In Our Makeup Bag: MAC Briar Rose Beauty Powder

[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: MAC Briar Rose Beauty Powder

Why this should be in your bag:
Ever since my foray into beauty products began, I’ve been obsessed with blush. Not only does it look so pretty in the pan, but it can do amazing things for your look and complexion. If you’re feeling tired or sluggish from all those midterms (welcome to my freaking life), blush is the perfect makeup pick-me-up!

MAC is the creme de la creme of makeup brands. Known for high-quality products in a variety of extremely fun colors and collections, MAC is where it’s at. This little number is part of their latest release, Venomous Villains. The collection was a collaboration with Disney and as a huge Disney fan, I initially picked up the Beauty Powders for the beautiful compacts. However, the product inside was a pleasant surprise! Read More »


In Our Makeup Bag: Sigma Complete Brush Kit

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: Sigma Complete Brush Kit

Why this should be in your bag: Makeup brushes are essential for any girl who wears eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc (read: EVERYONE). Like most, I started out with cheap brushes from the local drugstore, but quickly realized that if I’m buying quality makeup, I should also be investing in quality brushes. A brush of exceptional quality will have soft bristles, little fall-out and pick up lots of product. It’s amazing how much of a difference a brush makes in your application. Good brushes will allow you to look polished and your best, blending when they should and depositing just the right amount of color! However, I have a pretty hard time parting with 50 of my hard earned dollars for one measly MAC brush. I’ve been searching for an affordable alternative to MAC (and other luxury brands) and I think Sigma might fit that bill! Read More »


Bedeck, Bedazzle, Bejewel

When it comes to beauty, if you’re gonna splurge you better make sure it’s worth it. Like these luxe eyeliners, for instance.  They are a step (or five) up from drugstore brands, but guarantee that elusive Wow! factor.  Or why not go for an all out luxury binge?  Chanel’s fall beauty collection is beyond amazing – just check out that nail polish!

For equally fabulous nails on a real-girl budget, look no further than Essie’s new line, inspired by Morticia Addams.  The creatively named colors- Bone Chilling White, Blood Curdling Red, and Midnight Tango- will make your friends green with envy.  Also, the ever-budget-friendly MAC has teamed up with Disney to create Venomous Villains, their newest assortment of gotta-have it makeup.  Starting at $12, these cute compacts are irresistible.

And when you’re ready to end your day in comfort, look no further than compact and foldable footwear that can fit in the tiniest of handbags.  Who says comfy can’t be glamorous?


Candy Dish: Daaaaaamnn, Jennifer Hudson!

Jennifer Hudson looks hot, has it all.

Makeup can make you sick.

Check out Mac’s sizzling new summer collection!

Ke$ha’s getting even weirder. If that’s possible.

Wait, Justin Bieber is more than friends with Miley?!

Two CW stars get their happily ever after.


From CollegeFashion: Bright, Awake Looking Eyes

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! Read More »


Candy Dish: Why Do Guys Fake It?

Cuz they do. A lot.

Bow Wow is a classy guy.

Tyra Banks was a mean boss? Shocking.

Mac gets warm and cozy this season.

What’s the deal with Tila Tequila?

10 iPhone apps we ladies could all use.


Candy Dish: Blame Canada (Well, Their Geese)

canadian-geese.jpg

The US Airways flight was brought down by a bird?!

Fergie works it for MAC.

Barack Obama trading cards.

Top Shop is finally coming to the US!

Brad Pitt is just like me loves the pot.

There is a silver lining to the current economic situation.

It’s time to do some beauty detox.

What a cute little teddy….oh, wait. That’s Mini Me.

Amy Poehler’s got a new show! Woopy!

Cheap (and cute) ways to organize that jewelry.


Makeup 101: When to Toss Em and When to Wash Em

makeup.jpg[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, makeup expert Ali will use her makeup 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.]

In order for makeup to keep you looking fresh and beautiful you need to keep up with fresh products. Yes, it can be a sad day to throw out your favorite MAC eyeshadow because its time has expired, but it is necessary for your skin and your overall look (and feel). Below is some important information about how long your makeup should last, and how to stretch out its shelf life. And don’t worry – we won’t judge you if you hold a moment of silence for your favorite products whose time has come.

Mascara: With such close contact to your eyes, mascara is likely to acquire bacteria and, as a result, should be thrown out after 3 months. Don’t believe me? Smell it. Go on, do it. If the mascara is ready to go you’ll notice a different smell, not to mention the mascara will likely not go on as well. Throw it out!

Foundation: Liquid and condensed powder foundations will likely become cakey or cracked after 6 months to a year and then it’s time to toss em. Loose powder foundation will likely last a little longer. Similar rules apply to blush. Read More »


Candy Dish: Kim Kardashian is More Than a Big Booty

kardash.jpgKim Kardashian a UN Ambassador!?

Divorce rates aren’t as high as we all thought. Hooray!

I think this might be the hottest gift of the season.

Britney’s GMA performance was big.

Pop culture phenomena we hope don’t return in ’09.

8 tips for frugal fitness.

Lindsay Lohan loves blogging (and is more than welcome to joing the CollegeCandy team! Linds, call us!)

Someone’s stalking Kirsten Dunst.

Penn State students love two things: football and sex.

The best tips for acing finals.

Beautify yourself and support the AIDS cause at the same time.


Candy Dish: Paris Hilton is Single and Ready to Mingle

paris2.jpg

And dressed in leather.

$400 of makeup products for free? Sign me up!

Don’t like Obama? Here are some tips for livin’ abroad.

Everyone was lookin’ hot at last night’s American Music Awards.

Spend less money at the bar.

Megan Fox hearts Zac Efron. Get in line, sister.

No more selling sex on Craigslist for free, ladies.

The First Lady has quite a booty.

Is Suri Cruise the next Paris Hilton?

Mac teams up with Hello Kitty. So cute.

Note to self: keep potatoes away from butt.