Earth day is coming up on April 22nd, and it’s gotten us thinking about ways that we can shop more responsibly. One major source of waste that’s really easy to overlook is cosmetic bottles and tubes. Just think about the number of mascara tubes you’ve gone through since you starting sneaking makeup in middle school. Or bottles of moisturizer, and compacts of blush, eyeshadow, and powder. That’s a lot of plastic tossed in the garbage.

Origins cosmetic company is offering a cool solution to that problem this Earth Day. On April 22nd, you can trade in any old cosmetics, regardless of brand, at any Origins store. You’ll receive your choice of an Origins moisturizer in return. All of the cosmetic packaging collected will be recycled or converted to energy through the Origins Recycling Program.

And that’s not all. Origins is going to plant a tree for each customer that buys one of their products! Check out this blurb about their Plant-A-Tree Campaign:

In 2009, Origins launched its Plant-A-Tree Campaign in partnership with American Forests’ Global ReLeaf™; an education and action program that helps individuals, agencies and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees. Since the launch of this successful campaign, Origins has aided reforestation projects by helping to plant more than 153,000 trees around the world.  In addition to planting trees on behalf of concert attendees and live streaming viewers of Origins Rocks Earth Month, from April 18-24 Origins will plant a tree through Global ReLeaf™ in honor of each customer who purchases any Origins skin care product.  In addition, customers will receive a FREE “Wish on a Tree” bracelet, so they can further reiterate their commitment to protecting the planet.

Pretty cool, right? Head over to the Origins website for more information.

As you all know, I get the opportunity to try out a lot of products from well known brands. My favorite thing though is testing out small, independent brands that are trying to take on high-end, well known ones. When Joanne contacted me about trying Painted Earth, I was so excited! Independent brands are really special and don’t just think of customers as dollar signs. They care about your well-being and want their products to help you.

I cannot speak highly enough of this brand. Every single product I tested, I fell in love with. I use Painted Earth every day now because it’s just that good. Although priced like a high-end brand, it pretty much surpasses the quality level. Plus, you can order cheaper sample sizes (which are still a good size) of most of the products. I tested out a lot, but in this video I highlight some of my favorite things. Read More »

[Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes.]

What it is: BECCA Glossy Lip Tints in Island Dream & Afterglow

Why this should be in your bag
Let’s face it: lipgloss is just a makeup staple. There is a rare brand here and there that doesn’t offer it (what is wrong with those people!?), but lipgloss is undeniably one of the most popular cosmetic products out there. Hence why I’m constantly on the search for the perfect formula!

BECCA’s Glossy Lip Tints are touted as “A long lasting translucent gloss that delivers radiant shine with a splash of color. Deliciously scented with a hint of strawberry parfait, this luxurious formulation is silky-smooth and completely non-sticky.” Read More »

The holiday season always gets us thinking about what we’re thankful for. There are so many things in my life to appreciate (my education, my family, the entire Bravo lineup), but being the makeup addict that I am, I am particularly thankful for a few key beauty products. These five things have really changed my life and I want to share them all with you. Read More »

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! Read More »

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: Urban Decay Lip Junkie Lipgloss in Wallflower

Why this should be in your bag:

I truly don’t know any girl who doesn’t own some form of lip product. Whether it be the standard cherry Chapstick or a fancy MAC Lipglass, girls love to play up and take care of their lips. My collection of makeup is definitely most numerous in lip products so clearly I’m always up for trying something new.

Urban Decay describes their new Lip Junkie gloss as “A decadent lip gloss (with a delicious vanilla-mint flavor!) that allows you to get hooked on the shine, without the sticky hangover.” Sounds pretty great right? One of my biggest peeves with lipgloss is when it’s so sticky that my hair gets stuck in it (Lipglass, I’m looking at you!), so I was really intrigued by this no-stick claim. Thankfully, Urban Decay has pulled through! I’m truly loving their new Lip Junkie Lipgloss. The scent is just sweet enough and the stickiness is at the bare-minimum. With 11 shades, I’m sure everyone can find something they like. Read More »

I have a lot (and I mean a LOT) of stuff in my makeup arsenal. But as many shadows and brushes and primers as I’ve got, there are some that I can’t live without. Gems sent from the heavens to save the day and keep me lookin’ my best. One of those little gems is Rosebud Perfume Co.’s Rosebud Salve, which you’ve probably seen in those little boxes next to the checkout at Sephora or Ulta.

This stuff is so amazing and has multiple uses, which is amazing considering its only $6.  Sadly, some people are unaware of the many ways you can use this tin can of joy, so watch this video to change your life.

Yesterday, after a failed attempt to apply chunky mascara to my lashes (it was gross), I decided it was time to restock. Only when I ran over to my local CVS to pick up a new one, I was totally overwhelmed. Do you have any idea how many different kinds of mascara there are? My god! I stood there for ten minutes with 12 different options in my hands trying to figure out which one was the best. They all claim to last the longest, to lengthen the most, to make you the hottest, but which one really works?

And what about foundation?
And moisturizer?
And bronzer?

HOW ON EARTH IS A GIRL SUPPOSED TO KNOW?!

OK, so it might not be the most difficult decision on earth, but with so many options and so little money, it made me sweat. I may know what the commercials say and what some magazine editors say, but how can any of us really know what products are worth buying? So I turned to my friends (I frantically dialed 5 to get a good sampling/variety of advice) and eventually settled on Almay’s Intense I-Color for Blue Eyes, which was recommended by the one girl who didn’t hang up on me when I told her about my life and death situation. And the stuff is awesome! Just knowing someone who had used and loved it made everything so much easier.

So I decided to take it one step further and find out what beauty products the CollegeCandy writers can’t live without. If they love it that much, it’s gotta be good. And knowing that will make my next CVS run (and yours!) a whole lot smoother. Read More »

Normally, I don’t get really hyped up about drugstore brands because they don’t meet my high beauty standards. But I guess it’s true that there’s a first for everything because I’ve got a new drugstore obsession: Soap And Glory. The pink vintage packaging caught my eye at Target a few weeks ago, and I’ve been in love ever since.

No joke, I want to climb out my window and scream it from the rooftops!

While I only have a few products (they’re always sold out!), I wanted to share my initial thoughts and praise with you. This brand is incredible not only in quality but also in price. I honestly have no idea how they do it, but Soap and Glory’s products are already some of my favorites. Read More »

For me, shopping for makeup is like a bargain scavenger hunt. Whether I’m using coupons or waiting for a Friends & Family sale, I’ll do whatever it takes to save money. To be honest, I often hesitate to buy high-end products because I know I can usually find a substitute from a drugstore brand.

You know you have discovered gold when you find a great drugstore substitute for a cult product. Over the years of scouring the aisles at Target and CVS, I’ve learned that there are some amazing high-end product replacements out there – you just have to seek them out! Here are 5 of my favorites. Read More »