What It Is:
theBalm Time Balm Concealer in Light

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Concealer is one product that I’m somewhat obsessed with. It has the power to make anyone go from sleepy-zombie to wide awake and also masks imperfections. Gorgeous skin is something everyone pines for and concealer is your #1 friend in faking it.

theBalm is one of my fave cosmetic brands. Their products are amazing quality, with cute packaging and most importantly, reasonable prices. The stuff they put out is top-notch, but they don’t jack their prices up to astronomical heights! Time Balm Concealer is a cult classic and I was so excited to test it out!

How To Use It:

I find Time Balm to be quite “hard” in the container, so it requires a bit of warmth from your fingers to get moving and fluid. Dip your (clean) finger into the container and swirl it around a bit to warm the product up. Then, wipe it on the back of your hand and use a concealer brush to gently apply it. Tap, don’t pull; the skin under your eyes is extremely delicate!

I figured I should swatch the concealer, although it it supposed to blend in to the skin! You’ll notice the slight salmon-tone of it – this helps to mask dark circles and counteract purple and blue tones.

CC Rating: A+

Forget everything I’ve ever said about concealers – Time Balm is officially #1! This creamy, thick concealer covers my dark circles and most importantly, STAYS PUT. As an Italian, I’ve inherited lovely dark circles and usually have to re-apply my concealer midday. Not so with Time Balm! It lasts at least 6 hours, which I’m beyond impressed with. Set it with a powder and I’m good to go for the entire livelong day.

There are 6 shades in this range, but the may not reach to the darkest skintones. The deepest shade of Time Balm is “Medium/Dark”, but there is no true “Dark” shade. That may be the only downfall of this concealer! The $18 price tag for 0.25oz is something I’m totally comfortable dishing out, especially considering that the product is thick and you need very little. I’ve been using this for 2 weeks and there isn’t even a dent yet, just the marks from my finger.

If you suffer from undereye dark circles or have spotty skin that needs some coverage, look no further than Time Balm. This stuff is heavy duty and will take care of all your imperfections.

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

When it comes to concealer (one of the most essential necessities of life, am I right?), I don’t think there’s any reason to spend more than $11. I tend to go for Covergirl stuff, but I’m also a fan of the surprisingly cheap (and healthy!) Neutrogena cosmetics line. Here’s why:

1. It lasts long, but not TOO long: It’s true, drugstore goodies usually come in small packages, but I tend to get a least a few months use out of a single product. When it runs out, yes, I have to buy a new one, but frequently shopping for new make-up gives me the chance to explore different brands and tones.

2. It does the job: Sure, maybe some Dior concealer or some no-name, all-natural Sephora exclusive might cover up my blemishes with more perfection than I ever thought to be possible, but my Covergirl basics still do the job. It’s almost like your first car- it might be 15 years old and falling apart, but it gets you from Point A to Point B. I don’t need to look like a Photoshopped supermodel- I just need everyone to look past a few red spots.

3. It’s much easier to get: I know some people who order all their cosmetics from online boutiques overseas, but what happens if you have a blemish emergency when you’re at work, school or somewhere else important and suddenly notice you’ve forgot your make-up bag? Sorry to burst your bubble, but your designer favorite probably won’t be available at the Rite-Aid around the corner.

How about you- when it comes to make-up, are you a splurger or a spender?

While many of you love wearing makeup and search your couch cushions and the bottom of all your purses for loose money so you can buy new products, there are a lot of you out there who actually hate wearing makeup. Trust me when I say that I get it; I used to be one of those girls!

Makeup can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what products to use or how to use them. Plus, sometimes you just don’t want to stand in front of a mirror and put on your face, dammit. But the honest truth: you don’t have to! Having a polished face doesn’t have to mean 35 products and 30 minutes putting them on.

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t step out of my house looking like I’m headed to a photo shoot every day. I often wear just four products or some variation of them (plus Aquaphor!). These products are a simple way to enhance your features and are perfect for people who want to give makeup a chance or who are just starting out. And while I do recommend investing in higher end versions of these products for quality reasons, you certainly don’t have to! There are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives to all products; just make sure you are aware of what you’re getting.

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 websiteand follow me on Twitter!

Luckily, it’s an easy fix.

How, you ask? Just use concealer! But not just any concealer. Picking the right one is important, so I’m sharing what I use. I’ve also got a few tips on how to distract people from looking at your circles (even though they probably don’t notice ‘em anyway). So if you’re embarrassed by your raccoon eyes, this is the video is for you.

And if you are a chronic sufferer of dark circles, please leave your own tips below!

I am not a morning person. Never have been, never will be. And it shows on my face in the form of dark circles and tired eyes.

Even though I always want to crawl back into my comfy bed and get more rest, I know that with a touch of the right makeup I can instantly fix that problem. As a girl, I know that no matter how tired I am, I always want to look my best. Therefore, here is a tutorial on how to achieve that bright-eyed, wide-awake look. Even if you received zero hours of sleep, with these steps, nobody will be able to tell!

1. Dab concealer underneath your eyes. Make sure to blend well!

Dark circles under the eyes are probably the most obvious sign of a tired student. By concealing those problem areas, you will be amazed how much more awake you look.

A good concealer will brighten up the undereye area and cover any darkness. I personally love any of Maybelline’s liquid concealers but several of my friends swear by MAC’s Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer as well.

What do you do next? Read the rest (and look your best and brightest) at CollegeFashion.net!

You already know how I feel about Tarte cosmetics and if you don’t I’ll tell you: I’m obsessed. Their products are high quality and eco-friendly; what more can you ask for?

Well, Tarte has teamed up with Commando underwear to get you covered (from top to [your] bottom) for the upcoming holiday season. They’re giving away up to $750 worth of goodness and all you have to do is enter. And with products like theirs, that is definitely something to be thankful for this season.

Tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara is hands down the best mascara I’ve ever tried. Ever. And I’ve tried all of them. Every time a magazine boasted about their favorite mascara, I’d buy it. But they were all the same. I just figured mascara was mascara and started buying whatever was cheapest at Target. But Tarte taught me that there is a difference and not all mascaras are created equal. I honestly don’t know how they do it, but my eyes have never looked better or brighter. Seriously. It’s a miracle product.

Oh, and as long as we’re talking about the best products ever, let me just tell you about The Eraser, a legendary concealer. Not only does this stuff cover up the major black circles under my eyes (tested and approved on a particularly hungover morning), but it has a brush built in so you don’t have to run your greasy fingers across your freshly washed face. Gah! I just love it.

And you know what else I love? Going commando. (True story – I really don’t like panty lines…or doing laundry.) But after Britney and Paris started flashing their lady bits all over town I decided to give undies a try. And they failed me. I thought I was doomed to a life of not-so-stealthily picking wedgies… and then, like a gift from the heavens, I recieved a sample of Commando underwear. This stuff is ridiculous. It has zero seams, meaning it gives you the look of going commando without the fear of accidentally exposing yourself. Plus it comes in all different styles (bikini, thong, girl shorts) and designs (solids, animal print). It still adds to the laundry basket, but when you see how good your bootie looks in those girl shorts you won’t even care.

I seriously loaded up on this stuff (20 pairs to be exact) and am officially a member of the underwear-wearing community. Though you wouldn’t know by looking at me in a pair of leggings. These things are genius!

And you can get a whole slew of them and a ton of Tarte beauty products just by entering. So go! Enter! Win! Everyone gets 20% off their next Tarte or Commando purchase just for entering so, really – with a flawless face and no risk of showing everyone your goodies – we’re all winners.

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.

No fear, I’m here to help!

First things first, DO NOT pick or pop your zits. Seriously, take your hands away from your face! Sit on them if you have to, just do NOT touch that zit.  If it’s a really bad one, grab some ice to reduce the redness and swelling and that’s it. Next, follow the steps in this video and in less than 4 minutes your face will look like nothing ever happened!

In middle school I had horrible skin. Constantly. By the end of high school it had really cleared up, but I feel like my years of pre-teen suffering were sufficient for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, middle school awkwardness does not justify a zit free life, and sometimes pesky pimples still pop up; like before a big party, exciting date or run-in with an ex. Perfect.

This happens to just about everyone, (or at least this is what I tell myself) so here are some good spot treatments to clear up that annoying blackhead (hopefully) before you finish your pre-game.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel: I use this spot gel whenever I get a little zit and it zaps it away pretty quickly. It is meant to seriously reduce pimple size within 8 hours, so if you put it on right before bed you should notice a difference in the morning. It’s not sticky and goes on smoothly and can be found at a local drug store for cheap!

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel: I have also used this spot treatment and find it really works. It can be a little stickier than the Neutrogena one, but it dries up zits pretty quickly, and is invisible over and under makeup.

Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy: I’ve never used this product but it looked really cool and got pretty good reviews. And, well, I endorse almost anything Bare Escentuals. This is a powder (that comes with a brush). It contains sulfer like most acne spot treatments, but is in a different format. While it’s fighting off the blackhead it also helps neutralize the color to cover it up! You can put it on before bed or in the morning under your makeup.

Sepohora Double Ended Blemish Extractor: No, this isn’t a torture device, it’s meant to help pop pimples. Yeah, my mom told me not to pop zits, and that is a valid piece of advice, however, one of the reasons you don’t want to pop zits with your fingers is because they are dirty and get bacteria in already clogged pores. Unlike your fingers, this tool can be properly sterilized and then used to extract a zit. First, put warm water over your face to make the extraction easier. Then put the loop around the pimple and slowly pull until the zit is, well, popped. Don’t force it if the zit is too big to be eliminated this way!

Here are a couple of other tips to help with frustrating pimples.

-Washing your makeup brushes and removing makeup after each day is a great way to ensure that your skin stays clean and clear

-It’s okay to cover a zit with concealer, just make sure it’s one that will not further clog pores. Here are a couple of concealers with great coverage.

-If you are on vacation and don’t have any spot treatments with you, you can put some toothpaste on the zit (the pasty kind, not the gel kind). I don’t recommend walking around all day with toothpaste on your face, so try this at night, and make sure you only put it on the zit! It should help reduce the pimple size by the morning.

Concealer sometimes seems like a tricky product – enough coverage without being cakey, matching your skin, lasting all day -  but it’s not as hard as you may think. When choosing a concealer, it is important to find one that matches your skin tone, is lightweight and oil-free, and conceals your problem areas (while concealing the fact that you’re using concealer!). Below are some of my favorite concealers in three different forms. However you choose to go, all of these provide the not-so-obvious coverage you desire:

Palette- Make Up For Ever Professional: Five Camouflage Cream Palette: This rectangular compact contains five varying cream hues, which is perfect to blend together and match different skin tones. Some creams may work best for under-eye concealer and others may work well as highlighting hues. This kit comes in several color combos so you can find the one that matches you best! Helpful Hint from Sephora: Apply these concealers underneath your foundation for extra staying-power. Try applying these creams with Bare Essentual’s Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush. Yes, it’s a little pricey for a brush but it’s thick bristles and angled tip make it perfect for getting the best coverage out of your concealer.

Tube- Clinique Advanced Concealer: All Clinique lovers know that Clinique is allergy tested and great for sensitive skin. This concealer is matte and dries to look powdery (not gloppy like some liquid concealers). With daily use it also helps firm and smooth skin. My only qualm is that it only comes in two color choices, which does not make it an ideal buy for everyone. Remember to also apply this concealer with a brush so you don’t transfer the bacteria of your fingers onto your face (which would only get you more zits to conceal tomorrow!).

Stick- Stilla Cover Up Stick: This stick comes in 5 different shades, is really lightweight and easy to apply. A total winner. Concealer sticks, in general, are great because they eliminate the sometimes messiness of thick liquid concealers and can fit into a clutch for touchups on a night out.