Obviously, summer is the perfect time to go all J. Lo and be a bronzed goddess. It’s easy to look good with dewy, sun kissed skin. But it’s not always so easy to achieve said look. With the wrong bronzer application, you’ll look like Snooki. With too much dew, you’ll look like an oil slick. So where’s the in between? I just happen to know. And I love you all so much that I’m going to share it with you.

One of my tricks to bronzer is to make sure you’re not going matte. I like my skin to be matte most of the time, but if I’m using bronzer I keep it fresh, yo. For a bronzed look, I say go with a tinted moisturizer and a spritz of water. It gives you a very “I just came off the beach” feel. That being said, I’ve been using SUPER’s Sun Kissed tinted moisturizer with SPF 25 (safe and pretty!) which can be found at Sephora ($42). It’s pricey, but so great if you have dry or normal skin. For us oily girls, I wouldn’t go near it without a primer and finishing powder. But I love it anyway. And it has lots of healthy stuff in it that works wonders for your skin.

What’s my secret to a bronzed and glowing look? You’ll just have to watch and see from my new Tryx camera from Casio!

On my face: Smashbox Anti-Shine, Make Up For Ever Primer (Green), SUPER Tinted Moisturizer in Sun Kissed, NARS Orgasm blush, NYX Super Fat Eye Marker, Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my website and follow me on Twitter!

1. Brighten your smile. After countless cups of coffee during the week and maybe, possibly, one too many vodka cranberries last Saturday night, your teeth are in dire need of a boost. Due to the fact that I was cursed with braces in high school, I became increasingly self-aware of how my teeth look at all times. Yes, you can go ahead and laugh at me as I turn to my friend and ask her to do a “teeth check” with me. But here’s the thing, a whiter smile gets you noticed. In the winter, your skin is paler and dry from the cold and lack of sunshine, so not having your whitest smile is not as noticeable. But in the summer, having white teeth against tanned skin can make all the difference.

My whitening mechanism of choice: Crest White Strips. They are cheap in comparison to professional whitening AND they work!

2. Tame your brows. And flashback to when I was 10 and being made fun of because I had a unibrow…awesome. Good thing my mom taught me well at a young age! Having too much eyebrow hair in between and on your brows gives off a messy look, especially for those of us with darker hair (ehhemm, me!). The best part about summer, besides not having class, is being able to hit the pool. I’ll be the first to tell you the boys don’t come running if you get out of the water and your eyebrow hair is slicked down to your face. Trust me. Having sculpted brows can make all the difference in how you look. Whether you’re into thicker, thinner or high-arched eyebrows, it’s time to get you to a waxing salon or save your money and give yourself some bangin’ brows.

3. Be bronzed without the sun! Want a “summer glow?” And want it without having to bake in the sun to get it. Use bronzer! (Tarte’s got an amazing water-proof one!) This glorious shimmery powder is the perfect addition to your makeup bag for summer. Winter makeup is all about paler skin and rosy cheeks, while summer screams tan, toned, and glistening. All you’ve got to do is grab a makeup brush, dab a bit of bronzer onto the brush, and dust it over your chest and face. On the face, dust over the apples of your cheeks, the tip of your nose and lightly on your forehead and chin. Make sure you apply the bronzer after you’ve put on your foundation or powder. As for the chest, brush a dash of bronzer over the middle and ovals of your cleavage. This makes for an even “glow” and accentuates your bust. With all of the self-tanners and makeup options out there, everyone can have a summer glow without ever stepping foot in the sun!

My bronzer of choice: BareMinerals Healthy Radiance Bronzer because it gives skin a nice youthful glow and looks great on paler skin, too.

4. Chop off your split ends. So you’re sitting in class behind a girl with brown hair and what’s that you see? Wait, why is her hair white at the ends? Oh yes, it’s the ever-popular, dried out, color treated, over-flat-ironed and heat damaged split ends. And chances are, you’ve got ‘em too. So before you dip yourself into a chlorine-filled pool that’s sure to cause even more breakage, do something for yourself  and cut those split ends off. It doesn’t matter if you’re blonde, brunette or a redhead, split ends happen to everyone. I know haircuts can be expensive, so ask around for student discounts or hit up a cheap haircut salon if you’re saving for that summer vacay. A trim isn’t drastic, it’s just enough to leave your hair looking vibrant and healthy again.

5. Add some COLOR to your nails. Winter’s bitter cold has left your nails cracked, drab, and frail. It’s time to take matters into your own hands! Literally. Summer nail polish is finally here! From this season’s rich pinks and bright neons to cheetah and checkered patterns, summer is the time to test out the latest polishes. Bubbly colors make even the pastiest skin pop AND they look amazing against tanned skin, too! Having my nails painted is an instant way to make me feel feminine and clean, not to mention giving yourself the perfect at-home manicure is a great excuse for a study break.

My summer color of choice: Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Nail Color “Through the Grapevine” (Just $1.99!).

With easy fixes like this, who needs to waste money on a new summer wardrobe??

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Why this should be in your bag
I feel like I should explain the joke right off the hop, so no one is confused. It’s read Mary “Luminizer” – ha ha ha. Okay, now that we’ve all realized what this product is, let’s get to reviewing.

theBalm is a cool, hip makeup company that reminds me of Benefit. They put a lot of effort into their packaging and marketing, but also, their makeup! Trust me, their concealer is holy grail material.

I think a luminizer is the perfect way to spice up any makeup routine. It adds an ethereal glow to your face which makes you look fresher and much more put together. I’ve come across plenty of liquid luminizer (like ones from e.l.f. and Benefit), but I’ve yet to try a powder one like Mary-Lou Manizer!

(In the GIANT pan)

How to use it
Now, this stuff is PIGMENTED. The upside is that it’s going to last you a lifetime. Downside: apply too much and people will think you’ve dressed up as King Midas (keep up with your mythology, people!).

Bottom line: be very, very careful when applying.

I like to use a fairly thin brush and dust a bit on my upper cheekbones and bridge of my nose for an all-over glow. However, theBalm also markets this little bad boy as an eyeshadow! So, of course, I had to try it out as that. I did my usual “everyday” eyeshadow routine and then used Mary-Lou Manizer as my browbone highlight and in my inner corner. I also went ahead and lined my lower waterline with it. Result = a beautiful sheen that lasted!

(What a beautiful glow!)

CC Rating: A+
This stuff is GRRRRREAT! Not only is it multi-purpose, but you also get a ton in each one. There are 8.5g in this baby and with how pigmented it is, I really don’t see myself ever running out. However, if I were to run out, I would dash out and pick up another. Even in my robe. I’m serious, it’s THAT good. It imparts such a stunning, yet totally natural glow. You know how Victoria’s Secret models (angels, whatever) always seem to be lit from within? I think I figured out their secret.

Another bonus is the included mirror. It’s such a simple, but really nice touch when a mirror is included, making on-the-go touch-ups a breeze.

I really can’t say anything bad about this. theBalm truly hit the nail on the head with this one and created the perfect highlight/luminizer. Trust me, pick this up for yourself and reap the benefits! This is a new go-to!

[Looking to overhaul your makeup bag? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Sigma Complete Brush Kit

Why this should be in your bag: Makeup brushes are essential for any girl who wears eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc (read: EVERYONE). Like most, I started out with cheap brushes from the local drugstore, but quickly realized that if I’m buying quality makeup, I should also be investing in quality brushes. A brush of exceptional quality will have soft bristles, little fall-out and pick up lots of product. It’s amazing how much of a difference a brush makes in your application. Good brushes will allow you to look polished and your best, blending when they should and depositing just the right amount of color! However, I have a pretty hard time parting with 50 of my hard earned dollars for one measly MAC brush. I’ve been searching for an affordable alternative to MAC (and other luxury brands) and I think Sigma might fit that bill!

How to use it: This section is going to be a bit longer than usual. This set comes with 12 brushes, but I’m just going to review a few of my favorites here! Don’t get me wrong, the whole set is a good buy (you save $73!), but I only have space for standouts!

F40 – Large Angled Contour

This is a great brush for applying brush and highlighters to cheeks. I bought the infamous MAC Stereo Rose and was absolutely dumbfounded with it. It just didn’t look that great on! I never even thought that the brush I used to apply it would make such a huge difference. F40 was perfect for this! It deposited the most color on the apples of my cheeks and then faded back into my hairline. I’ve tested this out with other blushes and used it with contouring bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks with equally great results.

E70 – Medium Angled Shading

I had never tried an angled eyeshadow brush before this one (I know, terrible!). It’s great for not only applying color in the crease, but it’s my favorite for highlighting on the browbone and blending out smokey eyes. It’s soft and holds it shape.

E30 – Pencil

This eye brush is perfect for precise applications of color, like in the crease and along the lashline. It’s great for finishing off a look with some smudging to the lower lashline and has quickly become an essential for me.

CC Rating: B+
Although I find a couple of the brushes in this set inferior to my current collection (for example, I will not be replacing my Kabuki brush with F15 anytime soon), it’s still a great deal. You’re getting near-luxury quality for rock-bottom prices. I give my picks A+, but some of the brushes really aren’t up to snuff. Another one of my favorite things about this set is the brush roll! It’s super high-quality, durable and fits a whole load of brushes. It’s perfect for travel and neat storage of your prized brushes, be them Sigma or other. I think anyone looking to start a brush collection or beef theirs up will be quite happy with Sigma!

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Tarte Park Ave Princess Matte Waterproof Bronzer

Why this should be in your bag: Like I’ve said before, bronzer is a total pale-face lifesaver. A swipe of bronzer can literally make you go from dull to glowing. I myself use bronzer in my makeup routine every day of the year and enjoy testing out different formulas. Tarte (along with a few others) have developed waterproof bronzers, designed for use on the beach and at the pool, but also for those humid summer days. I’ve definitely experienced makeup meltdown, despite the use of heavy-duty primer, so I would find a waterproof bronzer insanely useful.

How to use it: For a glowy beach-friendly look, you’re going to want to round up a bunch of other waterproof makeup, like eyeliner and mascara. You may also want to increase the staying power of your concealer by using an eyeshadow primer prior to application. Use the classic “E-3″ application technique with the Tarte Park Ave Princess Matte Waterproof Bronzer: get some powder on your brush (I love using a kabuki brush), and swipe in it on your face making an “E” on one side and a “3″ on the other. This way, you hit the spots that the sun naturally does. I also swipe a bit on my nose!

(Left: heavy swatch. Right: after water.)

CC Rating: A-

Take a look at the swatches; this bronzer is definitely “waterproof” to a degree. Swatch #1 is the bronzer after heavily applied on my hand and #2 is once I lightly brushed water over it. You’ll notice that its blended out a bit, but the pigmentation is still mainly in place. I’d say this stuff would hold up in humid weather or through some water sports, but as for full-on submersion, I’m not so sure.

However, as a regular matte bronzer, I really enjoy this stuff. It’s totally comparable to Hoola, with great pigmentation. The added bonus of the “waterproof”-ness is great and probably makes this a better pick for the humid summer heat. Tarte has also re-done their products, which are now very natural. Most products, like this one, are formulated without parabens and other nasty chemicals.

I’ll be keeping this one around for a while and when it comes time to buy a new bronzer, it may just jump to the top of my list.

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Glow & Rose Petal

Why this should be in your bag: Since my eyes have been opened to the wonders of a great blusher, I’ve become something of a hoarder. I’ve got blushes in every shade, for every occasion. Coral, pink, red, tan – you name it, I’ve got it. I find blush really finishes off your look and can make you look so alive and fresh! If subtly done, you have a great, natural flush to your face and no one will even be able to tell it’s from a product. Cream blushes are best for this natural glow, as they blend seamlessly into your skin and just brighten up your cheeks instead of caking on powder. The dewy finish they leave seems real, and I think this is key in pulling off that “Oh I just woke up and left the house”look. NYX Rouge Cream Blushes deliver everything I’m looking for in a cream blush: pigmentation, creamy texture and variety.

How to use it: Start by applying your face-basics, whether that includes moisturizer, primer, foundation, etc. I also make sure I apply my concealer before blush, because sometimes the application area tends to overlap. You can use your fingers or a brush to apply the cream blush. I’m usually lazy and go with my fingers, but a brush guarantees even coverage. The NYX Rouge Cream Blushes are CRAZY pigmented (it’s a good thing!) so be careful when applying. You really need very little, which means that one of these blushes will last you for a while. After blending it out, I usually dust some bronzer or powder all over my face (to set it)  and then head out!

TIP: I’ve recently started using these babies as a lip color and they work well for that too! A tad dry, but a good substitute if you’re looking for a particular color last minute.

(Left: Glow. Right: Rose Petal. Both so pigmented!)

(And here they are blended out!)

CC Rating: A
The NYX Rouge Cream Blushes are great! Not only is the pigmentation and texture comparable to MAC Blushcreme, but they are a fraction of the price ($6 compared to $18.50!). You get loads of product in each pan and the color range is fairly wide. My only complaint is the lasting power; these will last all-day when I’m working in my office, but the second I step outside, they only last until about noon. Now, 4 hours in hot, hot heat is pretty good, but I would love to get 8 hours out of these.

All-in-all, the NYX Rouge Cream Blushes have made their way to the top of my daily blush list and I find myself constantly reaching for them. Rose Petal is great for everyday and Glow works for when I’m going out or just feel a bit sassy! A great, natural blusher for $6? Count me in!

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Korres Bronze & Protect Set featuring Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer in 1 Light Sand, Silicone-Free Primer & Monoi Oil Bronzer in 01 Sunglow Light.

Why this should be in your bag: Summer for me is all about bronzed beauties with flawless skin. As I’ve said before, I’m pale myself, but I love basking in the sun and getting a bit of a glow (no sunburns though!). This set provides you with three essentials for gorgeous summer skin: a primer, a tinted moisturizer and a bronzer! Together, these three are a skin army, tackling all of the elements so your skin remains smooth and shine-free throughout the day.

(R to L: Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer, Silicone-Free Primer & Monoi Oil Bronzer)

How to use it: First step is to start with a freshly cleansed face and apply the primer. I love the texture of this; silicone primers tend to be heavy and cause breakouts but this is light while still doing the same job. Next, swipe on the Watermelon tinted moisturizer. I find this stuff sets quickly, so don’t dawdle during application. Feel free to use a makeup sponge to blend this, although use a lighter hand than you would with liquid foundation. The coverage should end up being sheer. Lastly, swirl a big bronzer or powder brush in the Monoi Oil Bronzer and dust on your face, focusing on the cheeks, nose and forehead!

Spend the cash or simply pass? Korres is a rock-solid brand and this set is a STEAL! For $29.50, you get these three awesome products, while the Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer or Monoi Oil Bronzer will both run you $28 each! Clearly, this is a huge SPEND. With this set, you will be all set for any summer day and can use all the products throughout the winter season, just go light on the bronzer!

If you like what you see or are interested in purchasing from Korres, then I have a special treat for you! Just for U.S. College Candy readers, Korres is offering a 25% discount, as well as a free mini Cherry Oil Lipgloss in Fuschia when you enter the code CCANDY at checkout. Hurry, the code is only good until the end of the month!!

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net. Check ‘em out – they rock our socks off.

As college girls, we’re always looking for tips and tricks that are affordable and time-saving. Between classes, extra curricular activities and our social lives, it’s hard to find the time to always primp and prep ourselves to look fabulous, and things can fall out of place from time to time, especially during a day that seems to last forever.

But with these quick and easy beauty secrets, you’re guaranteed to look beautiful and flawless all the time! Read on for all the info.

1) Bronzer and baby powder are a great way to disguise oily hair.
This trick is one of my favorites, since I am unfortunately one of those girls who loves to play with her hair, and therefore, add more oil to it than it would have on its own. If you’re a brunette, carry around a bronzer compact. If you’re a blonde, carry around a mini baby powder. They’ll temporarily hide your not-so-freshly-washed locks! (You might also want to try one of our favorite dry shampoos.)

2) Vaseline is an all-around life saver.
From using it as a chapstick, to applying a sparing amount to dry skin, to using it as an eye makeup remover, Vaseline can do it all. (Once my mom and I asked a middle-aged woman how her skin was so smooth and glowy, and she responded by saying she’s been putting Vaseline on it every night since she was 13! But make sure your skin can handle it if you dare to try! Vaseline is very thick, and can cause your skin to clog and pimples to form!)

3) Visine can help clear up your eyes… and your blemishes!
Red eyes after a long night studying? Visine’s always great to have on hand… And as a bonus, applying a small amount to blemishes will reduce redness almost instantly! Talk about double duty.

Find out the other 7 life-saving beauty secrets by clicking right here.

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 and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me for review purposes. Because I can never have too much makeup!)

What it is: Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Why this should be in your bag: Because everyone looks better with bronzer, unless you’re rocking the Dita-Von-Teese “I’m so pale it hurts my eyes” thing. Not that I’m knocking the pale faces – I’m a fair-skinned lady myself. I just think I look dead without bronzer. As for why this specific bronzer, Benefit Hoola is SUPER-pigmented (check out the swatch comparison to Rimmel Natural Bronzer). This means that a little is going to go a long, long way. Plus, it’s matte, which is shockingly rare amongst bronzers, but means that you can wear it daytime or nighttime and not look too done up or like a twelve-year old glitter addict.

(Hoola - left, Rimmel - right)

How to use it: I like to use bronzer last so apply everything else (blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner, concealer, etc) as usual first. For best application, I chose not to use the small brush that was included with Hoola. Yes, it’s soft and may be good for contouring, but for overall application it’s not great . A big, fluffy bronzer brush (like this one from Sephora) is best. Lightly swirl your brush in Hoola, tap off the excess and swipe on your cheeks, forehead, and nose, which are areas where the sun naturally hits. Gorgeous!

Spend the cash or simply pass? Still in debates. Main reason: price. The pros of Benefit Hoola are the pigmentation and matte-ness (yes, I know it’s not a word) – it’s going to last a long time and is really versatile and wearable. I’ve read beauty blogs where girls use the same container for a year without hitting the pan. (Editor’s Note: I’ve had mine for over a year and it’s still going strong!) I use bronzer daily, so I can totally justify spending $28 dollars. That’s only 8 cents a day if you can get a full year out of it! Of course, I don’t know how long this one is going to last and I cannot bring myself to spend $28 for a new bronzer every 2 months. For now, spend, but I will keep you posted!

Oy.

We ladies spend a lot of our time making ourselves beautiful. Between the haircuts, the tweezing, the manicures, the bronzers… it’s exhausting. And it could all be a waste of time, according to a poll over at Glamour Magazine. They asked some guys what they thought of our beauty tricks and the boys let it all out.

Turns out they’re not fans of super thin eyebrows, over-tanning, claw fingernails, and caked on makeup.  To most women, this seems fairly obvious, but since there were pictures accompanying this article (i.e. photo evidence that these beauty blunders actually happen), it might not be as obvious as I thought.

Being a lady who writes for ladies, I thought I’d do everyone a service and break down beauty’s seven deadliest sins and share why you might wanna put the breaks on that daily GTL.

OVER-TANNING is like nails on a chalkboard for my eyes, but yet, as I live and breathe, I see bronzer accidents all over the place.  Guys are not really that interested in your tan’s status, and for most, that’s a good thing.  I have friends who are gorgeous and fair but they still use the self-tanner, which inevitably either turns them orange or streaks something fierce, or (gasp) turn to tanning beds.  What could possibly be less attractive than a leathery oompa-loompa coming up to you in a bar?  I have never met a guy who turned down a girl because she was too pale.  I have, however, known guys who turn down these scary “bronzed” creatures.

CAKED ON MAKEUP.  If a guy can see where your makeup ends and your face begins, it not only looks bad, but it could make most men wonder what it is you’re hiding under that 3 inches of powder.

SUPER THIN EYEBROWS.  I don’t even know how looking like a surprised RuPaul can seem like a good idea to anyone.

CLAW FINGERNAILS.  People declaw cats for a reason – because they hurt. You think lady-nails are any different? I’m not surprised these things turn guys off; who wants to end a date rubbing Neosporin all over their bodies?

INSANE EYE MAKEUP.  The neon Cleopatra look may fly on Mardi Gras or the NYFW ruwnays, but on a regular Saturday, not so much.  A guy who looks at the Gaga-like sparkle-fest happening on your face will likely completely dismiss you as super high maintenance… or a drag queen.

REFLECTIVE LIPS.  People shouldn’t be able to check their makeup in yours.

BIG HAIR.  Guys like hair that looks like they can run their fingers through it, not hair that will swallow their hands whole. Just like most girls can’t stand a guy with Pauly D levels of gel and product in their hair, guys can’t deal with the whole extensions, hairspray, volumizer, pouf deal either.