasn’t enough for you (greedy gal), if you order $25 worth of products you get a free Hard Candy product!  You’ll automatically receive a great extra gift like a lip-gloss ring, liquid blush, or eye shimmer.

When friends need to go in I blab on and on about what they should get, to the point where sales associates consider offering me a job.  Don’t worry though, I don’t actually work for a mineral makeup company so everything I’m telling you is legit; no one is paying me under-the-table (but if you are from B.E and are lookin to throw some dough my way…hit me up). 

Okay, so before you dismiss this as just another article advertising mineral makeup, listen up: I’m going to tell you exactly what the benefits are so you can decide if mineral makeup is right for you. There are so many things you need to know (beyond what those ladies tell you in the 3am infomercial) and you may realize that mineral makeup is the best thing for you and your punim (that’s face.)

- Many types of regular makeup (i.e. certain liquid or compressed powder foundations) contain harsh chemicals or fragrances (synthetic dyes, preservatives, etc..)

- Mineral makeup doesn’t contain these extra chemicals and instead most mineral makeups contain titanium dioxide, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and sunscreen.  This is especially beneficial if your skin has inflammatory issues (like if it gets red easily or you have acne).  The color in mineral makeup is also a natural pigmentation.

- Also, because mineral makeup is a loose powder it doesn’t penetrate deep into your skin.  Mineral makeup is non-comedogenic (although it is not the only kind of makeup that is), which means that it will not clog your pores or cause allergic reactions.

- Mineral makeup also looks light and natural so you don’t see harsh lines like with liquid foundation (you know that girl with the clear color division between her neck and face…yah you don’t wanna be her!).  In addition, your makeup won’t be cakey, make a mess, or wipe off easily on the collar of your favorite white shirt.  

- For those of you with oily skin, the last thing you wanna do is add liquid foundation, which will only pile more grease onto your face. Mineral makeup  actually absorbs excess oil giving you a much-desired matte finish.

Okay, so like I said, I’m no spokeswoman. Regular makeup may be workin perfectly fine for your skin, but if you have sensitive skin that is easily inflamed or oily, or you are allergic to certain chemicals and fragrances, mineral makeup is probably something you should try. (Or if you simply want to keep those icky chemicals away from that beautiful skin of yours and keep things more natural.)

So here are some brands you may wanna test out. Just like most makeup, there are some pricier options and some cheaper ones. Basically, something for everyone.

Clinique

Bare Escentuals 

Sheer Cover

Jane Iredale

E.L.F

Join the revolution, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

But before you lock your doors and resign yourself to online courses, there are some things you can do to try to avoid getting sick, like protecting yourself against bacteria. As a self-described germaphobe, I am not embarrassed to say that I carry antibacterial wash with me everywhere (it comes in handy at frat parties), and you should consider doing the same since so many germs are on doorknobs, tables, and communal computers.  Plus, you’d be surprised how many of your friends and fellow students aren’t washing their hands after going to the bathroom! I see it all the time and I’m like, “Hey girlfriend, I’m standing right here and can see you aren’t washing your hands!”

But rather than yell at random strangers in the bathroom, even if they deserve it, you can protect yourself.  And that doesn’t mean squirting that nasty smelling Purell on your hands every 10 minutes; there are some really great smelling cleansing products out there that won’t leave your hands dry and cracking. Give some of these a try:

Hand wash: Indulgences Purifying Hand Wash in Coconut Nectar is a cheap antibacterial that cleans and moisturizes. Oh and it smells deeeelish.

Bodywash: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish - This body scrub exfoliates but also includes real brown sugar, which is a natural antibacterial ingredient.  Fresh also makes a soap bar that has the same helpful sugar properties.  Who knew that sugar was good for more than just curing a sweet-tooth?

Lotion: This Bath & Body Works lotion is small enough to throw in your purse, and has moisturizing beads to leave your skin soft and germ-free.  Try Midnight Pomegranate, my fave new B&B scent.

Waterless Hand Foam: The Bath & Body Works hand foam is the quickest way to sanitize your hands after touching public surfaces, plus this Sea Island Cotton scent should take you on a mini-vacay.

All Rolled into One: Bath and Body Works: Spread Love, Not Germs Kit. It’s only $19.50 and you get tons of antibacterial products in top selling scents like Sweet-pea.

Stay clean, healthy, and smelling delish this year, ladies.

Pause.

Not.

And this stuff doesn’t have a long term effect; you have to keep using it to keep your lashes looking good. The pros simply do not outweigh the cons for Latisse.

Luckily there are other things you can do and use to make your lashes looking beautiful that won’t permanently ruin your face. Things like, duh, mascara, false lashes, lash curlers, lash primers, and eyeliner tricks.

The first and easiest option is to curl your lashes using a clamp eyelash curler, like this one from Tarte. (Wait a second, isn’t Tarte on sale through CollegeCandy right now?? Score!) Clamp your lashes down at the base, hold for 3 seconds, repeat in the middle, and then the ends.  It also helps to heat up the curler first for a few seconds with a hairdryer, but do not do this every day, as you will damage your lashes with excessive heat.  It can be helpful to curl your lashes before applying mascara, then clamp once after to add a little extra oomph.

Another fabulous lash tip?  Pick a mascara that is designed to lengthen or add volume.  To find the perfect one for you, try the Sephora Favorite Deluxe Sampler.  It includes about 10 mascaras from all different companies so you can find which one does the most for your particular lash problem.  This whole sampler set is only $39, which is a steal considering how expensive mascara is!  A great mascara that’s included in this collection is Two Faced’s Lip Injection Mascara that builds tubes around your lashes, therefore lengthening them without the damage of Latisse!  Also, applying a black liquid liner dotted along your top lash line will give the appearance of longer lashes.

Another option is to try fake lashes. If you’re new to the fake lash scene try Sephora Brand’s false lash set for only $8.  It comes with full lashes and smaller pieces, along with adhesive.  Just apply the adhesive and let it sit for about a minute. Then apply the lashes beginning in the center and working your way out.  Or try Makeup Forever’s lashes which come in more styles and colors than you can imagine.  Some are thick, others are thin and natural, some are thicker on the outsides, and some are funky colors.  Once you know what you are doing with fake lashes and what looks best on you, these are a great investment.

Anything is better than risking your health for beauty, ladies!