8 Under $20: Beach Cover-Ups

The beach has been calling my name lately.  Seriously, I think I heard it.  But I’m having a slight issue… all of my beach cover-ups are worn and tired. And one cuts off the circulation to my boobs. Seriously.

Anyways, I use and abuse them because they are my most comfortable items of clothing (breathable, and perfect for a day dedicated to drinking beers and beaching it out), but now they’re way past their prime and I have nothing to wear with my bikinis and high heels. Just kidding. I mean, who wears high heels to the beach?

Since money is tight for us post-grad and for all you full time studentd saving money this summer for booze next year paying those loans, it’s not so easy to find that perfect summer cover-up. But don’t settle for the ol’ wife beater and running shorts combo. We have the eight, easy and cheap solutions for you. So stop worrying about your bank account and start relaxing on the beach. Those loans will still be there come fall, but the perfectly sunny summer days will not: Read More »


Day-to-Night Styler: Beach Babe to Party Girl

laying out

Chances are you’ll be spending many days at the beach this summer. And chances are good that a day of sun time can often be topped off by a night of fun time out at the bars.  Heading out for some drinkies with the girls doesn’t mean you have to rush home to get ready; you can rock out the same outfit all day with a few quick fixes (and hey, tousled beach hair is damn sexy). Read More »


CC Beauty Live: No Blemishes Here

You wake up, go into your bathroom, and look into the mirror. You then scream “WHAT THE EFF IS ON MY FACE?!” It happens. We all break out. If you say you never do, either you’re lying or you don’t PMS. But I digress. You were supposed to go out today, but how can you possibly do that with honker like that on your face?

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!


The Budget Stylista: Budget Beach Babe

beach girls

I don’t get the appeal of the expensive beach babe. First of all, budget beach babe just sounds better. Second, I simply don’t understand the point of spending so much on a bathing suit just because the piping is plaid. What is the point of spending that much on something that isn’t even original. You look down the row of lounge chairs at a hot Miami hotel and it’s like Burberry drank too much last night resulting in a major hangover and then vomited all over the sunbathers.

There are SO many cute bathing suits, cover ups, sunglasses, totes, etc., out there that are muy cheapo but look muy expensivo. Plus, not only do you look like a beach babe, you look like an original that-girl-has-mad-fashion-sense one to boot.

Just don’t forget your SPF. Even I can’t make a person-turned-lobster look cute. Read More »


Makeup 101: Why Breakouts Happen

acne1Sometimes it seems like your skin has a mind of its own, (an evil mind that wants to ruin parties, dances and dates). Remember that episode of Family Guy where Chris’s zit takes over his life and tries to kill him? Yeah I feel like my zits do a similar thing sometimes. And I would love to make it stop. Now.

You’ve probably heard lots of different reasons regarding why your face turns on you at whim, and some of it is probably true, but there are also some awful skin myths out there.

First of all, you’re not going to get breakouts from eating chocolate (or french fries)! The Vegetable Association of America made this up to scare you into staying away from delicious foods. Sure, if you ate chocolate for 3 meals a day for a week, your body’s natural balance would be thrown off, and yah, you’d probably breakout. But if you consume a normal amount of sweets, you’re fine. The reason greasy foods are associated with breakouts is because people tend to eat more of them when they are stressed. (You know you eat way more Reese’s cups when you are stressing over a big test.) Read More »


Beware of Mutant Acne!

acne

Bad news for me, but good news for the giant under-the-surface zit brewing on my chin: acne bacteria may now be outsmarting the medicines we have been using to cure it.

Say it with me: O.M.G.

I know – I’m freaking out, too! I have 2 birthday parties this weekend and an ugly step-sister growing on my freaking face! And now science is telling me that there is nothing to do and I should wave my white flag and surrender to this bitch?! Read More »


Makeup 101: Clear That Skin

zit

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. Read More »


Makeup 101: Concealers that Cover

organic_glam_concealer-pale.jpgSo you just woke up (late) and there is a new enemy in your life: that zit on your forehead, which is especially perfect because you have class in about 10 minutes. You need a quick and easy way to cover it up (and those scary raccoon under-eye circles, while you’re at it), without turning into that girl with light colored goo spread all over her face. You know who I’m talkin’ about…

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. Read More »


Dude Makeup: It’s All The Rage

makeup.jpgFirst there was Guy Liner.

Now, we have Manscara.

Looks like makeup for the male species is making its mark and not going anywhere. I suppose we have Pete Wentz to thank for that. Perhaps all you dudes should go a little easy on him? I mean, he is totally doing you a service right now. And ladies…don’t hate on the Dude Makeup just yet; there are so many wonderful things that come from it!

1. Cover up those imperfections. The idea of your man wearing a little makeup is far superceded by the fact that you don’t have to be embarassed about his narsty skin anymore.

2. You can share! We are all looking for ways to save a little moolah these days, and this is a great one! You only have to pay for half of a mascara, and Lord knows how expensive that stuff can get.

3. He finally understands why you take so long to get ready. And he will be right there next to you slowly applying that Guy Liner.

4. He will appreciate just how much it takes for you to spruce up for him. Putting on makeup gets old (fast) and guys never understand just how much work it is. Give them a little to play around with and the will learn (fast) that it is not such a cakewalk.

5. Blackmail: Even if makeup for men is becoming more popular, there is a (large) chance your boy may not want his boys to know. But you know. And he knows you know. And he knows you could spill the beans if things don’t go your way. Mwahahahahaha.