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.

And if you haven’t noticed, the makeup I’ve been wearing in my recent videos has been by Painted Earth.

On my face: Painted Earth Pore Perfecting Primer, Painted Earth concealer, Painted Earth Perfect Every Thyme Mineral Foundation, NARS Orgasm blush, NYX Super Fat eye marker, Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash mascara

On my nails: OPI Passion and OPI for Sephora Only Gold For Me

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!

[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.”

How to use it
Because these BECCA tints are pretty sheer, I was expecting them to only be good for over-lipstick wear, but I’m also really liking them on their own! Island Dream is a soft, purpley-pink with micro-shimmer, while Afterglow darkens my already-pigmented lips slightly and gives them a golden sheen.

Like I said, feel free to swipe these on alone, but also look for great lip combos! Check out Afterglow over a true-red and Island Dream over baby pink.

(Island Dream, Afterglow)

CC Rating: A

These are getting an A if only because I’m so surprised by them! When I first saw BECCA Glossy Lip Tints, I thought, “Oh just another lipgloss,” but these truly stand out from the pack! They are not too sticky, but have good staying power and add an ever-so-delicate shimmer along with color (depending on the shade). I’m a shimmer-phobe but I have no problem handling these. They’re not over-the-top at all and can even be worn to class.

Available in 25 colors, you will never have a problem finding a shade to suit your needs. Some may find the $23 price tag a bit hard to swallow, but you’re getting quality product from the packaging down to the gloss!

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

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.

Who knows, maybe a year from now, when you’re going around the Thanksgiving table and saying what you’re thankful for, you’ll think back to the day I introduced you to these gems…

What products are you thankful for? Share below!

As always, if you’ve got something you want me to cover, post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to check out my other videos right 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: 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: 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.

(Swatch of Wallflower.)

How to use it:

Because this gloss doesn’t come with a wand, you need to use the plastic applicator tip. This doesn’t guarantee precision application, but if your shade isn’t too intense (like Wallflower) you shouldn’t need to do any touching up. Wallflower suited my lips perfectly and I find myself constantly reaching for it when I want a nice, neutral pink. Upon application, you feel a slight minty tingle caused by a plumping ingredient, Maxi-Lip. This tingle was totally negligible and didn’t burn like some glosses. As for staying power, well, this isn’t an all-day gloss; I found this definitely required a touch-up after eating or drinking.

(Wallflower on my lips.)

CC Rating: A

Urban Decay Lip Junkie may just be my new favorite lipgloss. Other than the applicator tip (as opposed to a wand), I don’t really have any complaints. In fact, that complaint may be rendered useless, as Urban Decay claims this applicator’s design is superior to many others. It is molded not crimped, which means that it won’t snap off, leaving a mess of goo in your purse.

The 11 shades in this range are super versatile and create a full compliment of lip colors. The tube itself has a gorgeous, sculpted cap and a slim design which means portability. The gloss itself delivers on its promises, although I’m unsure of the plumping power. The scent wasn’t overwhelming and the gloss was just the right amount of sticky. Overall, I was impressed and plan on purchasing this in Crush and Peroxide.

If you’re in the market for a new gloss, give Lip Junkie by Urban Decay a whirl!

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

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.

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.

Lauren H – The New School: Skin’s Apricot Eyes. This is easily the best eye makeup remover I’ve ever used (which sounds stupid, I know, but it is!). It’s a cream instead of a liquid or jelly and it just melts mascara, even waterproof. Plus it’s organic!

Kim – Stanford: Hot red lipstick from Mac. Whenever I want to feel instantly sexy, I put some on and go!

Jessica – Hofstra: Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Matte foundation, because it covers up everything without looking like you just caked makeup on your face.

Katie – Michigan State University: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. I literally cannot put make-up on or leave my apartment without this on my face.

Brithny – Duke: Hoola bronzer by Benefit. Because no Asian should ever be white.

Brittany – University of Saint Thomas: Bare Minerals Bronzer (all colors) gives you the most amazing, natural all over color, and it’s really good for your skin! Absolutley in love with the stuff.

Jessica – Delaware: I can’t live without Loreal’s Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara! It gives my lashes volume and amazing length and makes eyes look wide awake even if you pulled an all-nighter!

Hannah- Assumption College: Bonne Bell Lip Smackers. Yes, they bring back memories from the 5th grade when trading lip gloss was all the rage, but I still wear it out on weekend nights and get compliments all the time. Plus they smell delicious.

Kelly – University of Iowa: Natural Instincts semi-permanent dye. I get so bored with my hair color (medium mousy brown) so it’s perfect to change it up every month without the repercussion of normal dye. My hair is still recovering from last year when I went platinum blonde… at home.

Charlsie – Hollins University: I can’t live without my YSL Shimmering Lip Gloss. It actually lasts once I put it on my lips, and I always get compliments!

Caitlin – University of Alabama: As CC’s resident beauty guru, I can’t live without any of my products! If I had to pick absolutely one though, probably my T3 Evolution Hair Dryer; that thing is a god-send!

Rachael – University of Miami: Bare Minerals mineral makeup! I absolutely refuse to leave my room without it; it evens out skin tones, covers blemishes, gives me a little bit of color (I actually look alive!!), and still looks completely natural. Seriously, it’s a miracle in powder form.

Sarabeth – University of Texas: My Urban Decay shadow box with primer potion. YDK, Half baked, and Twice baked make my blue eyes look EPIC, and the primer potion makes everything stay perfect all day and all night.

Samantha – UCSB: Clinique’s Moisture Surge Gel!! I apply it after washing my face in the morning and right before bed, under my normal Clinique face lotion. During the day it gives my skin a dewy look and keeps me flake free, and at night it goes to work making my skin smooth and preventing pre-mature aging! Can’t live without this stuff!!

Lauren – University of Michigan: Mac Black Tide eyeshadow. I wet my brush and use this as a liner and the little flecks of glitter in it add a hint of fun and make my eyes pop. Plus, this stuff stays on all night. And I mean all night. If I’m too lazy to wash my face (or I find myself with a late night guest), it still looks awesome and fresh the next day. Not that I do that often….

Laura – St. John’s: A good moisturizer with SPF; some days you don’t need anything else.  I love my Oil of Olay that I’ve been using for years.

Norah – Drake University: My pale Irish skin looks vampire-like without a bit of color, so I’m obsessed with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends natural radiance bronzer. The different shades blend together so it looks good on even super-pale people like me, and it’s even good for your skin!

Emmy – Loyola University Chicago: I adore Kiss Me Mascara. This stuff stays on regardless of how much I sweat, cry, or rub my eyes, but it still comes off at night without make-up remover. It is basically magical!

Alex – Lakehead University: L’oreal True Match concealer. I’m Italian which means big, nasty bags under my eyes. I don’t think I have EVER left my house without concealer on said bags.

Nina – Michigan State University: I’m addicted to Clinique astringent (Clarifying Lotion 2)! Twice a day, every day, after your cleanser, ladies.

Teresa – UCSD: Jojoba oil. It’s kind of my all-in-one moisturizer, hair treatment, cuticle oil, makeup remover, etc. Tip: You can find it at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

Amanda – Reed: Laura Mercier caviar cream liner – it’s INCREDIBLE.

Sara C – Fordham: Absolutely, without a doubt, my tinted moisturizer from Clarins. Thanks to this little baby (one vial has already lasted me a year and a half), I never need to wear foundation and my skin stays smooth and soft.

What are your beauty must-haves?!

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.

In this vid, I’m reviewing two of the products I own, and some others I tried and will own as soon as I can get my hands on them. Let’s just hope the people at my local Target don’t get too annoyed with my phone calls asking if they’ve re-stocked yet.

[Please excuse the raspy voice-I am recovering from another college bound illness. I'm shocked I didn't have to edit out any coughing.]

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.

1. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil and L’OREAL’s Hip Color Chrome Eyeliner

It easily understandable why people cherish UD’s eyeliners; they have a great color selection and their color payoff is amazing. If you haven’t heard of these eyeliners before, know that they are not your normal black and brown eyeliners; they have colors ranging from vibrant blue to golden yellow.

Don’t get me wrong: UD’s eyeliners are great, but at $16 dollars, I question whether they’re really worth the price. Although their color variety is not as great, L’Oreal’s Hip Color Chrome Eyeliner is a great $9 substitute for UD’s 24/7 liner. In general, I think L’Oreal Hip makes a lot of great substitutes for brands like Urban Decay and MAC because of their funky color variety and amazing pigmentation.

What other other must-have beauty products can you swap?
Get the rest at CollegeFashion.net!

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!