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. Read More »

It’s almost summer (and down here in the South it certainly feels like it!), and that means it’s time to start looking for new summer scents! While most of us have our go-to scent that we wear every day, oftentimes they are far too heavy for the summer so it’s time to switch things up.

Looking for something new? Not in the mood to sniff 100+ bottles of perfume at your neighborhood Sephora? I’ve got a ton of delicious recommendations that will compliment that summer dress perfectly! Sure, you can go with your standard floral/fruity perfumes, but I dare you to be a little more bold this summer. You never know what that hottie at the beach will be into…

Even though I am a beauty guru of sorts (dishing out sage makeup wisdom) and own lots of high end beauty products, I still like to budget shop for drug store options. I am a cost conscious college girl, after all.

I’m not gonna lie – it’s easy to get swept away by brand names and pretty packaging (and pushy sales people) in department stores, but you don’t need to burn a hole in that wallet to get some good makeup. There are a lot of products in drug stores that do nearly the exact same thing as high end products, especially when it comes to mascara. In case no one told you before, you don’t have to use products from MAC or Sephora to look beautiful!

You lookin’ to enhance those lashes without spending all that hard earned (or begged-your-parents-for) money? Just watch:

Got a beauty question? Want to know about a product? A hairstyle? Leave your questions and suggestions below and I’ll try to help you out in future videos!

So if you live in a normal part of the country, it’s probably starting to get nice and sunny outside (note to Syracuse: please stop snowing). You’ve brightened up your wardrobe and bought some peep toe pumps, so now it’s time to brighten up your face.

In honor of what April is supposed to bring, and as a reminder to Syracuse to get with the program, I decided to research some bright makeup products to create rosy cheeks, stunning eyes and chase out winter gloom. These goodies are sure add a little spring to your step, so pick em up and dare to be bold!

Bare Escentuals: Destination Ensenada: This kit includes four powdered shadows and comes in a lime green case. The colors can come out muted or super bright if you’re feeling extra springy. The kit includes a rose pink, baby blue, bright green, and a gold/tan hue. It’s like spring in a compact.

Dior 5 Color Spring Bouquet: This palette of spring colors is a little more muted, and includes floral pinks, whites and browns. This is perfect for a daytime spring look that is still bright and fresh.

Benefit Poisetint: This little bottle looks like a nail polish but it is for lips and cheeks. It is a liquid see-through tint that stays on all day. It’s easy to apply and create a warm sun-kissed glow. Read More »

[Celebrities get paid to look good and serve as a style guide to all us common folk, and part of looking good is flaunting their totally awesome fashion sense. Each week, I will be highlighting my Style Idol of the week: a celebrity who consistently shows keen fashion sense and whose closet I would raid in a heartbeat.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Charlize Theron is a not only a gifted actress and a natural stunner, she’s a fashion icon who is consistently placed on best-dressed lists for her ability to put together jaw-dropping ensembles that highlight her gorgeous face and body. She does a great job of wearing everything from vintage/classic to avante garde styles, and even when donning a casual look, she looks chic, put together and beautiful.

Dior is one of her favorite designers and I can’t imagine him having anyone better to show off his duds. Charlize accessorizes with very natural make-up and a shimmery bronzer to add a light glow to her lovely complexion. She’s worn her hair long, short, brown and blonde, and looked gorgeous with every different look.

Charlize has an essence about her that makes her look seem effortless and her statuesque presence is only highlighted by her beautiful fashion choices. The girl’s got a style that many women try to emulate, but few can pull off and that in itself makes her my Style Idol of the week. Read More »

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Bubble shaped skirts are a big trend this fall from the runways of designer brands like (see above) Dior, Armani, and Erin Fetherston. Like the ruffles we’ve seen all season, this silhouette is really flattering; the volume of the skirt makes your legs and waist appear tiny in comparison. It’s also a fresh look for any holiday parties you will be attending this season (you social butterfly, you).

Read More »

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

One shoulder tops and dresses were huge on the runways this fall. Almost every show at fashion week featured the look. Perfect for a night out on the town with the girls, the one shoulder look is revealing but in a chic rather than “look at my boobs!” sorta way.

The key to this look is to keep it basic – the asymetry of the pieces stands out on its own so you don’t want to overpower the outfits with necklaces and other major statement accessories. Read More »

[Make-up is wonderful, but it can also be confusing. There are so many shades and colors and sheens and reasons to wear it that a girl can get completely lost attempting to find what fits her face best. What’s the best blush color for a redhead? How do you really put on lip-liner? Is there such a thing as too much eyeshadow?

In this weekly series, actress / model and fabulous CC blogger, Jen, will be using her make-up know how to teach us all how to look flawless in class, out at a party, or grabbing coffee with that cutie from Psych 101.]

Everyone is always talking about long, luxurious lashes, but how do we get em without getting clumps? And do we really have to spend $40 on a tube of mascara to get that sexy lash we covet? This week Jen gives her expert advice on the best mascaras on the market (in all price ranges) that are sure to get you lookin’ like a Cover Girl.

[Celebrities get paid to look good and serve as a style guide to all us common folk, and part of looking good is flaunting their totally awesome fashion sense. Each week, I will be highlighting my Style Idol of the week: a celebrity who consistently shows keen fashion sense and whose closet I would raid in a heartbeat. Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

My style idol this week is someone who has recently come into her own and proven to the world that you can come out of a (very) bad break-up stronger and more beautiful than ever before: Anne Hathaway.

Ever since her life seemed to be falling apart early this summer when her ex was accused of fraud and tax evasion, Anne has been kicking some major booty. Not only is she getting rave reviews and Oscar buzz for her role in Rachel Getting Married, she’s doin’ it all while looking gorgeous and glam.

Let’s be honest; Anne hasn’t always been totally up on style or considered a fashion icon. Lately, however, she’s been seen everywhere sporting well thought-out ensembles that are trendy yet unique, classy, and do a phenomenal job of highlighting her long & lean frame.

She’s often seen in darling and feminine dresses, is a big fan of belts, and, when on the red carpet, she’s fantastic at throwing back to old Hollywood glamour with gorgeous gowns by designers like Marchesa and Dior. This combination of new-found style and a killer new haircut has turned her into a bonafide fashion star and officially has me drooling over her closet. Read More »

During my freshman year of college I was amazed at how many girls wore designer denim to class and toted their books around in enormous Coach bags every day. How do they afford it? Why would they waste such a cute, expensive outfit on 8 AM class? It wasn’t the parade of sweats and pajamas I had been prepared for by older friends.

Instead I saw Seven For All Mankind, Paige, Primp, BCBG, Free People, Steve Madden, etc. etc. etc: What distinguishes these particular brands from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or those created by T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s? After questioning several of my designer brand sporting friends and trying to justify several of my own purchases, I came up with the following list:

SIX REASONS TO GO DESIGNER

1. Product Quality – Many people who don’t believe in buying designer brands say that you are only paying for the brand name and that the product is no better than any other. While you are paying in part for the “privilege” to wear the brand’s name, you are also probably purchasing a product that is high quality. For example, I buy designer denim because it fits better and lasts longer than the jeans I buy for $25.00 at Bob’s. Designer clothes are usually made from finer fabrics and have superior stitching compared to those of bargain stores.

2. Consistency – Most people who wear designer clothes swear by a few designers. For example, someone might own thirty pairs of Paige jeans but refuse to even look at Joe’s Jeans. Both are expensive, high quality brands, so what’s the difference? Paige jeans consistently fit, last, and look great, where Joe’s Jeans aren’t as flattering (this isn’t my personal opinion, it’s just an example). People keep going back to the same brands because they consistently perform well for them. Read More »